Black Dog Ballroom

Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Good for: American Bar Beer Casual Cocktails Groups Hen / Stag do Late bar Out with mates

Booze, food and pool is on the menu at Northern Quarter’s Black Dog Ballroom, a New York-style speakeasy hidden downstairs at the iconic Manchester institution that is Afflecks.

Food is provided by Chinese street food favourite, Salt & Pepper who specialise in all things deep-fried. Get your mitts on their signature chicken wings with garlic, chilli and salt and pepper seasoning or try the crispy beef smothered in Cantonese-style sauce. Pick between crinkle fries or rice as a side, and don’t forget to stock up on dipping sauces – there are seven to choose from.

From California to Washington, you can take a road trip through the cocktails, highballs and copas menu, while beers include Sierra Nevada Pale, Anchor Steam and Kona Big Wave, hailing from off-campus state Hawaii. Usually open until 4am (5am on Saturdays), happy hour runs 4-8pm and there’s free pool on a Wednesday. Did we mention there are pool tables? Don’t forget to shoot some, if you can still see straight.

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news, tips, articles, guides and updates from Confidential Guides? Sign up here.