
The Alchemist MediaCityUK
Quick info
About The Alchemist MediaCityUK
Located on The Bund in Salford, The Alchemist MediaCityUK operates as a restaurant and cocktail bar that welcomes both lunch and evening guests. The step-free, wheelchair-accessible entrance ensures easy access for visitors with mobility needs, while the heated outdoor patio provides a setting for outdoor dining and offers views of Salford Quays that become especially striking after dark. The menu, which totals 180 items, includes the COSMIC 'OYSTER', the 241 cocktail presented with theatrical flair, and a bubble waffle served with Kit Kat and raspberry. Service remains quick and attentive even during busy periods, and the venue sits near the Lowry theatre in Media City. Reservations are recommended, and the bar’s view of the quay adds a visual backdrop for diners.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid parking lot · Paid street parking · Plenty of parking
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating · Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Menu & Prices
180 dishes · mains £3–250- COSMIC 'OYSTER'£5.50
- APERITIVO 'OYSTER'£5.50
- SHARING DOUGHBALLS£8.00
- PORK CRACKLING£5.00
- FRICKLES£5.00
- GREEN OLIVES£4.50
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cocktails and salford quays view.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cocktails and salford quays view.
Customer Review Summary
Cocktails dominate the praise, with several diners highlighting the theatrical presentation and the standout “241 cocktail” as a must-try. Reviewers also point to specific food favourites such as the fish and chips and the bubbly waffle with Kit Kat and raspberry, noting generous portions and good value. A recurring compliment concerns the night-time view of Salford Quays, which many say adds a special backdrop to the experience. On the downside, a few note that drinks can be pricey and sometimes served in small glasses, and one reviewer describes a cocktail that left them feeling upset. Several guests remark on the quick, attentive service that keeps the venue lively even during busy periods. The combination of striking cocktails, memorable views and attentive staff repeatedly shapes the overall impression.
Customer Review Summary
Cocktails dominate the praise, with several diners highlighting the theatrical presentation and the standout “241 cocktail” as a must-try. Reviewers also point to specific food favourites such as the fish and chips and the bubbly waffle with Kit Kat and raspberry, noting generous portions and good value. A recurring compliment concerns the night-time view of Salford Quays, which many say adds a special backdrop to the experience. On the downside, a few note that drinks can be pricey and sometimes served in small glasses, and one reviewer describes a cocktail that left them feeling upset. Several guests remark on the quick, attentive service that keeps the venue lively even during busy periods. The combination of striking cocktails, memorable views and attentive staff repeatedly shapes the overall impression.
Featured reviews
- Ian Gaylard
“We had a fantastic evening at The Alchemist Salford Quays. The venue itself is amazing, with a great atmosphere and a unique setting that made it perfect for our group. A special mention goes to Sammy, our server, who was excellent throughout the evening. He was incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and drinks menu, made some great recommendations, and was engaging and attentive without ever being intrusive. His service really enhanced the experience. The cocktails were outstanding – not only did they taste great, but the presentation was spectacular and added a real sense of theatre to the evening. Every drink felt like an experience in itself. The food was also very good value for money, with generous portions and plenty of choice. Most importantly, every member of our group enjoyed their meal, which is no small achievement when dining with a larger party! Overall, a brilliant experience from start to finish. Great venue, excellent service, fantastic cocktails, and good-quality food at a reasonable price. We will definitely be returning.”
- Brian “I'm BAK” K
“Wow, flew across the Pond to have the best dinner ever! Service was over the top! Food, menu choices made our night! But the cocktail menu is why this is an absolute don't miss experience!!! Come for the food stay for the beverages! Cheers from the Tea Party! Oh, and ask for Anna Maria!”
- ANDREA WELTER
“Outstanding! Lots of choice and excellent, quick service by Cat, Abi and Jake. Food and drinks were quality. Compliments to the chefs. Recommend fish and chips and bubblr waffle with kit kat and raspberry. Definitely a quality restaurant/bar which is well located esoecially for theatre shows at The Lowry.”
- Marcello Dongu
“Booked a table for four to celebrate my 40th birthday last Saturday 30. The drinks were delicious and looked amazing, and the service was outstanding. We had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend it.”
- DMM Marie
“I had such a lovely meal here. The service was great even though it was busy after the Man Utd game at Old Trafford. The service was quick, food was hot and the staff were very hospitable. Another great Bank Holiday and a lovely evening in Media City.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Has great beer selection
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Serves great dessert
- Has great tea selection
- Has great wine list
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Paid parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Has outdoor seating
- Serves dine-in
- Serves alcohol
Show more amenities
- Casual
- On-site services available
- Serves beer
- Serves coffee
- Serves happy-hour drinks
- Serves late-night food
- Dining options· 7
- Serves breakfast
- Serves brunch
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Atmosphere· 3
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Parking· 2
- Paid street parking
- Plenty of parking
- Highlights· 6
- Has great beer selection
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great dessert
- Has great tea selection
- Has great wine list
- Has live music
- Crowd· 4
- Good for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Popular with tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Planning· 2
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Offerings· 4
- Serves cocktails
- Serves small plates
- Serves spirits
- Serves wine
- Popular for· 4
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Accessibility· 2
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
How The Alchemist MediaCityUK compares to nearby restaurants
- The Alchemist MediaCityUK · This shop4.52,875 reviews
Mentioned in reviews: cocktails, salford quays view
- 3,518 reviews0.1 mi
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- 69 reviews1.5 mi
Mentioned in reviews: egg and chicken rice, omlet fried chicken rice, beef rice with pepper sauce
- 608 reviews1.7 mi
Mentioned in reviews: momos, cauliflower dish, beef momos
The Alchemist MediaCityUK This shop | Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk | Two Plus Two Restaurant | Tibetan Kitchen Manchester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5(2,875) | 4.5(3,518) | 4.6(69) | 4.8(608) | |
| Price | £20–60 | £10–20 | £10–20 | £10–20 |
| Distance | — | 0.1 mi | 1.5 mi | 1.7 mi |
| Open today | ||||
| Good for kids | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Reservations | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
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