The Washhouse Manchester: a secret bar that won’t do your laundry

The first rule of The Washhouse is that you don’t talk about The Washhouse, so let’s keep word of this established Manchester secret bar between us, yeah?

Secret bars have become so popular in recent years that they’re hardly even a secret anymore. But The Washhouse is a little different – hidden behind the almost-convincing facade of a laundrette, it brings a fun and light-hearted vibe to the prohibition revival trend.

At The Washhouse you can expect to find one of the best hidden nights out in Manchester. It’s not pretentious or over the top with its theme, but rather favours a fun, laid-back evening with some interesting drinks thrown into the mix.

What to expect from The Washhouse

As with many secret bars, The Washhouse is the kind of place where you’ll have to put your inhibitions to one side and embrace a bit of silliness – at least for the first minute or so. Once you’ve declared the password you’ll receive at booking through the 1970s style telephone, you’ll find that the over the top frontage is all worth it.

The 1920s prohibition theme sets the scene for an enjoyable night exploring new flavours but if that’s not your thing, then no worries. Whether you’re into experimental drinks, classic cocktails, or just plain beers or spirits you’ll find it all at The Washhouse.

What you should know about The Washhouse

The Washhouse went so strong on its laundrette theme that bewildered would-be customers began turning up with bags of dirty clothes. Which is why the only thing you’ll find on their website is a whole load of disclaimers about how they aren’t going to do your washing for you.

So you should turn up with your outfit already laundered, and your password at the ready. Bookings can be made online or over the phone and without one – along with the secret code that gets you through the big, washing-machine shaped door – you won’t get a seat.

Once you’re in though, the vibe is altogether transformed. From faded lino flooring and the scent of detergent, you’ll move seamlessly into a low-lit, leather-covered speakeasy that serves cocktails and mixers with a side of deep, dirty house music.

Why you should go to The Washhouse

Go to The Washhouse Manchester for a night of unselfconscious fun with an air of luxury. There’s something about that dim lighting in a prohibition bar that makes you want to dress up in your best clothes and call everyone ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’. But fortunately, it’s 2021 and prohibition is a century old so you can drink, wear, and say whatever you like.

One of the plus sides of secret bars is that they’re never too full, but never empty either. So you can kick back in one of the best places to drink in Manchester, knowing you’re not going to have to fight through crowds to get served or wait 30 minutes for your order to arrive – the vibe is just right.

Go to The Washhouse to impress a date, set the scene for a romantic evening with your partner, or if you’re just in town for the weekend make sure The Washhouse is top of your list of things to do in Manchester.

Address: 19 Shudehill, Manchester M42AF
https://www.washhousemcr.com