Rain Bar

Rain Bar is a Manchester institution, and you can find it by the canal on Great Bridgewater Street. If you’ve ever walked down the canal and seen happy punters out in the beer garden just before the locks, that’s your boy. Rain Bar recently received the award for Best Outdoor Terrace, and in a city with a lot of terraces, that’s high praise. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and what used to be the back of the Hacienda, providing an unusual, historic view of the city. Rain Bar’s food menu of traditional pub fodder can be enjoyed outside, while barbecues are also available for special functions.

The bar has three themed areas. At the front, you’ll find classic mature draught ales from JW Lees, as well as Rain Bar’s own Manchester Craft Lager. Out back, you’ll discover gins, rums, and other good quality spirits. Meanwhile, down in the cellar is where the wine lives, and we’re talking real wine, not just pub wine.

Traditional pub food is available every day, from beer-battered fish and chips to mouth-watering burgers, plus a host of ever-changing specials. The food is always seasonal and made with heart. Rain Bar is what locals regard as the real Manchester, full of regulars and people born in and around the city. It’s also where you go if you want real booze and grub in the city centre.  

Rain Bar’s calendar is full of themed food and drink events and special offers, so it’s always worth popping in to see what they have going on throughout the week.