The top five weird and wonderful bars in Manchester

From vintage havens to cloud bar heavens, Manchester’s bar scene has got it all. So it's fair to say as the UK's second largest urban area, the choice of where to spend your Friday night can be overwhelming. Now, I'll admit, when it comes to travelling the world, I've been around a bit. In both directions and back again. But when it comes to England, I'm surprisingly less travelled. I confess: I've not been to Manchester, or anywhere near it.

So, having never actually visited the world's first industrial city, we asked the pros at DesignMyNight to come up with their favourite watering holes. Leaving no stone (or cocktail glass) unturned, they've tried and tested out each and every bar in town to bring you lovely readers their top five picks from Manchester’s thriving and eclectic nightlife scene. Here, Jayne explains where to spend your weekend and your hard-earned pennies.

The Whim Wham Cafe |Whitworth Street West, off Oxford Road

If tea dresses and waxed moustaches are your thing, then The Whim Wham Café will be too. Nestling in a railway arch near Oxford Road station, this 'epicurean gin saloon' flaunts an authentic 1930's air through everything from décor to the wonderful gin cocktails made with homemade cordials and tinctures. With regular vintage fairs, burlesque shows, live music and the friendliest staff in town, The Whim Wham Cafe is your one way ticket to The Good Old Days. Your nan would feel right at home, which is always fine by us.

Luck, Lust Liquor and Burn | High Street, Northern Quarter

A slice of Bat Country in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this carefree Mexicali bar (ground floor) and restaurant (first floor) has some serious sass – and serious cocktails to match. Owners famously “drove from Vegas to Mexico in a frenetic haze of food and booze”, and returned to Manchester with an exciting menu of Mexican street food and exceptional cocktails including the Blueberryf**kmuffin, the Tijuana Tin Cup and the two pint, absinthe-fuelled Bat S**t Crazy. You heard us.

Cloud 23 | Beetham Tower, Deansgate

If it's 'top’ bars you're looking for then they don’t come much more literal than this. Looming over the city from its 23rd storey perch, the exclusive Cloud 23 really does have one (or twenty) over on Manchester’s other bars when it comes to sheer wow factor. Lounge areas named after the Greek Gods command panoramic views across the mere mortals below through floor-to-ceiling windows, while elixir comes in the form of a fabulous range of signature cocktails, fine wines and Champagnes. Heaven doesn’t come cheap though – so save this one for a special treat.

Gorilla | Whitworth Street West

With a stylish bar, large club room, excellent food menu and even its own Gin Parlour, this hip venue tucked into a railway arch underneath Oxford Road Station has something for everyone. From breakfast to the small hours, it buzzes with a cool Manchester crowd enjoying its many food, drink and music related treats. Gin enthusiasts should head straight upstairs to the Gin Parlour, where you can enjoy the best gins from around the world as well as fantastic gin cocktails in the cosy mezzanine den. Try the Gin Flip for a Werthers Original in a cocktail glass.

Richmond Tea Rooms | Richmond Street, off Canal Street

Would Madame care for Champagne tea in the Bedouin tent? Or maybe a few cocktails in the indoor greenhouse? Wherever you pull up a seat, this topsy turvy tea room and cocktail lounge will take you well and truly down the rabbit hole for a unique evening on the edge of Manchester’s famous LGBT village. Cocktails are inexpensive and delicious, while the well stocked cake counter tempts guests with Alice in Wonderland inspired signs inviting you to Eat Me and Drink Me. Well, it would be rude not to.

What about you? Do you know a quirky Manchester bar I should visit? Let me know below or on Twitter!