Southside Tequila Joint

If you’re looking for a quiet, contemplative glass of wine, Southside Tequila Joint probably isn’t the place. But if you’re looking for 200 different ways to consume agave while sitting in a neon-lit booth in M20, you’ve found home.

Located on the main Wilmslow Road stretch in Withington, Southside has carved out a niche as the neighbourhood’s go-to for “loose vibes” and serious spirits. It’s a dive bar in the best sense—unpretentious, a bit loud, and deeply committed to the bit. That bit, naturally, is tequila.

The back bar is a legitimate library of agave, ranging from house pours that won’t leave you with a headache to rare bottles for those who actually want to sip and discuss terpene profiles. For everyone else, there are Frozen Margaritas that go down dangerously fast and a “Session Drinks” menu where you can grab a cocktail for £6.50—a rarity in a city where tenner-plus drinks are becoming the norm.

Downstairs, the basement serves as a private hire den. It’s got its own bar, its own sound system, and a photo booth for documenting the inevitable chaos. It’s the kind of space built for society takeovers and birthdays where “one drink” was never the plan.

Despite the late-night focus, Southside remains a neighbourhood spot at heart. Kids are welcome until 7pm, and dogs are invited at all hours. It’s an easy, high-energy local that reminds you why Withington remains one of the more interesting corners of the city south of the center.