Arcane in Manchester

Cool place, great drinks for a chilled evening drink

Great bar, great drinks but terrible music / vibe. We were here for 1 hour on a Saturday night and the place was full. 90% of people in the bar were 30 years old or less yet the DJ was playing 80s soul music! It was evident that no one was enjoying the music he was playing. It’s a shame as this place could be so much better if they played modern music as the venue itself is great! We won’t be back solely due to the poor atmosphere which is a shame as the bar itself is really nice.

Fantastic bar with great staff who know their way around a cocktail! Reasonable prices too for a city centre cocktail bar with a great selection of drinks. Highly recommend a visit here 🙂

Best Paloma cocktail I've ever had, the bartender was even kind enough to write down the ingredients and method for me. Visited in March 2024, and still dreaming about the delicious cocktails!

I had an amazing experience at Arcane Bar in Manchester! From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who made me feel right at home. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, the perfect spot to relax with friends or enjoy a night out. The drinks were exceptional, especially the Guinness, which was poured to perfection—probably the best I’ve had in Manchester! The entire drink selection is solid, catering to all preferences. Hands down, Arcane is one of the best bars in Manchester. I can't wait to return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great night out. 5 stars!

Came here for our anniversary and loved the look of the menu. A lot of amazing options to choose from, lovely atmosphere and incense filled room with low light candles. Decor could be more like the window show outside. We ordered our drinks and my partners drink was wrong, but they decided to keep it. They still charged us in full for it, which im confused about, because it was a bar mistake. Ordered a pina colada and asked if they can accommodate my low alcohol tolerance. They had no coconut cream and did not check with me about the main missing ingredient before serving me a different drink. I appreciate the attempt at a tropical mocktail and not fully priced. I wish the music matched the poetic and mysterious atmosphere of the bar and its meaning! Would prefer it over radio hits. Would recommend with caution.

Really beautiful atmosphere and a friendly staff

Top subterranean late night bar located just off deansgate in central Manchester. One of the best spots in town for cocktails.

We were 7 sober people and just wanted to have a good cocktail. The bouncer told us in a very unfriendly manner that he couldn't let us in because two of us were wearing sneakers. We had actually already accepted it with disappointment when suddenly two people in sneakers came out of the bar. We were coldly lied to and unfortunately never found out the real reason - maybe we didn't get in because we only had one woman with us. But we would have accepted that too. Anyway, there are a lot of cool bars and pubs nearby with decent bouncers and friendly staff…

Pleasant environment. Good cocktails

Visited at a really awkward time of year so unfortunately the bar wasnt as stocked as the bar staff would have liked. Most of the cocktails were unavailable. The staff were lovely and the venue has a great vibe. Will definitely visit again.

Liam is a fantastic bartender. A testimony to the whole team, I’m sure!

First of all absolutely love the atmosphere of this place, really nicely styled and the drinks are fantastic. On my first trip here i was really blown away but on my recent visits it’s taken a downhill turn. The next time I brought some friends eager to show them my new favourite bar but was stopped by the bouncer asking if we were “sober enough to be here”? It was 10pm and we hadn’t even had a drink, was an awkward exchange but we went in. When we did the music was so unbearably loud and was a terrible fit to the aesthetics of the bar, was like I was walking into a nightclub on freshers night. Not exactly the vibe i was looking for but we pushed on as I had to show off the great drinks they do here. But when we went to the bar to order the staff came across rude and cold, asked for an item on the menu and was met with a “don’t do that” in an unprofessional way. Just left at that point as it’s clearly not behaving and portraying itself as the venue it appears. Pick a side and stick to it 🤷‍♀️

Nice place, service was ok. Took a long time to get drinks.

Great drinks and a cozy, intimate atmosphere 🍸😊

Needs some music on but nice quaint bat and lovely decor

The best French Martini I have ever had, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Would 100% recommend for a night out or quiet Friday afternoon drink to escape from the Christmas markets. 10/10.

Never a bad time in arcane. Drinks are always good.

Woody was the best waiter, he gave absolutely fantastic service, would defo recommend coming!!

Chloe was great you’re the best give her a raise!! Xxx xxxxxx

Come in for the first tim last night all bar staff were lovely, young lady called chloe? Not sure but shes honestly made my night, appreciate you all! FC

Wonderfully written menus that serve an array of flavours for diverse palette accessibility. Very attentive service.

Please don’t come here. The staff are awful

Music was great Chloe was great all the staff were amazing will definitely visit again

Love this place. What a gem. Great drinks and service. Haven’t eaten yet but can’t mark down so 5 stars all around for me.

Liv was amazing - incredible service and so friendly!! Make this place - hun! Xoxo

Cam was lovely, and the atmosphere was similar to a speakeasy. Unique find in Manchester and would definitely revisit.

thank you Cam you were brilliant! Really enjoyed this bar!

Phenomenal new cocktail menu! Jack was our server and he was attentive and so friendly. His recommendations were spot on!

Friendly team with a lot of cocktail knowledge. We were there quite early so difficult to grade the atmosphere but a cute bar.

I regularly visited this bar pre COVID but had not been in for a few years. The bar is now compulsory table service and I was told where to sit despite the bar being empty.

My girlfriend and I are regulars and they've never done us a bad turn. They also put me together a Mai Tai that I'm not sure has been topped.

Went on a Saturday lunch time, so it was rather quiet. But it has a nice vibe. The staff were friendly, but not intrusive. The drinks were good and well presented. It'll definitely be on my list of places to return to m

Josh has incredible service, attitude and recommendations. Great vibes and superb drinks. Couldn't recommend it more.

One of the staff, Josh was so impressed with his friendliness and ability to manage the crowds. Just so down to earth and friendly would come here again just because I had such a good experience with him :)

Early Saturday evening. Felt a bit grubby and the cocktails were not as good as previously. Perhaps one to avoid at peak times

Amazing cocktails - very skilled bartenders mixing three drinks at once

One of the best bars in manchester, nice atmosphere, good music, the olives are great! But the table service is horrible, the staff is friendly but it just doesn't work, always take so long, so much better just to order at the bar, as it is after 10pm.

Excellent little speakeasy for cocktail lovers. Service is ace.

Nice place an drinks but music is a little too loud. It looks like a good place for chatting and sipping drinks, especially since it's table service, but it's hard to order and talk with volume of the speakers. Did go on a Saturday though so not sure if it's an all the time thing. 5 stars if music volume was more in the background.

Probably my favourite bar in Manchester. Open late and has a great buzz. Just the perfect spot to continue the night while still talking to your friends!

served by a legend called josh, class guy

Nice vibes and interesting drink menu. A couple of their tiki drinks felt super rum heavy - like the hurricane just tasted like a glass of rum. Other drinks we had were very good though!

Amazing proper traditional cocktails. Negroni rocked.

Delicious cocktails, fantastic service, great ambience and good music.

It was quiet when we visited. But it's a sunny Saturday, and everyone wants to be outside. It does have, however, heaps atmosphere and authenticity. Lots of New Orleans vibes with the menu; sazerac, hurricane, and some interesting, and on trend, mezcal concoctions. there's something for everyone, with a great margarita and a sprinkling of tiki. My sazerac was great. Always appreciate a chilled glass. And friendly service. Would fully reccomend.

For when you want to disappear into a secluded venue... so laid back and chill 😎

Lovely place .I went there after a concert with my friends and we had a fantastic time. Good music and DJ were amazing .

The bouncer, stewart nicest bloke i’ve met had plenty time for us which we appreciate massively not being from the area plenty craic and jokes… nice atmosphere inside and open late which is a bonus

spot on cocktails, classic recipes well executed. definitely worth it, definitely coming back

Matt guy behind the bar was a legend! Proper class and literally felt like a best mate in 10mins of knowing him! He’s a true gem to the establishment!

We were coming out of the restaurant next door and saw this place. Decided to give it a go as it looked interesting. Great atmosphere. The staff were very knowledgeable and clearly enjoying their job. We had a cocktail each and they were both fantastic. The apple and bay was my personal favourite.

The drinks here are always the best, my favourite place in Manchester to get a cocktail tbh 10/10. The Apple and Bay cocktail is just stunning as well.

Lovely bar and brilliant atmosphere top marks

Great service and great atmosphere, the whole building interior also smells great.

The staff were great here and looked after us. The drinks menu is great and the cocktails were delicious. The room is quite dark and moody and I think that it suits the place. There is a happy hour too

The cocktails were sublime and the service was fast and friendly. Possibly the best negroni I've ever had.

Harrison is the best bar man in town, made us some banging gibsons, a cocktail that wasn’t even on the menu. Yeah boy!!!! What a gem 🧡 lovely service with a smile

Update: Went on a thursday, was full of students in trainers and unkempt clothing, plus loud indie music playing, killed the atmosphere and not what I expected from what I felt was a classy place. May not bother going again. Original post: The service is amazing and cocktails are good; However, the trick of using too much ice for less product and over charging seems to be an issue. Tip is charged automatically so cost me £28 for 2 old fashioned. Still been twice. Could be a little brighter but the bare brick walls and classic furniture is beautiful.

Visited the cocktail spot with my friend last night. The staff was laid-back but attentive, the vibe was speak easy/relaxed, and the drinks hit the spot. Would highly recommend!

Great place, cocktails are obvs amazing. Service was a little slow, not the fault of the staff - there just wasn't enough of them to be getting drinks out. Had a good time, a little expensive but really novel cocktails and a great experience

Great atmosphere, very busy on peak times

No bar service only table, told to take a seat, menu had to scan with my phone, no signal, had to ask for the wifi passcode as it was a locked. Only wanted 3 pints of shin digger waited 10 mins was ignored three times. Walked out, plenty of tables with people with empty glasses presumably waiting to re order.

As a Manchester resident tried this place several times and found it dull. Recommended so gave it a chance but it’s faceless, false and boring. God knows why they need a bouncer on the door you couldn’t drag me back in there.

Josh was an incredible server! Made me and my friends night he was hilarious! Amazing service !

Arcane is 100% my favourite bar in Manchester, it has immaculate vibes, and brilliant, quality cocktails! A special thank you to Joshua who makes superb recommendations and made my experience extra special!!!

Visited here for the first time on Saturday night. Cracking little bar hidden away, great music and atmosphere. 100% will be visiting again next time I'm out in Manchester.

We've had great house cocktails and made good company while staying at the Arcane until close which was slightly after 3am on a Sunday morning. Very much enjoyed our time.

Boss service from Rick and Josh. Would 100% recommend and will defo be returning

Absolutely banging atmosphere and you can hear each other talk Connect to the WiFi for the menu best Guinness I had in Manchester

Don't know how I missed this bar that apparently used to be a butchers shop. Still have the white tiles on view. Offered water as we sat down and friendly service. A bit of a speakeasy feel about it. Renown for its cocktails.

Fantastic hidden gem cocktail bar in Manchester. It's a bit expensive, but has great music, loads of seating and it's never felt overly busy to me. One of my favourite late night Manchester bars.

Went on a Saturday. Great music, drinks and atmosphere, friendly staff, great atmosphere and a good clean bar

Fantastic DJ Friday night. delicious cocktails. Beers also available.cozy underground chic.

Drinks were excellent, the very best Old Fashioned I've ever had. Service was to notch and a very friendly and knowledgable barkeep!

Like a little speakeasy - really nice 😁

such a lovely bar, nice bar men, real Manchester spirit

The cocktails are truly something else, and the nice touch was when the bar tech asked how they were going down. A tad on the expensive side but appreciated.

My absolute favourite bar in Manchester! Everything about it is perfect

Bit of a younger crown. Myself and the group I was with are in our 40's Nice night,but prob not for us again

I asked if the bar man could make an old fashioned for me. (theres no menus anywhere so it wasnt clear) i was told arrogantly "its kind of a prerequisite of the job". He then proceeded to free pour a pretty poor version of an old fashioned into a metal tin, before decanting the whole thing into a room temp glass after a very brief stir. Same ice and all. I had to return the drink for additional sugar syrup to make it palatable. £11.50 later. It tastes fine.

An absolute gem of a bar right in the centre of Manchester. Decor and atmosphere is fantastic. We shall be back!

I always love an evening in Arcane. Pleasant bar staff. Nice and chilled atmosphere. Low lighting. Decent music. It'd been a while since our last visit, and they had introduced table service. I do prefer to just wait at the bar when ordering drinks. Especially as my gin and tonic ended up being a gin and lemonade, though the bar man quickly rectified the mistake.

This cocktail bar has cool aesthetics! However, I was incredibly shocked when I ordered an £11 cocktail that came in a short tumbler glass with a huge square ice cube. I lifted the ice cube out to reveal how much liquid was in the glass and it was no more than an inch and a half (being generous). I've never felt so robbed and was really disappointed, especially because it took three sips to finish so I hardly tasted it. As an ex-barmaid, I do appreciate the skill that goes into making cocktails, though, I did feel cheated and therefore, sadly wouldn't recommend ordering cocktails at this establishment (I am sure beer and cider might be more reasonable). In addition to this, we were happy to order at the bar but told that its table service only, and unconsciously took a seat next to the bar. We were charged for the two steps from bar to table which was pretty frustrating as we were not given the option and in hospitality, it is part of the role. We normally tip, but it was too expensive and we did feel our drinks were a joke. Of course I understand that it is a business, but I felt and was made very aware that this was the case. I'm sorry for writing a negative review, I've only ever written one poor review before out of a very large quantity but I wanted to give a true reflection of our experience.

Nice little cellar bar, nice cocktails and good selection of other drinks. Friendly staff and nice vibe...

Great little bar we found on a rainy night out. We didn’t want to walk far after eating in San Carlo and came across Arcane. Cozy atmosphere, loved the music which was late 90s and fabulous cocktails. We could still hear each other speak and the staff were friendly. Lovely doormen also. Thanks for fab night.

A very cool underground bar, amazing selection of cocktails and great music. Will definitely come back and recommend to friends looking for something authentic in Manchester!

What a lovely place! I will definitely come back here.

Коктейльный бар, который прикинулся пивным пабом. Первое ощущение когда входишь - пивной паб. Много пива. Пивные краны на барной стойке, в интерьере много дерева, тусклый свет Но в коктейльной карте много классики, есть фирменные коктейли. Коктейли слегка старомодные, но это видно особенность Манчестера Если честно, атмосфера не располагает пить коктейли. Хотя бармены общительны. В целом для Манчестера неплохо, но не хочется делать скидку на город.. Хочется крутого коктейльного бара Особый плюс за музыку ( Лу Рид ❤️)

Lovely speakeasy-type bar that does nice cocktails and I believe has a good beer selection. Always made to feel welcome by the nice staff. Haven't tried the food so I haven't rated it.

Gin & a great looking bar just off deansgate what more do you need people?

Absolutely love Arcane! It's such a great bar! The vibe is amazing, the decor is art deco and so retro. One of the few places you can get chartreuse based cocktails. It's cocktail menu is great and everyone is so relaxed. The WiFi functions brilliantly despite being underground. My only critiques are: on busier nights it's get very warm, and could do with a better air con, and on Friday and Saturday nights, they tend to put a DJ who plays extremely loud party music which personally spoils the atmosphere as it clearly relies on the younger partying crowd. We tend to go during midweek and give the weekends a miss due to the music. During midweek, the music is at conversational level and always chilled out music with jazz or soft rock.

Had a great night here last night, the regular bar staff were on a stag do so we got looked after by the temp staff and they did an awesome job. Great place for a drink, great atmosphere, check this place out for sure.

Had such a lovely experience recently. Followed the fantastic reviews on Google and wasn’t disappointed! The atmosphere is reminiscent of a speakeasy and the drinks are 1. Delicious and 2. Not like you’d find anywhere else. We’ll definitely be back!

Good bar, but please tell the DJ with long hair to stop playing exclusively only late 00's emo rock. Otherwise 5 stars.

I love this place. Cocktails are fab and service is friendly.

Love this place: the vibe, the music, the bar staff, the location. Stay away! Leave it to me!

Dj on a Friday night - great music choices and nice atmosphere

A hidden gem in Manchester. They serve proper drinks and the music was on point! Will definitely be returning

Absolutely fantastic bar, super friendly staff, very welcoming. Great drinks and very warm and cosy atmosphere, really enjoyed my night here and will definitely be going back