Apotheca

Reviews

• James W.

  star star star star star 15 June 2026

  Apotheca has to be one of my very favourite cocktail bars in the Northern Quarter. I like the atmosphere, I like the staff, I like the way it is  decorated and most of all I like the selection of cocktails.
  
  When I go to bars I enjoy trying new things and Apotheca's drinks menu is so huge that it means every time I come here, there is something new for me to try. Now, I would be lying if I said that I have enjoyed every cocktail I have had here, some of them have not been to my taste, but as I slowly work my way through their entire menu I do come across some that I just love. In particular, they do a salted caramel and rum old fashioned which I think is utterly fantastic.
  
  In addition to their extensive drinks menu I have got to say that the staff here have always been great in my experience. They are friendly, chatty and attentive, which just make coming to Apotheca that bit better. Do keep in mind though that this is not a hidden gem, it is very popular, so if you visit during peak times do not expect to find a seat and be ready for a bit of a wait at the bar but remember it it popular for a good reason.

• Kate W.

  star star star star star 12 June 2026

  I really need to hit the NQ more often! I always find some new bar or cafe tucked away which I love and with not a chain in slight!
  
  I met my friend here for a drink on Saturday evening and it was 2 cocktails for a tenner! Where else do you get a happy hour on a weekend? We didn't manage to bag a table but we found a cosy corner of the bar to stand beside and got to catching up! The bartenders here are great even with it being busy they were efficient and quick at getting the orders rolling.
  
  Back to the alcohol - I can throughly recommend a cheap glass of fizz (around £4) and the lady grey - yes a cocktails with a tea infused flavour! If you aren't an earl grey lover the "walk on the wild side" is a good choice for a whiskey but fruity number.
  
  I also loved the decor here from the plush sofa to the bookcase shelving behind the bar it had that quirky feel that I adore. Hopefully i'll be back soon to give some more cocktails a taste test!

• Holly N.

  star star star star_border star_border 26 May 2026

  I have been here on a number of occasions usually on a Sunday and it's excellent.
  But today's experience was the complete opposite we ordered our drink and the bar guy told us to take seat so we paid for our cocktails and sat down, a good 20 minutes later we was still sat there waiting for our drinks so my partner went back to the bar to ask were they were and another member of staff said sorry can't help you will have to speak to the guy who served you another 5 minutes have gone by and the guy who served us said oh sorry will make them now so we said no its OK will have are money back and go somewhere else. I would never recommended this bar on a Saturday unless you like waiting 30 minutes for a drink. Might give this bar a miss for a while.

• James W.

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  I tried this bar after multiple pushes from my brother to try one of their cocktails. Finally i went in on a Saturday night. When we got in around 8pm there was already a lot of people in the bar which shows that its popular. While my brother went to order the drinks I procured a table, which on a Saturday is prime real estate as a number of patrons were looking for a place to sit. The bar was crowded but the bar staff were very professional and knowledgeable. working in between each other and with an excellent artistic flair that was a pleasure to watch. A number of different drinks were being consumed ranging from cocktails to on tap beers to basic soft drinks.
  
  Suddenly my attention was drawn to the huge fireball created at the bar and watching my brother as he said "thats ours". when he brought the drinks over they looked exceptionally appealing and delicious and on first try I fell in love. There was no alcoholic taste to it whatsoever but i guarantee that after 2 or more, you would definitely feel the effects.
  
  Looking at the menu I was amazed at all the different cocktails that were available and that all the staff knew how to make.
  I went up for another round and i could see first hand the time, love and knowledge put into the drinks. They took a while to make but this just cements the fact that the staff craft the drinks rather than just throw them together as other establishments do.
  
  I cannot recommend this bar more than I do but i guarantee that every time I go out around manchester drinking, I will start in this bar (and hopefully use some of their cocktail offers). I love this place and I am planning to go there for my birthday.
  
  If you are in manchester and love flair, quirky bars with excellent music and atmosphere, a great selection of drinks, including spirits then you should be in Apotheca ... the question is ... why aren't you there now?

• Raam S.

  star star star star star 18 May 2026

  Went there last night with friends. We had:
  Oriental blossom
  Selfie inflicted
  Cultivation of the eastern giant
  Hazy memoirs of a geisha
  Tequila kiss
  Strawberry sickle
  Root to ruin
  Mint Choc cooler
  They were all on 2 for £10 before 7pm. The quality is still great and we were pleased with the service also.
  
  Keep it up, Apotheca!