To ask where to go out in Manchester or Liverpool in your 40s

[GilbertMarkham]

Pandemic willing, I'm planning some girls weekends in Manchester and/or Liverpool next year onwards.

Where would you mnetters from those areas recommend we go for drinks (in 40s, some singles)?

(Willing to spend on drinks for atmosphere (and silver foxes ).

Northern quarter in Manchester is good for drinks and mixed ages I think.

Mathew St in Liverpool might be a good bet - there's big pubs, small pubs, traditional places and modern bars. Google it and see what you think. If you prefer swish bars and dance music, go to Concert Square, off Bold Street.

Many thanks, I'll get googling on those suggestions.

Depends what you like OP, in terms of the vibe, how much you want to spend, if you want to dress up or not. The person above suggested NQ in manchester but I'm in my late 20s and sometimes feel like I dont fit in there properly as im not "cool enough" for it if that makes any sense

Wirralite here but if you can afford to, stay in the Titanic Hotel. Absolutely stunning. The Albert Dock is great for food and wine bars. Liverpool One the same. For the more cultured, intelligent drinker, the Pen Factory or the Everyman Bistro. The Philharmonic pub nearby is a staple. In fact, everywhere from Hope Street down through town to the Albert Dock is amazing at the weekend. If you can get to the Bombed Out Church for one of their events, that's also fab. The Baltic triangle is amazing. The old Cains Brewery site has amazing vintage shops and great bars.

Last time (pre lockdown) I had in Manchester was for the bottomless brunch at Gaucho (gorgeous food and endless cocktails) https://www.gauchorestaurants.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GauchoBrunchh_London.pdf

The person above suggested NQ in manchester but I'm in my late 20s and sometimes feel like I dont fit in there properly as im not "cool enough" for it if that makes any sense

I enjoy dressing up etc but I can totally understand people not feeling like they can really relax and enjoy themselves in places that may seem pretentious.

Wirralite here but if you can afford to, stay in the Titanic Hotel. Absolutely stunning. The Albert Dock is great for food and wine bars. Liverpool One the same. For the more cultured, intelligent drinker, the Pen Factory or the Everyman Bistro. The Philharmonic pub nearby is a staple. In fact, everywhere from Hope Street down through town to the Albert Dock is amazing at the weekend. If you can get to the Bombed Out Church for one of their events, that's also fab. The Baltic triangle is amazing. The old Cains Brewery site has amazing vintage shops and great bars.

Thanks for all these suggestions, lots to check out there.

Last time (pre lockdown) I had in Manchester was for the bottomless brunch at Gaucho (gorgeous food and endless cocktails)

Sounds great but I was planning on doing the cultural stuff during the day, and the drinks at night; if we hit the cocktails at brunch, I imagine there'll be little sight seeing and we'll be in bed by ten . That's what seems to happen when you day-drink (unless you pace yourself very well).

Maybe we could still do it and not succumb to the cocktails.

My favourite place for cocktails in Manchester is the washhouse.

Both cities have a Bundobust if you like excellent Indian Street Food and craft beer in a more casual setting.

Also El Gato Negro for great tapas, cocktails and G&Ts.

Unless you want a p**d up stag/hen party type of night, I'd completely avoid Concert Square and Mathew Street!

The Wash house is fabulous for cocktails. You need to book a few weeks in advance for a Saturday night, even pre-covid

Refuge at Principal Hotel has a great vibe Saturday night - mixed age group, dressy or casual

I used to love the northern quarter but with a few exceptions it’s fucking horrible these days. People that used to go out on deansgate locks seem to have migrated across!
What sort of thing do you like/want to do?

For a more laid back evening I recommend lark lane

I’d go to the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool

DON'T go to Mathew St or Concert Square - awful. Go to Seel Street, Slater Street, Albert Dock, Rope Walks etc. You won't get a good impression of Liverpool by going to MS or CS.

Seconding Refuge at the Principal - gorgeous :)

My Manchester friends always take me to Mackie Mayor for a drink or two and some quick and easy food. It works well for large groups, if you can get a table.

For sophisticated drinks, try Spinningfields - Manchester House & 20 Storeys for the skyline views (expensive so don't eat there). I also love an evening in Ancoats now I'm nearing 40 - try Elnecot & Sugo. Seriously good food & plenty of bars nearby.

PS I also agree with the comments about Refuge!

Thanks for all these suggestions.

What sort of thing do you like/want to do?

Daytime, I have lots of things in mind. It's more night time/drinks that I'm trying to zone in on good places for.

I don't drink but others will undoubtedly be happy to go in for cocktails etc. They all drink varied things. One would probably be more of a beer or wine drinker cocktails, champagne etc. (not that champagne isn't a wine but ykwim).

Most mid 40s, some singles - who would prefer to chat to some non lager louty guys in age range.

We're based in NI and it would be ideal if it were guys they might potentially strike up something to continue back home (as groups of footy fans, guys weekends etc. do frequent both cities to varying extents).
I know that's a huge ask .. unless there are specific places that visitors and Irish/Northern Irish people tend to go.
(Irish bars, if there are any decent ones, sometimes tend to repel some Northern Irish people due to the weird and tricky political issues here).

*more of a beer or wine drinker than ..

In the nicest way possible I’d focus on having a good time with your friends as opposed to looking for guys to chat to. Nobody can really say where groups of 40 something single men will hang out as it really depends on the night. There’s a wide age range going to all these places in both cities!

Absolutely do not go to Mathew St or concert Square!

As others have said or try Castle Street, nice food and a few drinks places. Bold street has loads of places to eat. Lark Lane a good shout but not City centre.