The Liars Club is a basement tiki bar on Back Bridge Street, just off Deansgate. Down a flight of stairs into a dark room full of tiki masks, bamboo, and the kind of decor that shouldn’t work in Manchester but absolutely does. It’s been here since 2013 and it’s earned its reputation as one of the best late-night bars in the city.
The rum collection is enormous. Hundreds of bottles from everywhere rum is made. If you know what you want, they’ll have it. If you don’t, tell the bartenders what you like and they’ll sort you out. Cocktails are tiki-style — strong, fruity, served in ridiculous vessels. Mai tais, zombies, painkillers. They’re dangerously drinkable and stronger than they taste.
The late licence is key. Open until 3am or later on weekends when most of the city centre has shut. This makes it the default destination after everywhere else closes. It gets packed after midnight. Properly packed. Sardine-tin packed. If you want a table, arrive before 10pm.
Music is — hip hop, funk, soul, party music. DJs play on weekends. The volume goes up as the night goes on. By 1am it’s more club than bar.
Back Bridge Street is between Deansgate and Bridge Street. Central as anything. No food — eat before you come.
Start with one cocktail. End up staying until 3am. That’s how it goes.