One of Manchester’s most bold and eclecticcocktail bars is throwing a series of parties to celebrate its sixth birthday next week.
It may be just off the beaten track and tucked away in the basement of a Grade II-listed Victorian building on South King Street – just off Deansgate’s main thoroughfare in the heart of the city centre – but Arcane is no secret and has definitely made a well-deserved name for itself since opening its doors back in 2016.
Arcane was built off longtime friends and owners, Mark Taylor and Gary Kilroy’s, vision for bringing something “creative yet unpretentious” to the city’s nightlife scene, and it’s fair to say that since then, it has more than earned its place as a bar worth hitting up when you’re out in Manchester.
Given that it’s known for having an extensive menu of drinks prepared by some of the city’s most-knowledgeable artisans, and has been surprising even the most seasoned cocktail connoisseurs for the past half-decade, Arcane has got a lot to celebrate.
And next week, six years after the self-proclaimed “drinking den” first opened in the city, it’s going to do just that.
Arcane is one of Manchester’s most bold and eclectic cocktail bars / Credit: Arcane
To celebrate six years in style, Arcane will be throwing a big birthday party on Thursday 9 June from 7:30pm – 4am, and you can expect live music from 10pm, a live DJ afterwards for the rest of the party, and of course, an eclectic mix of drinks and cocktails.
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There’ll also be a couple of spirit brand events throughout the week too, with Jaegermeister Monday 6 June, Ocho on Tuesday 7 June, and Makers Mark on Wednesday 8 June.
After what has been an undeniably difficult two years for the city’s hospitality scene amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners and staff at Arcane are also keen to use the sixth birthday party to mark the industry’s return to near normality and “celebrate the fact that we’re still here and we’re still going strong”.
There’ll be plenty of drinks deals to make the most of throughout the big birthday party night, and in a fitting nod to what was available back when the bar first opened, guests can also grab some old industry “throwback” offers too.
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How does a Tom Collins and a can of Tiny Rebel 313 for just £6 sound?
You can also expect beer provided by Tiny Rebel, plenty of cocktails featuring tipples by event sponsors, Sipsmith Gin, as well as some limited-edition cocktails that will be mixed and served especially for the night, and even an ice luge for cask-aged Negronis too.
Staff will be suited and booted for the occasion, and there even promises to be a free welcome drink to any guests who want to get into the swing of things and come down dressed to the nines too.
Fancy it then? Head on down to Arcane from 7:30pm on Tuesday 6 – Thursday 9 June.
Featured Image – Arcane
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There’s a new summer terrace in town with a weekend spritz happy hour
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new summer terrace in Greater Manchester that’s the ideal spot to soak in some rays – and enjoy a few discounted spritzes while you’re there.
Over on Chapel Street – just across the river from Manchester Cathedral – you’ll find Embankment Kitchen, which has opened up its terrace for the season.
This stylish spot is part of the CitySuites aparthotel, and has a menu rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality.
It’s worth a visit all year round for their seasonally-focused, local-as-possible menus, but the summer terrace at Embankment Kitchen is a real added bonus in spring and summer.
And following that spell of absolutely glorious weather, they’re opening up two hours earlier every day too for maximum sun-soaking from 2pm.
At Embankment Kitchen you can tuck into a drinks and nibbles menu from 2pm until 5pm, and Happy Hour drinks deals from 4pm until 7pm.
That means two-for-one cocktails, plus discounted wines, prosecco and beers – an ideal post-work haunt.
Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSmall plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group
It’s usually almost impossible to find a happy hour in Manchester at weekends, but these guys are doing two-for-£12 spritzes every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with flavours including Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello.
Drinks on the menu include signature cocktails that are inspired by the city’s industrial roots, like The Emmeline, Manchester Exchange (a take on an old fashioned), and the Atomic Zombie, as well as classic cocktails such as an espresso martini, limoncello negroni, amaretto sour, and strawberry daiquiri.
As for nibbles, tuck into treats like garlic bread, edamame beans with smoked salt, garlic and parmesan fries, salt and pepper tater tots, and halloumi fries.
Surrounded by lush plants and gigantic parasols, it’s hard to believe you’re just across the river in Salford when you’re soaking up the sun at Embankment Kitchen. To find out more, head HERE.
A huge Irish festival with iconic music stars, markets, food and more is coming to Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A massive Irish music festival with masses of food, drink, crafts, workshops and surprises is returning to Greater Manchester this summer.
Craic by the Creek 2025 will bring together all the best bits of the Emerald Isle for a weekend-long knees-up in a gorgeous countryside location on our doorstep in July.
There’s a huge music line-up (with plenty more still to be announced) featuring Boyzlife, made up of Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife.
And this fun-filled Irish Music Festival is the only one of its kind offering full weekend camping, at the beautiful village of Compstall in Stockport.
The countdown is now officially on for this unmissable celebration of Irish music, culture, and community spirit, which will take place between 18 and 20 July.
Craic by the Creek has been hailed as the greatest Irish music festival in the UK and is back for 2025 bigger than ever.
Already announced to perform live along with Boyzlife are The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Ryan, All Folk’d Up, Johnny Brady, The Kilkennys and loads more.
There are still more acts to be revealed in this stacked line-up.
And it’s not just about the music at Craic by the Creek – there’s also a bustling Irish-themed craft market with handmade goods, Irish-inspired food and drink, social dance workshops, and plenty of surprises.
Expect a weekend of tunes, traditions, community vibes and campfire craic.
Craic by the Creek will take place between 18 and 20 July, 2025 – tickets are on sale now via Skiddle, and they’re already flying.
Emily Sergeant -
1st June 2022 
