The Best Bars & Restaurants in Manchester’s Business Quarter
Located in the heart of the city, Spinningfields is Manchester’s vibrant business district, home to the corporate community and a well-established arts and culture scene. A wealth of luxury fashion brands, award-winning restaurants, trendy bars, and entertainment venues line its streets – a testament to the quarter’s success as an urban regeneration project. Whether you’re meeting friends or colleagues after work for a drink, or planning a sophisticated meal, Spinningfields has the perfect venue for the perfect evening.
The Refinery
Offering a seasonal, all-day menu of sharing plates, hearty dishes, salads, and brunch, The Refinery is the perfect spot for after-work drinks and socialising. Its lengthy drinks menu covers all bases, from craft lagers, classic cocktails, and some creative concoctions for the experimental palate. Housed in the XYZ building and with chic interiors, The Refinery is a firm favourite among the city’s office workers.
Neighbourhood
Combining the relaxed atmosphere of a brasserie with European and new American cuisine, Neighbourhood was created to cater to brunchers, diners, cocktail-lovers, and clubbers. The all-day eatery has trendy, Manhattan-inspired interiors and a menu spanning all the classics, as well as signature rolls and sashimi. The venue also hosts regular events that are well-worth a try, including afternoon tea, bottomless brunch, and its unique tasting menu ‘Frugal Feasts’.
The Avenue North, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3BZ – Website
The Dockyard
Embodying the lively social scene of Manchester’s Leftbank, The Dockyard stocks an unrivalled selection of craft ales, beers and ciders from across the globe and an extensive menu of wine and ‘Docktails’. The rustic, industrial-chic alehouse is buzzing all year round, but is at its best in the summer months with live music, pub quizzes, and a full calendar of events. Well-known for its impeccable service and the staff’s expertise, The Dockyard also offers a tempting menu of Southern-American style dishes.
B3/4, Left Bank, Irwell St, Manchester M3 3AN – Website
Fazenda Bar & Grill
The Fazenda phenomenon is not to be missed. The award-winning restaurant offers a taste of traditional Brazilian dining with a full gaúcho experience. Highly-trained Passadores provide continuous table-side service, carving freshly grilled cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, accompanied by an exquisite selection of fresh vegetables and salads, cured meats, and hot selections. For those not wishing to dine, the beautifully designed bar offers a fantastic wine menu, cocktails, and a selection of traditional ‘petiscos’ (snacks).
1 The Avenue, Manchester M3 3AP – Website
The Alchemist
As the name suggests, The Alchemist is all about wizardy and wonderment, with an experimental approach to cocktails. Half of the fun is in marvelling at the team of mixologists as they concoct drinks with bubbles, smoke, fire, and ice. The quirky interiors with Masonic imagery and copper adornments provide the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated evening of dinner and socialising or late-night revelry.
3 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3HF – Website
Australasia
Blending European cooking with Indonesian, Southeast Asian, and Japanese flavours, Australasia offers a taste of modern Australian cuisine in a stylish setting – a true retreat in the heart of Manchester’s business district. The canopied outdoor garden and terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from the expertly crafter cocktail and wine menu, served up by friendly and knowledgeable staff. A tempting menu of tempura, sushi and sashimi is also available in the bar at certain times.
1, The Avenue, Manchester M3 3AP – Website