The Best Graduation offers in Manchester

Graduation is a moment worth celebrating, marking both an ending and the start of something new. Across Manchester and Greater Manchester, thousands of students from leading institutions like The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford and beyond come together each year to mark this milestone in one of the UK’s most exciting cities. In Manchester, you’ll find plenty of ways to make it unforgettable, with exclusive offers across the city’s bars, restaurants and experiences.

Whether you’re planning a special meal, a big night out or something a little different, Visit Manchester has brought together the very best graduation offers in Manchester handpicked by those who know and love the city.

From complimentary glasses of Champagne at iconic venues like Peter Street Kitchen and The Library Champagne Bar to standout dining at Chotto Matte, these offers add an extra sparkle to your plans. So gather your friends and family, grab your cap, and celebrate this milestone in true Manchester style.

Set inside the iconic Free Trade Hall, Peter Street Kitchen offers a standout setting for your celebration. This graduation season, enjoy a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne for the table when you dine. Pair the moment with contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates, signature cocktails or a six-course Omakase experience, perfect for marking the day with family and friends.

Valid 13–27 July, Wednesday to Saturday. Must show graduation robes or certificate. Champagne is for the table and not valid with the 3-course set menu.

For a more refined way to celebrate, The Library Champagne Bar at The Edwardian Manchester offers an elegant setting in the heart of the city. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne with every Afternoon Tea booking, perfect for a relaxed yet special graduation treat.

Valid 13–27 July, Thursday to Sunday. One complimentary glass per Afternoon Tea booking. Must show graduation robes or certificate.

Take your celebrations sky-high with a vibrant Nikkei dining experience at Chotto Matte. Throughout July, graduates dining from the specially created sharing menu (£40 per person / £35 vegetarian) will receive a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne. Expect bold Japanese-Peruvian flavours, from Spicy Tuna Crispy Sushi to Sea Bass Ceviche and Pollo Den Miso—designed for sharing and celebrating together.

Available 1–31 July, Monday to Friday during graduation weeks. One complimentary glass per graduate. Optional upgrades available.

Celebrate your graduation in style at 20 Stories, where stunning city views set the scene for a memorable moment with family and friends. Enjoy a complimentary glass of chilled bubbles when quoting “Graduation” at booking. Their Graduation Menu, available Monday–Friday, 13–29 July, offers two courses for £35 or three for £40. Perfect for intimate gatherings of up to six guests, this is your chance to toast your achievements somewhere truly special.

Mark your milestone with a luxurious stay at The Lowry Hotel. Celebrate with a complimentary bottle of Champagne, unwind in an elegant room, and wake up to a delicious breakfast as you begin your next chapter. Enjoy 10% off your stay and 15% off food and drink, with 50% off a second room for family. It’s a sophisticated and memorable way to turn your graduation into a relaxing city escape.

Celebrate your success in timeless style at The Ivy. Gather your friends and family for a special graduation set menu, with two courses from £44.95 or three from £51.95. Raise a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, or alcohol-free sparkling wine, and toast to your next chapter in one of Manchester’s most iconic dining settings. A perfect blend of elegance, atmosphere and celebration, this is a graduation experience to remember.

Celebrate your graduation with bold flavours and a vibrant atmosphere at Zouk. Known for its standout halal Indian and Pakistani cuisine, it’s the perfect place to gather with family and friends. Throughout July and August, graduates can enjoy a complimentary drink when ordering a main, sharing platter or set menu. Whether you’re marking the end of your degree or the start of something new, Zouk brings energy, flavour and a memorable setting.

Step into an unforgettable graduation celebration at Tattu, where striking interiors and modern Chinese cuisine create a truly special experience. From beautifully presented dishes to expertly crafted cocktails, every detail is designed to impress. Gather your loved ones and toast your success in an elegant setting that stimulates every sense. It’s the perfect place to mark your achievements and celebrate the start of your exciting next chapter in style.

Spinningfields restaurant and bar Sexy Fish Manchester is helping graduates celebrate in style this summer with the launch of an exclusive Graduation Menu, designed to mark one of life’s biggest milestones with family and friends. Available Monday-Friday throughout graduation season, the £55 per person sharing-style menu showcases some of the restaurant’s most-loved signature dishes, complemented by a series of personalised touches to make the occasion truly memorable.

10. Comptoir Libanais

Celebrate graduation with a colourful Lebanese feast at Comptoir Libanais. Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a Wrap & Fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with the Comptoir Graduation Feast for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. Please note, the student discount cannot be used alongside other offers.

Toast to graduation at FENIX with a celebratory Greek-Mediterranean dining experience in Spinningfields. Their Feast of the Wise graduation menus start from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco. The offer is available from 1 July to 1 August 2026.

Mark the Class of 2026 in style at Louis, where graduation celebrations come with Italian-American dining, live music and a red carpet moment. Their special two-course Graduation menu starts from £45.50 and includes complimentary EPC Champagne for graduates and guests dining from the menu, plus a Louis Polaroid keepsake.

Celebrate your graduation in true Manchester style at The Midland, where every moment feels special. Mark the occasion with an elegant afternoon tea in The Tea Room, the city’s only dedicated space for this timeless ritual, complete with 10% off the Excellence Package for graduates. For an unforgettable evening, Adam Reid at The French offers Northern‑rooted cooking prepared tableside, perfect for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration. Capture the day with beautiful bouquets from the Verdure flower market, then unwind over relaxed dining at Mount Street Dining Room & Bar.

Hats off to the Class of 2026 — Hawksmoor Manchester is marking your milestone in style with a special Graduation Menu available all July. Celebrate years of hard work with three courses from £55, featuring the dishes Hawksmoor is loved for: beautifully cooked steak, standout seafood and indulgent puddings. Begin with beef fillet carpaccio or smoked salmon, choose from fillet, ribeye, monkfish or Winslade Wellington, then finish with Sticky Toffee Pudding or Blueberry & Basil Cheesecake. Every graduate dining from the menu receives a complimentary glass of Champagne, making Hawksmoor’s iconic Deansgate setting the perfect place to toast your success.

A celebration with a spark of the unexpected at Lucky Cat. Graduation deserves a touch of theatre, and at Lucky Cat, every moment delivers. From expertly crafted cocktails to dishes that surprise and delight, the atmosphere is as electric as the occasion itself. Dim lights, vibrant energy, and a menu made for indulgence - this is a graduation celebration that refuses to be ordinary.

Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel is marking graduation season with a selection of dining offers and overnight packages, giving graduates the chance to celebrate with family and friends in the heart of the city. Guests who book a table via OpenTable and add ‘GRADUATION CELEBRATION’ to the booking comments will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco for every diner.

A three-course graduation menu is also available for £45 per person, including a glass of Louis Pommery Brut Champagne.

For those looking to extend the celebrations, two overnight packages are available:

• Graduation Celebration Stay - Overnight accommodation, Full English breakfast, a bottle of Prosecco or house wine, graduation decorations and late check-out.
• Graduation Dinner & Stay - Overnight accommodation, a three-course graduation dinner, English sparkling wine on arrival, breakfast and a complimentary room upgrade.

Graduation in Manchester FAQs

When are graduation ceremonies taking place in Manchester in 2026?

Graduation ceremonies across Manchester and Greater Manchester take place throughout July 2026, with each university hosting events on slightly different dates.

• The University of Manchester will hold ceremonies in Whitworth Hall from Monday 13 July to Monday 27 July 2026.
• Manchester Metropolitan University’s ceremonies run from 14 July to 24 July 2026.
• The University of Salford will host its summer graduations during the week commencing Monday 13 July, running until Friday 17 July 2026.
• The University of Greater Manchester will also hold ceremonies from 13 July to 17 July 2026, with events taking place at the Albert Halls across multiple days.

What are the best places to celebrate graduation in Manchester?

Manchester is packed with places to celebrate, from stylish restaurants and rooftop bars to relaxed brunch spots and unique experiences. Popular choices include Peter Street Kitchen, The Library Champagne Bar and Chotto Matte, alongside plenty of independent venues across the Northern Quarter, Spinningfields and Ancoats.

Do restaurants in Manchester offer graduation deals or discounts?

Yes, many bars and restaurants across Manchester offer exclusive graduation deals throughout July, including complimentary drinks, set menus and special packages for graduates and their families.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance for graduation in Manchester?

It’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak graduation weeks in July. Manchester gets busy during this time, with thousands of students and visitors celebrating across the city.

Where can I take graduation photos in Manchester?

Popular spots include Whitworth Hall, The Old Quadrangle, Oxford Road, Spinningfields, Castlefield canals, and St Peter’s Square. These locations offer iconic backdrops for capturing your graduation day.

Explore Manchester's most Instagrammable locations here.

What else is there to do after graduation in Manchester?

After graduation and you celebratory dinner, Manchester offers plenty of ways to keep the celebrations going, with a nightlife scene that naturally evolves as the evening unfolds. You can start with relaxed drinks in beer gardens or rooftop bars, before moving into areas like the Northern Quarter for live music and indie venues, or Deansgate for bigger clubs and late-night energy. Spinningfields and St John’s offer a more laid-back, social atmosphere, while Canal Street brings an inclusive atmosphere with performances and late-night bars. There are also unique experiences like immersive cocktail venues and social gaming spots, plus plenty of late-night food to keep things going. 

Are there hotels near Manchester graduation venues?

Yes, there are plenty of hotels across the city centre and surrounding areas, many within walking distance of major ceremony venues and celebration spots. Booking early is recommended during graduation season.