Side Street Manchester unveils Side Space, new cocktail menu and Good Custard’s Friday residency

Side Street, the acclaimed bar in the heart of Manchester, has unveiled Side Space, a cosy new lounge featuring a vinyl listening wall, plush interiors, and an inventive new cocktail menu inspired by the classics.

The relaunched Side Space brings a laid-back, 70s house party feel to St. John’s, with velvet furniture, low lighting, and a wall of vinyls and a record player where guests can bring their own records to spin on Wednesdays, 6-9pm. The space is open Wednesday to Saturday nights, with curated vinyl evenings launching later this year, and is also available for private hire all week.

Fridays see the party continue across the venue with Side Street Lates – a weekly late-night takeover from Good Custard DJs. The Manchester-based collective brings a rotating line-up of selectors spinning funk, disco, house, and dance from 8pm to 3am.

At the bar, a new 13-strong cocktail menu showcases a journey through the history of cocktails, from timeless staples to modern creations. Each drink takes a classic serve and reimagines it using contemporary culinary techniques and unexpected ingredients, without losing the soul of the original.

The Sazerac, dating back to 1838, is rebuilt with rye, cognac and apricot soda. The Penicillin, a more recent invention, combines mezcal with pear and ginger for a smoky, warming twist. The French 75 swaps out traditional gin for rum in a nod to the 1915 original, while the Sidecar — which gained popularity in the 1920s — is reworked using Calvados, coconut, and mango.

Ant Everett, General Manager at Side Street, said:
“Our new menu focuses on taking classic cocktails and reinventing them. We’re using homemade tinctures to deliver bold flavours in just a few drops – like our chilli tincture for spicy margaritas – and experimenting with sous vide techniques to create rich, deep infusions, such as our tonka bean syrup. We’re also exploring edible garnishes, like our house-made rose gel. It’s about rethinking familiar drinks in a way that’s accessible but exciting – something guests will remember.”

To celebrate the launch, Side Street is introducing two new happy hours. From Tuesday to Friday, 5-7pm, guests can enjoy margaritas, French 75s and Aperol Spritz for £7. And from midnight to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, the late-night crowd can tap into the ‘if you know, you know’ happy hour with £7 espresso martinis.

Side Space is also available for private hire – ideal for everything from creative pop-ups and brand launches to intimate celebrations and after-hours get-togethers. With its own entrance, full bar access, and one-of-a-kind vibe, it’s a flexible and stylish option for private events in the city.

Side Street is open Tuesday to Thursday ‘til late, Friday and Saturday until 3am, and Sundays until 8pm.