Speak In Code — Restaurant in Manchester

I usually really like this place but the attitude last time was not great at all. We came in before 22:30 on a Thursday night when online it states this place closes at 00:00. (we clearly thought it would leave us with plenty of time for 1 drink). The bartender was clearly in a rush to close the place sooner than showed on the website and turned off the music before 23:20 and rushed us to down our drinks saying he’s locking up in a minute?? We just felt so uncomfortable and awkward. Like we are not suppose to be here and are intruding? Could not enjoy our drinks feeling super self-conscious with the bartender breathing down our necks in silence...

Definitely don’t appreciate the rude attitude. Just honestly upsetting because we checked the closing time before coming and picked this place in particular out of many others on purpose to have a nice time and enjoy the specialty drinks especially given the fact they are on the pricier side. I was showing my guests around who are out of town and it actually kind of ruined our last night here with them.. They were quite disappointed and said it was their first encounter with rude staff in the UK. So yeah if the bartender who served us is reading this - really not a cool attitude! You either change the time online to not miss-lead people (especially when one plans ahead and makes travel) or have the place open till it says it is open without making people feel uncomfortable for interrupting your early closing time. You can't try to be all about the details but then not bother about the individual customer when the night is not as busy as planned and disregard them like that. Just feels like we are not important enough for you to stay open till the time it says it will be open.:)

Love the music, the atmosphere and...

I consider myself quite the cocktail expert as frankly I don't like to drink much else when I am out. I have quickly learned that cocktails are pretty much within a standard price range where ever you go - however the quality can be vastly different.

Located on a little tucked away side street of Manchester it may not look promising as you turn the corner but I can assure you it is the doorway to the Narnia. The bar itself is classically styled. The chairs are comfortable. The lighting is low. There no blaring music. It is clearly designed for those looking to catch up with old friends over the most fabulous drinks I have drunk in my WHOLE life. Track 10 is my personal favourite and I thought about it all day prior to my last visit.

The staff are friendly without being intrusive. There is no awkward / long wait at the bar to order. They attentively keep an eye on the customers and almost magically appear just as you are ready to order the first or next drink. They are very knowledgeable and clearly love what they are selling.

The menu is held in this adorable LP style cover and each drink has something about it that makes you spend an eternity thinking ... but what do I want first/next?

I had the bad luck of being left for half an hour alone at a table as I waited for my friend to arrive. This can be uncomfortable in a lot of bars ... but not here. I was quickly provided a drink and felt relaxed, peaceful ... almost at home. Before I knew it 30 mins had gone by and my friend had arrived.

I would recommend this place to anyone. Although selfishly I hope it doesn't become SO popular that I am unable to get a table. Lol. For me this is now my number one and first choice...

The door staff were very welcoming, as were the staff that greeted us inside. The atmosphere was pleasant, not too over crowded and the place had a feeling of exclusivity and not the slightest bit pretentious as others people have said on this page. I have to say, it is so good how they do not let it get too overcrowded… it makes for a much better experience. Sin, our waiter was very polite, professional and knowledgeable about cocktails. We told him exactly the kind of drink we wanted and he delivered the perfect cocktails based on what we said we fancied. Exactly what you want for a boujee cocktail bar when you don’t really know what the drinks will taste like from looking at the menu. We were on a first date and we both had the best time and are seeing each other again. It makes for a perfect date night and I would definitely come again and would highly recommend this place to anyone who’s after a nice place to drink good cocktails in Manchester. I was a bit dubious at first because they don’t have any of your classic cocktails, but the ones the have on offer are top tier, if you’re having difficulty choosing, then just ask the approachable, knowledgeable staff and they will recommend something you will like. Yes, the drinks are a little pricey, but you get what you pay for, pure quality.. amazing attention to detail and unique to anywhere else in Manchester. It’s a very popular bar, so book in advance as chances are if you attempt a walk at the weekend you will get turned away. I look forward to visiting again. Please pass on the feedback to Sin and give him the recognition he deserves....