Socio Rehab, Manchester

Great place

It's been a while since I've been to Socio Rehab, but like the others have said, this is one of the best places in the city for cocktails (my personal favourite being the Sandra Chesterton, apparently named after a porn star tasting like strawberry cheesecake and featuring copious amounts of booze and ice-cream).

The space inside is tiny (aside from the space-age seating, you'll feel like you're in someone's living room), so get there early if you want a seat. Unlike a lot of cocktail places, the staff here are seriously speedy, so don't be put off by the idea of waiting at the bar for ages while they knock you up an an alcoholic masterpiece.

Having lived in London for a couple of years now, when I return the prices of £7-9 a cocktail no longer faze me, but compared to some nearby places in the Northern Quarter this might seem expensive. But if you're going to splash out on cocktails anywhere, then this is the place. Trust me. When you've finished slurping drinks made with raspberry ripple vodka, rocky road ice-cream or Hersheys chocolate syrup, you'll thank me.

Socio Rehab seems to have a bit of a 'marmite' effect. You either love it or hate it. I for one absolutely love it.

It's small, intimate (sometimes too intimate as it does get extremely busy at the weekend) and very 'trendy', although I'm loath to use that word. The cocktails aren't cheap but they are the best. I've never found a better cocktail than the ones served here. They range from about £6.50-£8.50 but are worth every penny, in my opinion. The staff actually take pride in their cocktails (unlike some places I could mention. Bluu, I'm looking at you) and seem like they genuinely love working there. Which is always nice to see.

Try the Disco Baby. Absinthe. Something else. Something else again. A jelly baby on top. With a glow stick stuck in it. Just don't blame me if you have no memory after imbibing one.

On first entering this place you would be excused for thinking that they are in the process of furnishing, it is so sparse, but then this is no Living Room. Some rocket-fuel drinks to match the space age outfits of the clientele make this a perfect place to stock up on your units before heading to a club. The bar staff are especially enthusiastic and can knock up a good cocktail in minutes. Not somewhere I would go for a relaxing beer (or any beer in fact judging by the draft selection) but excellent for a Friday or Saturday pre-night of revelry. Although it has its share of the fashionable it doesn't share the same pretentious atmosphere of other bars in the centre. One of the better independent bars in the trendy Northern Quarter and a good novelty spot for weekend guests and visitors to the City.

I love this wee bar, but agree with the below comments that it is one for the girls in particular (although my boyfriend seems rather partial to their peanut butter flip, umm!)

Barstaff are very lovely, always up for a bit of banter and seem happy to be there, unlike in some cocktail places where you feel almost guilty for ordering something that will take them more than 10 seconds to pour.

Nice atmosphere, good service and brilliant drinks… a must-go-to bar if you are in the Northern Quarter! (v. near the hard to miss Bluu for those who don’t know the area)
Oh and the Tiki themed bar beside here (same owners as Socio’s) is also pretty good, especially the 'bowl’ sized cocktails for sharing.

Top bar, top cocktails, good crowd, good music.

The best cocktails in the city. I’ve tried plenty of places that claim they have the best cocktails but Socio wins. Probably best cocktails in the country but I can only compare to London.

Between £6 - £8 on average for a cocktail. You’ll be well on your way after just one though.

My favourite - Gingerbread Manhattan - cool twist on a classic. Try their normal Manhattan too - awesome.

One of those bars for those in the know, if you’re from out of town you won’t spot it, just a simple door. Once inside you are greeted with a smallish low ceilinged bar that serves some of the best cocktails in the city.

Not cheap but then good quality, should be enough choice on the menu to keep you amused, if not they have some great bar staff who can make pretty much everything. Decent DJ in the far end. Don’t miss the party trick 'setting the bar alight’, stand back, real flames, real burns :)

Rodeo’s sister venue, Socio Rehab, is a larger bar, more suited to a big gathering.

Serving fine cocktails and a good range of spirits, Socio Rehab manages to provide a relaxed atmosphere, even when busy and bustling at the weekend.

With different seating areas, low lighting and interesting art on the walls, Socio Rehab comes highly recommended.

By far my favourite bar in Manchester. Situated in the Northern Quarter this is one of the smaller bars but what it lacks in size it makes up for in fantastic cocktails. It’s a funky bar and attracts a glamorous, clued up clientele. You’ll be lucky to get a seat but the same goes for most bars so don’t let that put you off. The cocktail menu is vast and it’s a joy to watch the bar staff mix you up what can sometimes resemble a piece of artwork. I love a Rainbow Road and often just look at it wondering whether I should drink it or take it home and put it on the mantelpiece!

A great place for a cocktail. It is very small inside and when I went there was no where to sit but the atmosphere made up for it. Pricey but well worth it.

Fabulous for a girly night out, with an extensive range and variety of cocktails. The creamy cocktails are my favourite, and they are mixed very well. As you might expect, a night out with good drinks is going to be pricey but personally I think its worth it.

The staff are very amiable and helpful, they give good reccommendations, and the atmosphere is upbeat and friendly. I’ve found this place to be a great start to a night out, but it is too small to spend the whole night in. However, it os well placed in the Northern Quarter for a really great bar crawl.

Love it!

Good fun, good cocktails, Definately give it a go.

A definite must visit. The best cocktail bar in Manchester, by far. Original yet not pretentious. These guys really know what flavours work and love their stuff.They barstaff are also very knowledgeable and friendly.

This tiny bar is definately more one for the girls than the boys, due to the HUGE amount of tasty cocktails served here and the lack of beer on offer. Definately on the expensive side- as many of the bars in this area of town are- but you're paying for the quailty of your drink and the mixing expertise of the friendly staff. I can recommend the Rainbow Road cocktail, which comes complete with rainbow sweets (and a glow stick if you're really lucky).