The Launderette You Didn’t Know Housed Manchester’s Coolest Bar
Written by Ruby Bradshaw
If you’re from Manchester, you’ve probably walked past this hidden bar without even realizing. While they don’t offer any actual laundry services, a few of their fun cocktails might just help you forget that part… Disguised as a launderette, this place is full of surprises - a disco loo, a photobooth, a slide and even a secret menu!
We visited The Washhouse on a Friday afternoon and despite initial thoughts, it was a fun, chilled atmosphere. I thought, who goes for funky cocktails at 3pm? But there were parties celebrating birthdays, couples starting date nights and friends just enjoying a catch up.
When you first walk in, you’re greeted by a vending machine, a couple of washing machines (of course), a CCTV display and an old-school telephone. To get in, you actually have to ring the phone and the receiver will tell you how to gain access to the stairs that lead you up to your table. Every cocktail is inspired by a different conspiracy theory. We tried some of their most popular cocktails and also some from their secret menu. The secret menu is hidden in the conspiracy menu you’re given, you just have to find it! (We may or may not have been given a hint from the table next to us).
The Atlantis cocktail was tart and citrussy as described and was beautifully presented with flowers and grapefruit slices. With every arrival of a cocktail, the staff explain the theory behind it. Atlantis, first mentioned by Plato around 360 BCE, was a powerful island said to have sunk into the sea. Some believe its advanced knowledge was lost or hidden by secret societies, with theories placing it in the Bermuda Triangle, Antarctica, or even under the Sahara.
Have you ever seen a baby pigeon? Birds Aren’t Real was a fun, fruity cocktail displayed in a bird's nest. This drink highlights the theory that pigeons, in particular, are drones planted by the government to keep tabs on us. The theory claims that pigeons have cameras in their eyes, microphones in their beaks, and some even suggest facial recognition software to track humans. Pigeons are a favorite target because they’re everywhere, often unbothered by humans, and frequently seen perched on power lines (which, in the theory, is how they “recharge”). It’s a wild theory but definitely made for a fun drink.
My favourite cocktail was Alien Abduction, with ube ice cream, they didn’t lie when they said it’s out of this world. In 1961, the Betty and Barney Hill reported being followed by a strange light while driving through New Hampshire. After experiencing two hours of missing time, they later recalled being taken aboard a spacecraft by extraterrestrials and subjected to medical examinations. Their story became one of the first widely known alien abduction accounts and still fuels conspiracy theories about government cover-ups today. The cocktail was like a floral dessert with lavender vodka that paired perfectly with the ice cream.
One of their most talked about drinks – Soft Brex-fast – can only be found on their secret menu and it truly deserves it’s hype. You receive a bowl of cocoa pops on creamy foam with a side cocktail which you can either add to your bowl or enjoy on it’s own! This is definitely a must when visiting. Another one from the secret menu, Instagram This, is a great way to capture the night as this cocktail comes with a special polaroid the staff take for you.
We also tried Castreudau. A flavour combo outside my usual picks: with cola foam, perique, maple syrup, Havana Especial and lime. It struck a nice balance between smoky and sweet, topped off with a coffee chocolate stick on the side.
The bathroom is honestly part of the fun, with DJ Electric Emma playing disco tunes and a big red ‘Do Not Press’ button (which, of course, we pressed). We did not get to see Emma due to the time we were there however I don’t doubt she is amazing. We had heard about the secret slide and couldn’t believe how easy it was to find. At the top there’s a photobooth and loads of neon signs, perfect for photo opportunities.
Cocktails average around £15, which might seem a bit steep at first. But really, the whole experience, with each unique drink and the vibe of the bar, makes it worth it. You are definitely paying for the experience as well as your drinks. The staff and service was so attentive and also really quick considering all that goes into the drinks. They also offer shots and snacks if you want to mix things up. To watch our full experience, you can check out our Instagram.
You can find The Washhouse on Instagram here and for booking, you can make a reservation on their website here.
