The 1st Floor Bar

We’ve found one of our new favourite bars in Manchester… And if you know us, that’s saying something!

Don’t get us wrong, we still love all of our usual spots, but sometimes it’s nice to have a change of place; a change of pace and a change of atmosphere. And the 1st Floor Bar certainly delivers on this, moving away from the usual hectic, busy nightlife that Manchester has to offer, instead offering a drinking experience usually observed in films.

The 1st Floor bar offers a sophisticated, relaxed experience. Offering only table service, you won’t be elbowing your way past a drunken hen-do to yell your order to the bartender. Instead you can sit, relax and chat to your friends as you flick through the cocktail menu and struggle to decide what to drink. If you are finding it hard to pick, speak to your waiter as they have an excellent knowledge of all the drinks and the history behind them.  They’re always able to offer suggestions on what to order. The first time we visited they were unfortunately out of a spirit required for my drink and instead of just asking me to pick another, he told me that the bartender could make a similar drink that wasn’t on the menu. He went on to describe the drink, it’s ingredients, it’s flavours and it’s history. I couldn’t say no!

Now that’s the kind of service I can get used to!

Much like it’s ambience, the cocktails don’t have a ‘punch you in the face’ flavour; instead offering an altogether more interesting cocktail that has many subtle flavours and variances that you can truly enjoy sip after sip, each taste offering something new. And this is true of every cocktail they offer (well, all the ones we’ve tried!), each one is thought out and executed to perfection.

My choice of the phrase ‘enjoy sip by sip’ is a very intentional one. These aren’t the sort of cocktails, and this isn’t the sort of place, that you rush through your drinks so you can race to the bar to get a ‘cheeky’ 2nd. These drinks are best enjoyed slowly, preferable in good company, while relaxing in the low lighting and sophisticated yet still quirky surroundings of the 1st Floor Bar.

Unlike many of our reviews, I’ve stayed purposefully vague about the location of the bar because that’s part of it’s allure and mystery. You’ll have to find it and it’s secrets for yourself and it’ll be all the more rewarding because of it.

The Highs:
An atmosphere and ambience like no other; The 1st Floor Bar offers a great change of pace if you’re wanting a relaxed experience with a few friends and some fantastic drinks while listening to some great music. There’s a wonderful lack of idiots and you’ll also get some of the best bar service in Manchester.

The Lows:
For such an exclusive and sophisticated experience you will have to a pay a little more for your cocktails than your average bar but you’re getting waited on and the cocktails are better than most, so the extra charge is understandable.

Back Again?
Whether you’re spending all evening in here, starting out your Saturday or popping in for a night cap after a meal, The 1st Floor bar is perfect. We shall be back time and time again.