Blinker Bar

A few facts about Spring Gardens, one of Manchester’s most photogenic and historic streets. First up, there’s been a Post Office here since 1623, giving an idea as to how much heritage this iconic l-shaped thoroughfare has. Secondly, there are five Grade II-listed buildings on the road, all of which are worth a Kodak moment, with two designed by Alfred Waterhouse — the master-planner responsible for the city’s Town Hall, London’s Natural History Museum and University College Hospital. Finally, this is where you’ll find Blinker, a firm favourite cocktail bar which has made the Franklin & Sons Ltd list of Britain’s top 50 spots for liquor and mixology.

The name itself speaks volumes about how seriously this place takes long drinks and the like. Blinker refers to a “long lost” cocktail which was made from three ingredients — rye, grapefruit and raspberry. Inspired by this, the Manchester drinkery focuses on seasonal pours, meaning the menu is in constant flux and regularly updated. Boss Dan Berger, who used to head up Gordon Ramsay’s bars, is also keen to point out the team are trained in attention to detail, not just flavours for the time of year. This shows in every aspect. Friendly, knowledgable, and clearly capable of preparing alcohol that tastes like a gift from the gods. 

In terms of what you end up sipping, Blinker is always focused on four specific in-season flavours, which dominate what’s on offer, although you can always get a classic. Standout house creations include the stunning Applewood Old Fashioned and the Army & Navy — Plymouth dry gin, banana, Fino sherry, almond and lemon. Non-alcoholic pours are also well worth considering, ranging from speciality one-offs to big guns like the Manhattan, Margarita and Martini. As refined as its location, trust us when we say once you track the place down leaving won’t be so easy.