Come and join us at Alcotraz, a quirky cocktail bar in the heart of Manchester’s city centre. Smuggle your liquor past crooked guards, outsmart the warden and become part of the story in this immersive prison-themed bar, where your mixologist crafts personalised cocktails for you and the fun never stops. If you're looking for a unique hen do or stag experience, a fun date night, an incredible birthday night out with your friends, or even team-building or after work drinks - then look no further than Alcotraz. One of the best cocktail bars in Manchester, it blends theatrics and delicious drinks. Discover why this immersive bar is a favourite among those seeking the best cocktail bars in Manchester city centre.
Details
Accepts reservationsAvailable
Requires reservationsAvailable
RestroomAvailable
Onsite servicesAvailable
Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable
Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
Wheelchair accessible seatingAvailable
Location
Certified by Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four • Jun 21, 2026
Certified by Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four • Jun 21, 2026
MondayClosed
Tuesday7:05 PM - 8:50 PM
Wednesday7:05 PM - 8:50 PM
Thursday7:05 PM - 8:50 PM
Friday4:40 PM - 11:15 PM
Saturday12:00 PM - 11:15 PM
Sunday2:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Reviews
4.9
1,766 reviews
5 stars
1,685
4 stars
45
3 stars8
2 stars9
1 star19
CC
Christina Connelly
5 days ago
5.0
I didn't really know what to expect going into this experience, as I'd deliberately avoided reading too much about it beforehand. I bought tickets for myself, my wife, my mum and my dad as a Christmas gift, and we finally went this past weekend.
From the moment we arrived, it was fantastic. Even the member of staff who welcomed us in was brilliant. She was funny, friendly, approachable, and made everyone feel comfortable straight away while giving us all the information we needed.
Once the experience started, it just got better and better. The actors and actresses were outstanding throughout. The Warden was a particular highlight and absolutely stole the show. Their performance was hilarious and had us laughing from beginning to end.
The cocktails were delicious too. We took our own drinks, with one member of our group bringing beers while the rest of us shared a 70cl bottle of vodka. Everything was really well organised, and we were pleasantly surprised that we still had a good amount of our bottle left by the end.
The whole experience was incredibly well put together, funny, immersive, and entertaining throughout.
I would highly recommend it to anyone. We all had an amazing time and would happily do it again. 😊🍸🎭✨
DD
Della
Jun 20, 2026
5.0
What an amazing experience thank you! We booked for a birthday celebration and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
The cocktails are next level every single one was absolutely delicious. In fact, I want to go back just for the drinks! 🤭
The staff were incredible such talented actors who stayed in character throughout and made the whole experience so much fun. We laughed, we drank, and surprisingly it was an absolute pleasure being locked in a jail cell! 😂
If you’re thinking about booking, do it you won’t regret it. Highly recommended! 🍸🚔🎉
JH
Joann Hilton
Jun 15, 2026
4.0
The gentleman that first greeted us was very good and explained things well. The actors were realistic and played along well even when you tried to talk with them they never came out of character. Unfortunately the experience itself was a little boring and I wouldn’t go again.
SB
Sarah Brogan
Jun 15, 2026
5.0
OMG, I booked this for my daughter’s hen. I had heard good reviews, but it was so much better than I thought it would be. The drinks were amazing, the atmosphere was spot on and we came out laughing so much, it really made our night. I would definitely recommend and I will be going again
FS
frazer scott
Jun 14, 2026
1.0
Bring your own booze but leave your sense of humour at the front door,
Where to start,
Firstly the whole idea of smuggling your booze in Is very lazy at best, your bottles are checked before you even enter and that kind of sucks the fun out of it, you could walk up with it in your hands and not even get a second look at
The drinks (or drink in our case) could have been made with anyone’s smuggled in booze (we got kicked out after 15 mins and received our bottles back with both bottles half empty one rum and one vodka so not entirely sure where the rum went)
The guards and warden don’t have a sense of humour and we was booted out after one of our party made a joke to another person in the party, they over heard and didn’t like the sense of humour and kicked us out (just to clarify this joke was not racially or ethically or derogatory in anyway)
I’d sit this one out if you have any sort of funny bone in your body as you’d just be wasting your money and time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
What do I need to bring?
As part of the Alcotraz Experience, guests are required to bring their own liquor which you will smuggle into the Penitentiary. Please bring base spirits such as Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila or Whisky. The bootlegging gang inside Alcotraz have found that a 35cl bottle of spirit per two inmates or 70cl bottle per four is the easiest to get past The Warden. If coming in larger groups, please bring as few variations of spirit as possible within the group.
Alcotraz operates a closed bottle policy meaning we will not accept any bottles previously opened. Please only bring new, unopened and sealed bottles.
All bitters, purees, juices, syrups, liqueurs and other ingredients that go into making delicious cocktails are included within entry price so please simply bring your own choice of liquor.
What happens if I am running late?
Please bring ID and arrive promptly for your sentence slot.
If you are late to your sentence and have a ticket you will still be processed, as long as you arrive within 30 minutes of your experience start time. Unfortunately, if you are running over 30 minutes late for your experience you will be unable to enter.
Will I be in a Private Cell?
The Alcotraz Prison Cells vary in size and can hold between 2 to 6 inmates. If attending in a small group of 2 or 3, we will do our best to ensure that you are kept separate from others and receive your own cell but on occasion this is not always possible and there is a chance that you may end up within the same cell as another couple or small group.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Unfortunately we are unable to refund or cancel bookings, however, it is possible to move your booking to another day if we are given 48 hours notice prior to your visit. In order to do this, please email thewarden@alcotraz.co.uk.
What is included in the experience?
You get approximately 4 personalised cocktails delivered by our expert mixologists, using the liquor you smuggle in with you. All mixers, bitters, syrups and other ingredients that go into making your gang delicious cocktails are included in the ticket price, so please simply bring your own spirit of choice.
Included within the ticket price is also a fully immersive experience, involving highly talented actors, unique storylines and impressive set design. Your experience will last 1 hour 45 minutes and inmates will be provided with their own orange jumpsuit for the duration of their time behind bars.
Those that really want to get involved will soon be trying out their American accent and telling the Warden what they are in for! Those that would prefer to sit back and enjoy are welcome to do that too, whilst enjoying personalised cocktails in this unique and fun world.
What do I wear to Alcotraz?
For processing and conviction, we recommend that you wear light clothing as you will be required to wear a standard-issue Alcotraz orange jumpsuit (provided) for the duration of your stay.
How long will I spend at Alcotraz?
Your experience will last 1 hour 45 minutes, and inmates will be provided with their own orange jumpsuit for the duration of their time behind bars.
Is the experience scary?
Alcotraz may be an immersive experience, but is not scary. We have actors working inside the prison who help bring to life a fun, lighthearted experience for guests. However, if at any time guests do not act respectful and polite towards actors and the venue then they run the risk of their experience being cut short.
Is it good for hen parties?
Absolutely! Alcotraz is loved by hen parties based on the cocktails, photo opportunities and fun show brought to live by the actors. On top of this, you can make the bride to be the Janitor for the experience by adding this on at checkout.
What do I need to bring to Alcotraz Manchester?
Guests must bring their own unopened liquor such as Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila or Whisky. Bitters, mixers, and other cocktail ingredients are provided.
What should I wear during the Alcotraz Experience?
Light clothing is recommended as you will be required to wear a standard-issue Alcotraz orange jumpsuit provided for the duration of the experience.
How long does the Alcotraz Manchester experience last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including immersive storytelling and cocktail service.
Can I get a refund or cancel my booking at Alcotraz?
Refunds are not available, but bookings can be moved to another day if you provide at least 48 hours notice by emailing thewarden@alcotraz.co.uk.
Is the Alcotraz experience suitable for hen parties?
Yes, it is popular for hen parties with fun cocktails, photo opportunities, and immersive show. You can also add the option to make the bride the Janitor at checkout.
What are the opening hours of Alcotraz Manchester?
Alcotraz is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 19:05 to 20:50, Thursday and Friday until 23:15, Saturday from 12:00 to 23:15, and Sunday from 14:15 to 20:50. It is closed on Mondays.
Is Alcotraz Manchester wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it has wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator, seating, and restrooms, ensuring accessibility for all guests.
Can you recommend places near Alcotraz Manchester for before or after my visit?
You might enjoy visiting Kielys Irish Bar for a casual pub atmosphere or The Goat Mcr theatre for arts and entertainment. Also nearby are the Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Hotel and The Edwardian Manchester hotel if you need accommodation.
Is there nearby parking when visiting Alcotraz Manchester?
Great Northern Tower nearby offers parking facilities, making it convenient if you are driving to Alcotraz.
How can public transport help me reach Alcotraz Manchester?
While specific transit stations are not listed, Alcotraz is located at 1A Watson Street in central Manchester, close to many city center transport links, making it easy to reach by public transit.
Brand Certified Facts from Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
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