Science & Industry

Tucked away behind the rustic wood and skate‑crate panelling of Cane & Grain (49–51 Thomas St), Science & Industry is Manchester’s best‑kept cocktail secret. You’ll find it beyond a hidden door, ascending a staircase to an intimate, opulent lounge filled with leather booths, warm pendant lighting, and elegant bee‑themed wallpaper. This bar doubles as a drinks laboratory, where award‑winning mixologists like Massimo Zitti craft cutting‑edge cocktails using techniques inspired by chemistry—think distillation, crystallisation, and even “edible perfumes” sprayed onto glass rims. The drinks menu is cleverly grouped into Past (classic favourites), Present (timeless cocktails), and Future (experimental creations like fairy‑tale‑inspired infusions). Beyond the inventive libations, the bar hosts cocktail masterclasses (e.g., “The Perfect Serve” for around £35pp) and live blues on Sundays, all framed by decorative touches like antique glassware and quirky taxidermy squirrels. Behind its speakeasy style and science‑themed aesthetic lies a space that’s equal parts mysterious, sophisticated, and warmly welcoming—a perfect spot for aficionados and curious newcomers alike.