Bargain booze: Manchester’s cheapest drinks for students- ranked!
As the nights get longer, it’s easy to fall into familiar habits and keep going to the same boring bar every weekend.
Are you looking to explore new locations, experience new music, and find cheaper drinks without breaking the bank – or ending up on a suspiciously-stained Wetherspoons sofa yet again? If so, then maybe try out these dive bars which NQ researched for you.
Sinclair’s Oyster Bar: £
Starting off strong, we have Sinclair’s Oyster Bar near Exchange Square, Central Manchester. Expect a lively atmosphere on the weekends, with basic wooden picnic tables outside left up for grabs on those rare sunny days.
But there’s more inside of the rustic upstairs pub than you would expect: the Oyster Bar is full of history, and between the cosy booths and friendly staff, it’s easy to watch the hours sail by.
- Pints start at: £2.80
- Cocktails start at: £8
The Courtyard: £
Next is a student favourite, no matter the day or weather. The Courtyard fills up in the evenings – expect loud conversations and sticky tables from spilt drinks. With a huge outdoor seating area, you’re guaranteed to get a spot – just make sure you wrap up warm during the colder months!
With loud, funky music pulsing from the inside speakers, you can’t help but dance. Meanwhile for sport fiends, Courtyard broadcasts every big football match on the flatscreen TVs hung up across the pub.
- Pints start at: £2.90
- Cocktails start at: £2.70
Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint: £££
With large neon signs dotted around the two-floored bar and the inviting smell of fast food greeting you at the door, Bunny Jackson’s is more than welcoming.
Entertainment is a given with the upstairs pool table and a live band on the weekends ensuring you won’t have a boring evening. Plus, the outdoor seating comes with coverage, so you can go for a breather outside without getting wet.
- Pints start at: £5.50
- Cocktails start at: £10
The Temple: ££
If you’re looking for an intimate experience in a Victorian toilet, then you thankfully won’t be needing a time machine.
Downstairs, The Temple of Convenience is covered in doodles and graffiti, embodying a grungy underground theme. Make sure to get there early as the indoor booth seating is limited. But the outdoor seating enables you to have a great spot directly on Oxford Road, great for watching all kinds of chaos unfolding in the street.
- Pints start at: £4.60
- Mixers start at: £4.30 25ml
Mother Marys: ££
Mother Mary’s: a loud Irish pub with an even livelier guests, with traditional tunes for all music lovers.
Upon entering you’re met with a staircase down with the pulse of music beneath your feet, or you can head across to the bar to be greeted by lovely bartenders. They embody the devil on your shoulder when it comes to enticing you into their finer drinks. Expect the cocktails to have a kick, but not to worry: their brilliantly priced pizza is there to mop up any lasting hints of tipsiness.
- Pints start at:
- Cocktails start at: 2 for £10 (at Happy Hour)
Fab Café Bar: ££
This is a memorable one, as it is one of the world’s first ever television and movie-themed bars! Since opening in 1998, Fab Café has thrived off unique music, great guests, and free gigs happening every week.
Despite the warm atmosphere, you won’t be overwhelmed with people, and you can expect a relaxed few hours with a drink in hand. Sit back and see how many TV andmovie references you can spot!
- Pints start at: £3.00
- Cocktails start at: £8.00