
The Whiskey Jar
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Quick info
About The Whiskey Jar
The Whiskey Jar is a bar on Tariff St in Manchester's Northern Quarter, set in a restored old textile mill. The upstairs bar hosts an open mic night, and other live music nights run alongside it. Behind the bar is a large whiskey selection, with whiskey sours and old fashioned cocktails on the list, including a salted caramel and a smokey old fashioned. Whiskey tasting events are also held. Seating mixes large leather Chesterfields in a sofa area with ordinary wooden chairs, under dimmed lighting. Happy hour brings 2-for-1 cocktails, applying to the same drinks only. The bar opens Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays. The basement can be hired for private parties and other events, which gives groups a function room of their own.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention old fashioned cocktails, whiskey sours, live music and sofas and Chesterfields.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention old fashioned cocktails, whiskey sours, live music and sofas and Chesterfields.
Customer Review Summary
Old Fashioneds are the most repeated draw, with reviewers describing a salted caramel version and a smokey one, and two calling it the best they have had. Whiskey sours come close behind. Reviewers also single out the large whiskey selection, a Sunday whiskey tasting, and live music that several say lifted the night. The room earns praise for its sofas, leather Chesterfields, dimmed and twinkly lighting, and a lively, friendly feel. One reviewer held a 30th birthday in the private function room and found the staff helpful. Complaints are fewer but specific. One reviewer was kept waiting outside well past the posted Saturday opening and also wanted a menu because prices were a gamble. Another enjoyed open mic night but felt the host overshadowed the local acts. One couple's night ended with a partner who dislikes whiskey ordering four whiskey sours.
Customer Review Summary
Old Fashioneds are the most repeated draw, with reviewers describing a salted caramel version and a smokey one, and two calling it the best they have had. Whiskey sours come close behind. Reviewers also single out the large whiskey selection, a Sunday whiskey tasting, and live music that several say lifted the night. The room earns praise for its sofas, leather Chesterfields, dimmed and twinkly lighting, and a lively, friendly feel. One reviewer held a 30th birthday in the private function room and found the staff helpful. Complaints are fewer but specific. One reviewer was kept waiting outside well past the posted Saturday opening and also wanted a menu because prices were a gamble. Another enjoyed open mic night but felt the host overshadowed the local acts. One couple's night ended with a partner who dislikes whiskey ordering four whiskey sours.
Featured reviews
- Chris Lever
“So, last time I was in was on a stag do 2 years ago. Me and my missus had a gig in Manchester and went here after. Credits to Sam and Heather behind the bar, both made a whiskey sour my missus liked and she doesn't like whiskey. She had 4. Great live music on the night, they even took my request and smashed it. Comfy couches, a great outdoor area when summer nights hit Manchester. Oh yeah massive whiskey selection. Good job all involved.”
- Robin Pradal
“Great pub! Really good service and atmosphere. The bartender prepared the best Old Fashioned I ever had. The musician was brilliant. Definitely the kind of place that makes this town so great”
- elle shea
“One of my favourite bars in Manchester! I had my 30th birthday party here in the private function room. The space is great and the staff were so helpful and such good vibes all night. Really recommend it as a place to grab a drink or to have your party!”
- Katerina Vassaki
“A very nice bar with great drinks and a well-designed interior. The atmosphere is lively, with people in a good mood, dancing and enjoying themselves. We visited on a night with live music, which really added to the overall vibe. I would definitely recommend it.”
- poppy riddell
“Amazing pub with local vibe, great service, and I really enjoyed the open mic night except the host.. bloody hell he needs to take a break, stealing the thunder from the local acts and being a weirdo pretending to know the words and get the crowd hyped. I was HYPED for the music, but he gave me the ick.. cokey dude needs to take a break and let the artists speak for themselves.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“The Whiskey Jar has undoubtedly become one of the Northern Quarter's favourite spots. This old textile mill has been beautifully restored with its upstairs bar playing host to one of the best Open Mic nights in town. The downstairs basement is available to hire for private parties and many other events.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Location
Bars near The Whiskey Jar
- Northern Monk Refectory MCR4.61,3620 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingWi-Fi
vegan biscuits, own brewed beers, popcorn chicken side
- The Freemount4.31,0700.2 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
live acoustic music, whiskey selection, guinness on tap
- Night & Day Cafe4.51,7460.2 mi
live music acoustics, good sound system, coffee
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Whiskey Jar | 4.51,196 | — | — | old fashioned cocktails, whiskey sours, live music |
| Northern Monk Refectory MCRReservations · Outdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.61,362 | 0 mi | £10–20 | vegan biscuits, own brewed beers, popcorn chicken side |
| The FreemountReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.31,070 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | live acoustic music, whiskey selection, guinness on tap |
| Night & Day Cafe | 4.51,746 | 0.2 mi | — | live music acoustics, good sound system, coffee |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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