Flok

For a relatively small bar in the eternally cool and perennially hip Northern Quarter, Flok made a big impact on the people of Manchester when it first opened in 2017. Run by the same team that were behind the landmark West Didsbury drinking and dining destination Folk until it was sold and remixed in the aftermath of the pandemic, the crew’s city centre spot has continued to do a roaring trade since thanks to its unique offering and approach. Intimate, wood-lined, with leather-backed booth seating, the air of sophistication also runs through menus, which lean heavily into Madeira wine and sherry. 

If fortified bottles from the continent and islands aren’t necessarily your thing, though, the standard wine here is also incredible. Among other things, Flok posts a Coravin list, meaning it was one of the first places in town to offer high value vintages by the glass on a daily basis. The specific options for this vary with seasons and availability, but you can guarantee an exceptional viticulture experience whenever you visit, without needing to buy a full bottle. Of course, if you do want the complete 75ml adventure that’s fine, but the overall philosophy here is making excellent vino accessible for those who don’t want or can’t stump up £450 for a 2005 Vega Sicilia Unico. 

Local craft beers, neat spirits — neither of which let any side down in terms of quality — add to the bar options, and staff here are well trained in the art of mixology and cocktail making. All of which brings us to the food, which focuses on pintxos and small plates. Regularly changing, you might find baby octopus with smoked paprika, chilli and garlic, a bacalao salad of potato, piquillo peppers and orange, or ‘bikini’ toasted cheese and ham sandwiches. Or punt for a load of cheese and charcuterie style bits to accompany the wine. Like honey glazed chorizo, mahon, picos blue and manchego. In short — highly recommended.