Manchester
Pen and Pencil
A speakeasy-style bar hidden behind an unmarked door in the Northern Quarter, accessible only through knowledge of the correct entry procedure. The intimate basement space serves craft cocktails and hosts live jazz twice weekly. The deliberately secretive atmosphere recreates Prohibition-era drinking culture with modern Manchester flair. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Manchester, especially paired with nearby Afflecks Palace. Tickets cost £8-12 per cocktail and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.
Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: experience manchester's most exclusive cocktail Skip if: You don't drink alcohol or prefer open, bright social spaces Cost: £8-12 per cocktail
What It Is
Ring an unmarked buzzer and descend into a dimly lit basement lined with vintage books and leather seating. Watch bartenders craft cocktails using house-made syrups and rare spirits. Live jazz fills the space on Wednesdays and Saturdays while conversations happen in hushed tones.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible due to narrow basement stairs and no lift
Why Visit
Experience Manchester's most exclusive cocktail scene in a genuinely secret location. It is not the first thing you should see in Manchester, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Afflecks Palace and Afflecks - together they fill a solid half-day.
Skip if: You don't drink alcohol or prefer open, bright social spaces
Practical Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Tuesday-Saturday 18:00-02:00, closed Sunday-Monday |
| Price | £8-12 per cocktail |
| Time Needed | 2-3 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | Wednesday or Thursday nights for the best chance of entry without queuing |
| Address | 31 King Street, Manchester M2 6AA |
Tips
- Look for the small 'P&P' sign and ring the buzzer.
- Arrive before 21:00 on weekends to avoid the queue.
- Cash preferred though cards accepted.
Insider tip: The password changes monthly - follow their Instagram for clues or befriend the doorman
Photography
Photography discouraged to maintain the secretive atmosphere
Our tips
What we'd tell a friend visiting
- Look for the small 'P&P' sign and ring the buzzer
- Arrive before 21:00 on weekends to avoid the queue
- Cash preferred though cards accepted
Nearby attractions
More places to visit in Manchester
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Pen and Pencil
Pen and Pencil is a historic pub at 53-55 Bridge Street near Castlefield, established 1900. The pub features original wood paneling, tiled walls, and period decor. It serves cask ales and traditional British food. Meals cost £10-18. The building is Grade II-listed. It's frequented by locals and visitors seeking historic atmosphere.
Pen and Pencil serves traditional British pub food: fish and chips, pies, burgers, salads. Main courses cost £12-16. They stock cask ales and regional beers on tap. The bar has spirits, wines, and soft drinks. Food portions are generous. Service is casual and friendly. No table reservations (first-come, first-served). Peak times: Friday-Saturday evenings.
Yes, for authentic Manchester pub experience. The 1900s decor is original and distinctive without being contrived. Food quality is solid. It's less touristy than many city-centre pubs. A 1-hour visit with meal and drink costs £20-30. Worth stopping for lunch or evening pint. Good for understanding local pub culture.
Tours & tickets for Pen and Pencil
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