Speak In Code

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “Wonderful venue. Excellent and delicious drinks (and bar snacks). Knowledgeable and lovely staff. Really nice vibe and atmosphere. 10/10 in every aspect. Bonus points for the fact everything is plant-based!”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “We recently decided to try SIC again following an underwhelming first visit. We ordered two drinks: myself the dirty martini, and my partner the Demo 6. Our bartender was very kind to offer a couple samples, but the martini I was served in the end was very gin-heavy, yet diluted in all other aspects in comparison to the taster. The olive was very good though. My partner enjoyed the ice cream-like qualities of the Demo 6 but couldn’t taste the pandan at all. I get that it’s a central area in the city, but for what you pay for you can get so much better for less elsewhere.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “Located just off Dean Street, a short walk up , Speak in Code is currently a bit difficult to find due to the ongoing roadworks a short distance away and it’s a squeeze getting to it to get to the entrance and spotting the SIC sign outside. Once inside, the venue has a low-lit, intimate atmosphere with table seating that suits the cocktail bar concept. One disappointing aspect was that they refuse to take table bookings. Even after visiting in person, they wouldn’t reserve a table, which wasn’t ideal. Another downside is the strict 90-minute table limit. It doesn’t really give you enough time to enjoy two cocktails at a relaxed pace—you end up rushing the second drink, which detracts from the experience. Drinks Demo 5 * Maker’s Mark Bourbon * Textures of peach * Miso * Savoury vermouth amaro This was initially disappointing. The bourbon completely dominated the drink, making it feel quite one-dimensional. However, when the server asked for feedback, I mentioned this and they took it away to adjust it. The revised version was much better, with more pronounced peach skin notes, better salinity from the miso, and a far more balanced flavour. It became a very enjoyable cocktail once all the components were allowed to shine. Demo 2 * Ceder’s * Gummies * Chartreuse Elixir * Kiwi soda A fresh, light cocktail that worked really well—ideal for summer and easy to drink. Service The service was a highlight. Staff were interactive, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in feedback about the cocktails, which made the experience feel much more personal. One thing missing was any complimentary accompaniment such as nuts or small nibbles, something many cocktail bars at this price point provide. Drink prices are comparable to London’s top cocktail bars, and with a service charge already included, it would have been a nice touch. Overall, Speak in Code offers creative cocktails and excellent, engaged service. However, the inability to book, the restrictive 90-minute limit, and the lack of complimentary snacks prevent it from being a truly outstanding experience.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “A great little speakeasy tucked away in Manchester. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d want , dark, cosy, and a world away from your typical city centre bar. Our server Ollie was brilliant. He knew the menu well and steered us towards drinks No.6, No.8 and No.9 , all three were spot on and well worth ordering. Really good, knowledgeable service. The focaccia with dip and truffle fries were both excellent, simple but done really well, perfect for sharing. Well worth a visit if you’re after something a bit different. We’ll be back.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Interesting bar marked only by a sign at the entrance doing creative cocktails. Although you can see from the menu that lots of thought and work had gone into crafting these concoctions, some of the executions fell a little flat; the Demo 7 my partner ordered was uniquely creamy yet herby, yet Demo 1 and 12 were less nuanced than what I was expecting. When we were given the bill, we were mistakenly charged the cost of 4 cocktails instead of 3 which my partner noticed. The bartenders were apologetic and corrected the error immediately, but my partner and I still felt conflicted afterwards considering the difference in cost and my level of inebriation. I can see the owner is trying to take my review down - I do not appreciate your attempts to coerce me into downplaying our feelings.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Ole’ Oli the matador, well he should bare the pin of the one and only matador. Best bar tender ever! Extremely knowledgeable and made our night! Brillliant service and cocktails and fantastic vibe. Thanks Oli if you don’t get employee of the month then I’ll never return!”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “We only visit Manchester once a year for our joint birthday weekend, so we like to make it count… and Speak in Code absolutely delivered. We popped in as we had an hour to kill before a gig, and from the moment we walked in, it just hit right. The smell of incense was gorgeous and instantly set the vibe, like stepping into a hidden little world away from the chaos outside. We were greeted by a really friendly guy (sorry, didn’t catch his name!) and even without a reservation, he managed to find us two seats at the bar, which honestly felt like the best place to be. The bartender looking after us (again, sorry for not catching the name, but he had a glasses tattoo on his arm!) was brilliant. He talked us through the bar and the menu, clearly knew his craft inside out, and you could tell he genuinely loves what he does. We went for cocktails Demo 6 and 7, and wow… hands down some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Properly balanced, unique, and just unforgettable. The atmosphere was spot on too. Low lighting, the music, small and intimate, the kind of place you almost want to gatekeep but also can’t help recommending. Absolutely loved it and we’ll 100% be back next time we’re in Manchester 🖤”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Absolutely amazing cocktail bar. Nicely tucked away, dimly lit + burning incense which are totally my vibes. The atmosphere is lovely and as a solo person I was made to feel very welcome. All the staff were very polite and knowledgeable and more than happy to let me pick their brains. Staff come over to take your order and ask how you're finding the drinks which was a nice touch. I had demo 11 + demo 8 and even offered a sample of demo 9. All were absolute incredible! Everything is made in house and it's clear a lot of pride goes into the drinks they make which I love. Definitely going to be on my visit list whenever I'm in Manchester!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Visiting Manchester for a weekend away from London, I booked this place after seeing the reviews. We were served by Freya, who was the most loveliest person, explained the menu and ethos and took her time. She even gave us a list of her recommendations of Manchester which was so appreciated. Loved the pandan cocktail, wow!!! Such nice different flavours. Will be back next time for sure.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Absolutely loved visiting Speak in Code — easily one of the best cocktail spots in Manchester. The whole place has this cosy, intimate vibe with exposed brick, low lighting and a really stylish setup that makes it feel like a hidden gem. The cocktails were incredible — super creative, perfectly balanced, and clearly made with a lot of care and attention to detail. You can tell they take mixology seriously here, with unique flavour combinations and beautiful presentation that really stand out. What really made it though was the atmosphere and service. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what they do, which made the whole experience feel relaxed rather than pretentious — something a lot of cocktail bars struggle with. It’s definitely more of an experience than just a drink. From the inventive menu to the chilled music and candle-lit setting, everything just works. Not surprised it’s considered one of the top cocktail bars around — well worth a visit and I’ll 100% be back.”

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