Say what you want about the city’s almost endless section of watering holes, there’s nowhere in Manchester quite like Corbieres, a half-hidden subterranean bar with arched, cave-like ceiling secretly tucked away beneath a backstreet just off St Ann’s Square. Even that description smacks of personality and individuality, and this is before we get to the details.
A bonafide institution, if few bars have a hope of matching the iconic status, even less can claim such a history. This establishment has been serving good drinks and great food for close to half a century now, first opening its doors in 1978 when former-Manchester City player Mike Doyle and business partner Tony Miles took a punt on the place.
Suffice to say, the address has long-since written itself into local folklore, and has strong connections to our hometown’s enviable music heritage. It’s here that Bez allegedly met the other Happy Mondays, and Inspiral Carpets performed an early gig before deciding what to call themselves. And anyone who has heard of Corbieres should know this is home to one of the most famous and treasured jukeboxes in the city, with the selection of tunes a key reason many people pay a visit.
All that aside, as the name suggests you’ll find a carefully selected range of wines on offer that are quality but affordable. The range of flavoured gins and beers are just as impressive, with taps regularly showcasing the best local ales and other brews alongside select guest pints. Bites are also available, and Tuesday to Friday between 4PM and 7PM customers are offered free pizza with every drink providing they do the right thing and give the bar a follow on social channels.