Discover Our Favourite Corner of the Northern Quarter
| 21st August 2015
We all know the Northern Quarter is the place to go in Manchester for quirky bars, artisan food, local art and upcoming musical talent. It’s one of the most popular meeting places in the city, and understandably so. But here at VIVA we think we might have found a hidden corner that’s set to be the new party hotspot, and we’re lucky enough to be right in the centre of it! With new bars and restaurants opening all the time, Hilton Street and the surrounding area is quickly becoming our favourite place for pretty much everything – a quick coffee, a tapas lunch, a juicy burger, celebratory cocktails, or even a big weekend blow out.
Once part of Manchester’s thriving textiles industry, these bars and restaurants offer something a bit different, showing off the areas impressive transformation into a contemporary and vibrant social hub. We’ve picked a few of the best to welcome you to your new favourite Mancunion haven!
Our top pick for a big night out is Lammar’s Bar. Dominating the Northern Quarter since 2006 and winning consecutive Best Bar awards, Lammar’s already has a dedicated following. Conveniently located right next door to our office, this bar channels the flamboyance and sass of its namesake Frank Foo Foo Lammar, with a bold leather bar and bright purple velvet seating booths. It is a visual feast, full to the brim with interesting ornaments and artworks which offer an air of style and exuberance. Not only is it super chic, there’s also some of the best cocktails in Manchester. Whatever your poison you’re sure to find something to suit. Try the vodka Foo Foo for something sweet and fruity, or an indulgent White Choctini. After a cocktail or few, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes for a nostalgic night of 70s, 80s and 90s soul and disco classics until 2am. What could be better?
Our perfect party venue: Lammar’s Bar on Hilton Street
Be sure to also check out the delicious food on offer including a range of tapas dishes. Choose 4 and get a bottle of wine all for just £19.95. Cocktails are buy one get one free during happy hour from 4pm till 8pm everyday.
Lammar’s sister bar, Lola’s Cocktail Lounge, is another firm favourite. With more tasty cocktails on offer, this time Tiki-themed, Lola’s is another place that’s sure to liven up your weekend. The bar staff, all donned in loud Hawaiin shirts for an authentic experience, certainly know what they’re doing and hand pick the cocktails to make sure they’re always offering the best. There’s a relaxed and cheery vibe, complete with palm trees and flaming drinks, which is sure to make you feel like you’ve left the city life behind. If you’re feeling brave try one of their most popular cocktails, the Zombie, containing 3 different types of rum. It’s lethal, but absolutely delicious!
Lola’s plays a variety of music throughout the week, from deep house to funk and reggae, so you’re bound to discover something you love. Make sure you get down early for two for one cocktails from 5pm till 8pm Monday to Friday.
Will you be joining us for some flaming tiki cocktails at Lola’s?
Both Lammar’s and Lola’s also offer cocktail masterclasses, so if you fancy having a go at mixing your favourite concoctions yourself, make sure you book a place. Check out the websites for details.
From Hawaii to Mexico, this little corner of the Northern Quarter really is an international sensation. El Capo, the home of the best margaritas in town, is a Latin American inspired bar located on Tariff Street that specialises in scrumptious street food and the best tequila you can get. There’s a rapido lunch menu available Monday to Friday offering tacos, burritos and fajitas complete with all the trimmings aswell as other authentic Mexican delights. For something slightly lighter, choose a few items to share from their selection of South American tapas. You won’t regret a trip to their buzzing latino cantina for traditional dishes bursting with flavour and spice.
For the drinkers, there’s over 70 types of tequila and a selection of mezcal – not for the faint hearted – as well as their signature cocktails. If you’re unfamiliar with Mexican drinking traditions, there’s no need to worry as El Capo offer a handy guide explaining all you need to know. Wether you want to take it neat, as a slammer, or with a slightly more palatable accompaniment, El Capo has got your back.
If North America is more your scene, check out The Shack on Hilton Street for an American inspired menu, famous for its range of mouth-watering steaks and grills. Their homemade burgers are also worth making a trip for with delicious extras inducing crispy bacon, onion rings, spicy chorizo and sweet caramelised onions. There’s so much to choose from that you’ll be planning a return trip before you’ve even finished your first course.
Feeling hungry? Burgers at the Shack Bar and Grill
The Whisky Jar on Tariff Street is another excellent choice for food and drink – award winning local pies and cheese and meat boards, washed down with a selection of the finest whiskies of course. For the foodies who fancy trying something slightly more unconventional there’s the Kosmonaut just a few doors down. Their cocktail list has a few surprises on and the food, such as the edamame humous or the curry goat, is certainly intriguing!
Our bustling little Northern Quarter bubble also has an array of live music on offer. From open mic nights at the Shack to upcoming bands at the brand new basement bar of the Whisky Jar.
As if all of this wasn’t quite enough for you, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for another brand new bar opening soon. The Pen and Pencil will be bringing a touch of New York glamour to the area with an exciting all American brunch menu and their own range of classy cocktails.
With so many great places to eat, drink and dance, this area is undeniably on the up. Despite the huge range of venues in the Northern Quarter, Hilton Street and Tariff Street have managed to secure some real gems. The consistent success of Lammar’s over the years proves that people are taking more notice of this lively little corner and we really think its worth checking out all it has to offer. What we really love is that there’s so much variety in such a small space – whether you fancy grass skirts and fiery rum, a night of raucous drag queen inspired disco or a laid-back acoustic open mic night. It’s fair to say that a night out here is going to be far from boring!
And if the words ‘bar crawl’ fill your poor high-heeled feet with dread, there’s nothing to worry about here. With these bars all being within throwing distance of each other you’ll be sipping on another Cosmopolitan after just a few steps. That’s the kind of bar crawl we like.
Here at VIVA we are convinced that whatever the components of your perfect night, you’ll find them right here on our patch. So will you be joining us for a cocktail cruise through Manchester’s hottest neighbourhood? See you downstairs at Lammar’s bar – 5:01pm on the dot!
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