Speak in Code

Charn Bakhda★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

A great little speakeasy tucked away in Manchester. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d want , dark, cosy, and a world away from your typical city centre bar. Our server Ollie was brilliant. He knew the menu well and steered us towards drinks No.6, No.8 and No.9 , all three were spot on and well worth ordering. Really good, knowledgeable service. The focaccia with dip and truffle fries were both excellent, simple but done really well, perfect for sharing. Well worth a visit if you’re after something a bit different. We’ll be back.

Rob Mac★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

We went on a recommendation and so glad we did, the service from the moment you arrive until you leave is fantastic, all the staff are lovely. The cocktail menu isn’t that straightforward but with the way the bar tending team talk you through it and explain it, that doesn’t matter. There were 2 of us and we had 3 cocktails each and none of them disappointed at all, they have the usual suspects on there but so many new different things to try. My favourite was a dirty negroni

Adele Hodgson★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

We only visit Manchester once a year for our joint birthday weekend, so we like to make it count… and Speak in Code absolutely delivered. We popped in as we had an hour to kill before a gig, and from the moment we walked in, it just hit right. The smell of incense was gorgeous and instantly set the vibe, like stepping into a hidden little world away from the chaos outside. We were greeted by a really friendly guy (sorry, didn’t catch his name!) and even without a reservation, he managed to find us two seats at the bar, which honestly felt like the best place to be. The bartender looking after us (again, sorry for not catching the name, but he had a glasses tattoo on his arm!) was brilliant. He talked us through the bar and the menu, clearly knew his craft inside out, and you could tell he genuinely loves what he does. We went for cocktails Demo 6 and 7, and wow… hands down some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Properly balanced, unique, and just unforgettable. The atmosphere was spot on too. Low lighting, the music, small and intimate, the kind of place you almost want to gatekeep but also can’t help recommending. Absolutely loved it and we’ll 100% be back next time we’re in Manchester 🖤

Jack Jack★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

Absolutely loved visiting Speak in Code — easily one of the best cocktail spots in Manchester. The whole place has this cosy, intimate vibe with exposed brick, low lighting and a really stylish setup that makes it feel like a hidden gem. The cocktails were incredible — super creative, perfectly balanced, and clearly made with a lot of care and attention to detail. You can tell they take mixology seriously here, with unique flavour combinations and beautiful presentation that really stand out. What really made it though was the atmosphere and service. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what they do, which made the whole experience feel relaxed rather than pretentious — something a lot of cocktail bars struggle with. It’s definitely more of an experience than just a drink. From the inventive menu to the chilled music and candle-lit setting, everything just works. Not surprised it’s considered one of the top cocktail bars around — well worth a visit and I’ll 100% be back.

Federica★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

We had an excellent experience at Speak in Code in Manchester. Ben and Tyler provided amazing service from start to finish. The cocktails were beautifully balanced and clearly well thought out. Tyler was incredibly knowledgeable, and you could really feel the passion and care he put into every drink. He was also so kind to make us a list of other great cocktail bars around Manchester, and I truly appreciate when hospitality businesses support each other. The venue itself is small and cozy, perfect for an intimate setting. I wouldn’t recommend it for big groups, but it’s an excellent spot if you’re looking for a true mixology cocktail experience. Definitely recommend, and we would absolutely go back!