“You won’t get a better quality cocktail in Manchester,” the team at Three Little Words proudly tell us. If you listen hard enough you’ll hear a city awash with high end temples of mixology stir, but few other bars could really back up such a claim. Nestled inside a beautifully renovated and reimagined Grade II* listed railway arch just off Deansgate, this place really does set standards ridiculously high when it comes to expertly conceived creations poured into ornate glasses. Independently owned, and located inside the Spirit of Manchester Distillery, it’s a love letter to high end liquor.
Building: The Spirit of Manchester Distillary Location: Manchester Architect: Up North Architects
From the moment you set foot inside, the space is impressive. Industrial heritage meets timeless sophistication, open-brick vaulted ceiling contrasting monochrome floor tiles and 10 foot marble bar. In terms of what’s on offer, Three Little Words prides itself on using alcohol and tonics made on site, and using these as creatively and seasonably as possible. The menu is divided into three sections, with Culture representing options that explore the link between drinks and specific places through ingredients and customs. Balance, meanwhile, examines how liquids become cocktails, utilising innovative methods and techniques for a finished glass that’s more than the sum of its parts.
In comparison, the History range offers bold twists on renowned classics. Like the Pick Me Up, an Espresso Martini you’ll struggle to match elsewhere, with freshly ground beans from nearby ManCoCo and Sphere Coffee Vodka washed with Tiramisu, Orangecello and spritzed with Angostura. Or the All Bark Some Bite, an inimitable Spicy Marg which uses a homemade Scotch Bonnet distillate, house chilli shrub, fresh lime, zest, agave, and Amchur salt. A Picanté lover’s dream. As if all that wasn’t enough, small plates and nibbles are served, and on Sundays the kitchen offers a stand out roast dinner. Finally, a busy events programme includes live music, weekly cocktail specials, and distillery experiences in a state-of-the-art gin school, where visitors can make their own recipe to take home and savour.