Good booze and good food, two of my favourite things!
I’d planned a sophisticated lunch date. Then Manchester happened. One lunch reservation turned into cocktails, then more cocktails. Here’s how that escalated.
Here’s what you need to know
- Where: City centre — Six by Nico, Schofield’s Bar, Dusk Til Pawn
- Best for: People who like a plan that turns into a better one
- Budget: ££ (you’ll spend, but you won’t regret it)
- Highlight: The original take on a Pina Colada at Dusk Til Pawn
- Downside: Time evaporates — and so does your self-control
- Would I do it again? Absolutely (but maybe start later in the day)
Stop 1: Six by Nico
If you’ve not been, Six by Nico runs a six-course themed tasting menu that changes regularly — a clever idea if you like to add a layer of theatre to your dining experience. Check out their latest themes on their website [link to website: https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/manchester/]. The “theme” this time was space, which was a tenuous link for some of the course, but every course ate really well. We opted for the wine flight too, which was reasonably priced and well selected to bring the most of out the food, and then in turn, the wine.
Good:
- Great value for what you get — around £45 for six courses.
- Service: slick without the snobbery.
Bad:
- Tables are a bit close — it’s intimate whether you want it to be or not.
Meh:
- All over a bit quickly due to the super slick service. A more leisurely pace would have suited us just fine.
Stop 2: Schofield’s Bar
(The classy one that ruins you for other bars)
Schofield’s feels like the kind of place you could take your parents or your date and both would approve. There’s an elegance to it — no gimmicks, just perfect drinks and bartenders who actually seem happy to be there.
Good:
- Cocktails are immaculate. Our ‘silk stocking’ to celebrate our silk wedding anniversary was dangerously smooth!
- Service: genuinely friendly, not performative.
Bad:
- Pricey, but you can taste where the money went.
Meh:
- Similar to Six by Nico, if it’s busy, you can feel like you are sitting on the knees of your neighbours at the next table.
Stop 3: Dusk Til Pawn
(The “how are we still out?” one)
Hidden behind what looks like a pawn shop, Dusk Til Pawn is pure Northern Quarter — dim lights, strong drinks, and a playlist that makes you forget you’ve been up since the crack of dawn.
Good:
- Great atmosphere: relaxed but buzzing.
- Cocktails that feel like a night out, not an art project.
- Everyone seems to be in a good mood (might be the lighting).
Bad:
- You might not stumble across this one unless you are looking for it.
Meh:
- The “mystery” theme works once; after that it’s just a nice bar.
What’s worth it / what’s not
✅ Worth it
- The Six by Nico tasting menu + wine pairing combo
- Starting at Schofield’s to make you feel all grown up and sophisticated
- Ending at Dusk Til Pawn and happily championing the bar staff’s love of shots!
❌ Skip it (or do it differently)?
- With two destination bars to top and tail a session, I’d look at extra stops in between if we did this again.
Review My Trip 