Project Halcyon

Discretion is a word that carries a lot of weight when it comes to liquor. From prohibition era speakeasies to 21st Century hidden bars, there’s something wonderfully indulgent about sneaking away to a secretive corner of your city for refined liquid refreshment. In the team’s own words, Project Halcyon is Manchester’s best-keep secret in cocktails, although word has been spreading fast. Hence myriad accolades this place quickly began collecting after opening, including a coveted One To Watch from Top 50 Cocktail Bars and a slew of hat tips from local listings and tastemakers. 

Situated in one of town’s new cultural heartlands — with Factory International’s Aviva Studios, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Old Granada Studios on the doorstop — Project Halcyon has opted for the ideal setting with which to raise a clandestine cheers. Located inside a Victorian era landmark, the place has all the trappings of an illicit turn-of-the-century warehouse bar, combining raw brick and ironwork details with understated opulence. A subterranean lair, there are multiple corners and spaces to explore, including Salon Vert: a dedicated absinthe parlour. 

All this provides the perfect backdrop for some of the most innovative and on-point mixology you’ll find anywhere in town, with an on-site lab in operation where various beverage accoutrements are made using chemistry kits and alcoholic experimentation takes place. There’s also a distillery on site producing some excellent gin, adding to the authenticity. Cocktails here work on a seasonal basis, and combine established classics with more unique and bespoke creations. A firm favourite has to be the Old Fashioned, and for more reasons than the fact this is created and served to you table side via central Manchester’s only in-bar drinks trolley. As if all that wasn’t enough, those looking for something more straight up will find an extensive range of beers and wines to boot.