North Pole Bar, Manchester

The North Pole bar is a temporary bar next to Urbis for the Christmas and New Year season. It’s the first time we have had such a place in Manchester and I hope it will return next year. The bar is white inside with upside-down Christmas trees hanging from the lighting rig above the centre of the bar. I found the service to be quick and efficient (it was Friday night so I was expecting to have to wait, but didn’t have to wait at all). Unfortunately I didn’t have time to sample any of their hot cocktails or stews, so I will have to make another visit soon.

The North Pole Bar is a festive addition to Manchester. A temporary structure next to the Urbis which offers food and drink all under the guise of a giant grotto. Christmas trees line the walk to the entrance and inside they hang upside down from the ceiling. A giant pole is adorned with signs pointing to points around the globe and twinkling lights are found throughout. It’s pretty enough but the wobbly tables remind you that it’s temporary and trying to find a seat can be near impossible.

Trying to get served is a nightmare but once you have that hot mulled wine in your hand or one of the other tempting hot drinks (yes they serve cold drinks/beers but after a few hours out in the cold it’s nice to at least have something to warm your hands!). They also serve up some tasty sounding stews and you can also book a table for a reasonably priced meal; I was surprised it was so cheap as I expected they would bump up the price for the novelty factor.

All in all it’s the kind of bar that you want to check out just so you can see what it is like inside, it’s intriguing to see a big tent and not investigate. They have a decent offering of winter warmers and it all adds to the festivities, I think one visit might be enough though!