Cane & Grain

Cane & Grain is a dynamic triple-floor venue tucked away in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, offering a mix of smoky BBQ, craft beers, inventive cocktails, and late-night energy — all under one roof. Upon stepping through the front doors at 49–51 Thomas Street, you enter the ground-floor “Rib Joint & Tap Room,” a laid-back space inspired by 1980s skate-shop culture. Expect the smell of slow-cooked ribs and smoky meats, big American-style burgers, wings and hearty sides like fries, beans, cornbread, slaw — perfect for sharing or a hungry solo meal. Craft beer and bourbon form the backbone of the drinks list here, with a good rotating selection of IPAs, pilsners and ales on tap. Climb the stairs, and the vibe shifts — the first floor reveals the “Science & Industry” cocktail bar: wood-panelled walls, antique glassware, old-school lounge styling and a moody, intimate atmosphere. Here the bartenders experiment, serving up craft cocktails with flair (and sometimes theatrical touches), making it a perfect spot for evening drinks or a quieter night out. Then there’s the top floor: the “Liars Lounge” — a more playful, tiki-inspired cocktail space with rum-heavy drinks and a more party-oriented atmosphere, ideal for late-night gatherings or a night out with friends. Overall, Cane & Grain feels like a bar with options: whether you want a relaxed beer and ribs lunch, a refined cocktail evening, or a lively night out with drinks and friends — it adapts. The mixture of ribs, bourbon, beer, cocktails, and varied atmospheres across floors gives Cane & Grain a garage-to-speakeasy-to-tiki-bar energy that stands out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.