Stray

Stray is proof that cocktail bars don’t need to be flashy to feel special. Opened in late 2023, it sits neatly within the corner of Mackie Mayor, the Grade II-listed market hall that’s now home to some of Manchester’s best-loved food and drink operators. From the outside, it looks almost too understated for the hype it has already earned. Step inside, though, and you’ll see why it has quickly found a loyal following.

The design is simple but deliberate: big windows cast light across marble counters, velvet seating and exposed brick, while a covered terrace opens out onto the cobbles for those rare sunny afternoons. The atmosphere shifts easily from daytime drinking to late-night lounging, one of the few cocktail spots in the city that feels equally inviting at 3pm as it does at midnight.

As for the drinks, Stray’s approach is clear: uncomplicated, well-executed cocktails with an emphasis on balance and quality. Their Tomato Vine Margarita has already become something of a calling card, a savoury riff that swaps an olive for a cherry tomato and blends tequila, mezcal and green, herbaceous notes. The weekly Martini special is another highlight, giving the team freedom to experiment with new flavours while keeping things fresh for returning regulars. Beyond the signatures, expect thoughtful twists on the classics, a strong line-up of low and no-alcohol options, and a rotating selection of wines worth exploring in their own right.

Everything here feels designed with intent. From house-made cordials and infusions to the playlists that hum quietly in the background, Stray is a bar that values detail without ever making a fuss about it. It’s stylish, it’s precise, but it’s also warm and accessible – the sort of place you’d happily drop into solo, or bring someone you’d like to impress.