With over 500,000 residents, Manchester is a city where something is always going on. You’ve got young lads heading to the pub, women dressed to the nines going to clubs, and best of all, an assortment of singles on Manchester hookup apps looking for a good time.
While our city might have an abundance of hangouts where you can definitely get laid, one of the top destinations if you want to get lucky is online. We’ve rounded up the top 3 hookup apps and sites in Manchester that have worked for us over the years. This is where you should start if you want to get laid in Manchester:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
“Manchester has a hard-earned reputation for its wild nightlife,” travel journalist Cathy Toogood explains. While there are plenty of places to party all night in the city ‘that thinks a table is for dancing on’, there’s also a huge selection of cosy historic pubs, cool cocktail bars and trendy music venues.
On top of that, at any given moment, some lad is sneaking off with an attractive stranger for a shag. As a dating coach who has spent plenty of time in this city, I know this to be true from personal experience. Hopefully, at least a few of those times, you’ll find it out too. Indeed, finding Manchester hookups is simply a matter of getting out there and meeting people.
“We talk to anyone and everyone,” says Manchester-based journalist Kelly O’ Hara. “Whether it's in a shop, on the street, on a bus or even during an intimate date with you, we love a good natter with a stranger.”
With that said, it’s not always easy to find the type of women you’re really looking for. While there’s no shortage of pubs and lounges in this city, decent ones are few and far between.
For that reason, I pulled together a small team of local dating experts and we decided to curate this list of the unbeatable Manchester hookup bars, sites and apps. With the help of locals from the Northern Quarter to Cheetham Hill, we found the best pubs, clubs and lounges. We also tried out apps and sites galore, all to find the ones that really work. We aren’t in Winwick; there’s no reason it should be hard to find a hookup buddy.
Whether you’re a student at U of Manchester or you’re a working stiff, there’s something here for you. Keep reading, and comment below if we’ve left anything off our list.
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Manchester
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Beyond Ages frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Manchester hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Table of Contents
Our favorite spots to find Manchester hookups
Good things come to those who get off their arse and find them. If you’re in need of a quickie shag, try these Manchester hookup sites, apps, and bars.
Cloud 23’s where young Manchester hookups happen
@Cloud23Bar
It’s hard to truly appreciate a place until you’ve gazed upon it from high above. That’s why we’re regular patrons at Cloud 23, a restaurant and cocktail bar on the 23rd floor of Beetham Tower.
Located atop the Hilton, this cocktail and champagne bar has amazing panoramic views of Manchester. Many of our city’s most attractive cougars frequent this bar, and even younger ladies of a certain status come often. If you have a keen eye for beauty, you’ll want to be at Cloud 23.
What Other People Are Saying About Cloud23 Bar
Μάριος Ρέμπας - Google Maps
“I have never seen a bar like this. First of all it's on the 23th floor with a astonishing view. Secondly it's very elegant with kinda affordable menu! A must see when you visit Manchester.”
The best hookup app in Manchester is AFF from our experience (try it free)
Roughly one in five UK residents are using dating apps according to data from Statista, so it makes sense that you should have a presence there too.
“The world of internet courtship has grown over the past few years with swipe-based apps dominating the market by offering free access to millions of other single people based on location,” confirms Manchester Evening News journalist Stephen Hurrell. “Some apps are more suited to casual dating while others focus on providing users with like-minded people seeking more long-term commitments.”
The majority of hookups are starting online now so you just can't avoid it. Out of all the apps out there we've found that AFF is the easiest way for single guys to actually find success. With over 60 million active members, a lot of them in Manchester, there's a reason why it's so popular.
From what we've seen, most guys are going to get their best results using AFF, especially if they're tired of wasting time and money.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review. Take a little time and sign up for their free trial below. It's been the best experience so far for us.
What people think of AFF
u/Changeusername5 - Reddit
“I think it partially comes down to the area you live in. I live within 30 minutes of a large city and have had decent success with the website. Yes, there are bots but they’re pretty easy to spot. Assume that any girl who has model looks or professional photos is likely fake. I find it humorous that a guy who is, say a 5 on a scale of 1 through 10, falls for messages from a gal who’s clearly way out of his league. When I message women on there I typically focus on those that are 7 or 8’s, as most bots use very attractive photos of themselves to reel in suckers.”
Justin T - SiteJabber
“Some fake profiles, just weed through them and don't waste your time. With a little bit of patience you will sure find some real members. Adultfriendfinder still pretty much kicks $#*!. In my honest opinion adult sites like Adultfriendfinder still work better than any popular dating app. At least everyone on here is pretty much forward and gets straight to the point”
The best Manchester pickup bars we've tried
From your local pub to the trendiest lounges, the bar scene is where to meet Manchester girls. Here are our favourites.
Twenty Twenty Two throws a killer party
@TTTMCR
If you’re looking for the best place to pick up girls in Manchester, you want Twenty Twenty Two.
This artsy establishment is a cross between your best mate’s flat and the coolest uni party you ever attended. The ping pong tables are, of course, one of the biggest draws to this bar. Everyone has a blast coming out to play a few matches. Come for the Tuesday night tournaments, or try to beat the bartenders on Thursday nights to win a round.
Every night is a party (especially during their three-hour Happy Hour), and what is a party without girls? Twenty Twenty Two never disappoints in that regard. There are always plenty of ladies drinking about. It might not be the most sophisticated scene in the city. They might not mix the finest martinis in England. But they sure as hell know how to throw a party.
hat Other People Are Saying About Twenty Twenty Two
Lou Gibson - Google Maps
“Cracking place for a good giggle on a night. A must for competitive teams and cheap cocktails.”
The Liars Club brings a tropical flair to Manchester hookups
@TheLiarsClubMCR
We aren’t advocates for dishonesty. But there is something poetic about a great hookup bar being called The Liars Club. No, this isn’t a place where politicians gather. It’s actually a Tiki-style bar where people go for good drinks and nights of debauchery. Head up to the bar, order one of their tropical-themed cocktails and get your night going strong.
Tiki bars have earned a reputation for being tacky or too brightly lit. The Liars Club is anything but. Though it fully embraces the tropical style, it’s still a cozy, dimly lit bar for intimate connections. The mix of afro beats and hip hop music in the background keeps the vibe light and fun. Make no mistake, though, this bar is plenty sexy.
What Other People Are Saying About The Liars Club
Ms. M - Google Maps
“Dancing shoes are a must for this place. The music is so on point. The Dj knows his stuff. It's a vibrant atmosphere and amazing service.”
Arcane - A classy way to get laid in Manchester
@arcanebar
The secret to a good hookup bar is the atmosphere. Sure, the drinks should be tasty, and the company should be down for anything, but the atmosphere sets the mood. By those metrics, Arcane Cocktail Bar is far and away one of the best Manchester hookup bars. Set in the basement of a Victorian building, this cocktail lounge has atmosphere to spare.
When you descend into Arcane, you’ll immediately notice how the low lighting sets off the eye-catching Victorian features. Thankfully, the good vibes don’t stop there. The bartenders mix some of the best cocktails in the city, and the cozy lounge seating is particularly inviting. If you come to Arcane, don’t expect to leave alone. It’s just that good.
What Other People Are Saying About Arcane
Dennis Bauszus - Google Maps
“We've had great house cocktails and made good company while staying at the Arcane until close which was slightly after 3am on a Sunday morning. Very much enjoyed our time.”
The hookup apps in Manchester dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on hookup apps in Manchester
UK Finance figures reveal that British dating app users lost a combined £18.5 million to online romance scams in the first half of 2023.
“In addition to the financial losses, these crimes often involve callous manipulation of the victim, which can cause psychological and emotional harm,” said Ben Donaldson, the managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, after the release of these figures.
“The only way we will prevent fraud is if other sectors do much more to help us deal with the criminality which is increasingly taking place on their platforms.”
The following tips will help to prevent you from falling victim to this scam.
- Keep your personal data private. Many scammers peruse dating apps looking for the information to commit identity theft.
- Take steps to identify catfish. Most romance scammers use fake pictures. You can often identify them through a reverse image search on Google or (even better) by asking them for a video call.
- Be aware of their excuses. Romance scammers will always have a reason why they can’t meet for an in-person date for a while. After building an online relationships with you, they’ll fabricate emergencies in which they urgently need to borrow money.
- Don’t send money to online strangers. If you follow this simple rule, you’ll never fall victim to an online romance scam. “Never give money to someone you haven’t met, no matter how well you think you know them,” says Dan Parkinson, City of London police spokesperson. “If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, speak to trusted friends and family members and get their advice.”
The best clubs for finding hookups in Manchester
While the bar scene is great for chatting up birds, the clubs are where your body does the talking. These are the best clubs for picking up Manchester girls.
The Venue Nightclub wants everyone to have a good time
@thevenuemanchester
The nightclub will always be full of single girls hoping to meet a guy. The blend of music, dancing, dim lighting and, of course, strong drinks is an ideal cocktail for socialising. The clubs you frequent should reflect the type of girls you’re attracted to and the music scene you enjoy. If you’re into Indie music and hip chicks, The Venue is the best place to pick up girls in Manchester.
Located on Jacksons Row, The Venue Nightclub is one of the trendiest late-night hangouts in all of Manchester. The crowd can get a bit hipster-ish, but you won’t mind when you see the beautiful babes. It’s far and away one of the finest selections of girls in the entire city. That’s true whether you’re there for their massive DJ nights, fun Disco throwbacks or even pub trivia.
The Venue defies being pigeonholed into a single type of establishment, mixing the eternally cool with modern trends. It is that very openness to doing whatever feels good that appeals to the young, hip ladies in the crowd. Add this spot to your regular rotation and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best weekends of your life.
What Other People Are Saying About The Venue Nightclub
Jimmy Stewart - Google Maps
“Loved it here. Proper tunes. Proper prices. Proper people. Anyone whinging needs to give their head a wobble. Not many spots like this left anymore.”
Best places to meet sexy Manchester girls during the day
Manchester is a big enough city to include something for everyone. Here are a few more "day" options to ensure that your Manchester hookups never get boring.
The Oast House brings people together
@oasthouse.manchester
In these parts, we have to take advantage of the sun whenever we can. That’s probably why beer gardens have started to catch on. Drinking in a dark pub is fine when it’s raining but why stay stuck inside on those rare sunny days? The Oast House in Crown Square at the Avenue Courtyard understands the joys of drinking outdoors.
This rustic pub has a great selection of international-style foods to go with its assortment of beers and cocktails. The obvious draw though is their outdoor space where people hang out from afternoon to evening. People are always enjoying themselves here, which is the perfect atmosphere for making a new friend, or hopefully, getting cool hookups in Manchester.
What Other People Are Saying About The Oast House
Martin Roberts - Google Maps
“Popped in for a drink before Xmas meal. What an atmosphere! Outside & inside. Live music complimented the space.”
Caffé Nero is where the uni girls find hookups in Manchester
@caffenero
Manchester is a city of universities, and all the better for it. The bevy of beautiful girls that can be seen flying from lecture to lecture is why God created eyes. Of course, those gals need to take a study break from time to time.
For the girls at Manchester Metropolitan University, the top spot for relaxing is the Caffé Nero on Oxford Road. It’s not especially trendy or hip, but it is comfortable and perfect for casual chats. If you love a girl with some book smarts, it’ll be one of your favourite pick-up joints in the city.
What Other People Are Saying About Caffe Nero
Peake - Google Maps
“This was a fantastic shop to get hot drinks at with my friend, harboring a classic design including the mirrors! The staff were friendly, the counter is well-presented and the service was solid for both a white and hot chocolate on my Tastecard discount. The seating is comfortable, cleanliness had been maintained and the frames add to the wall too!”
PureGym has the fittest fit girls in Manchester
@puregym
If being charming in a Tinder bio sounds like too much work, maybe just aim for those six-pack abs. Getting into shape is one tried and true way for getting laid in Manchester - and almost everywhere.
With its spacious facilities, the PureGym on Market Street is among the best places to pick up girls in Manchester. At any given time, you’ll find yourself working out alongside a dozen or more fit babes. Meet girls while working on your body; the very definition of killing two birds with one stone.
What Other People Are Saying About PureGym
Richard Smith - Google Maps
“Great range of equipment, friendly staff, lots of space.”
Cain and Grain shamelessly initiates Manchester hookups
@caneandgrainmcr
If you’ve ever been to New York City, you know there’s a certain vibe in their bars that feels distinct. That’s especially true among Brooklyn dive bars where band posters and distressed wood melds into a cohesive grungy-but-sexy style. The Cain and Grain on Thomas Street has done a miraculous job of recreating that style here in Manchester.
Spread over three floors, Cain and Grain is a taproom built for lovers of burgers, ribs and cocktails. The moment you enter the ground floor, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 80s. The bar owners faithfully recreate that era’s skate culture, but the bar is so much more. When the cocktail lounges and pubs have gotten stale and boring, hit up Cain and Grain for a unique experience.
What Other People Are Saying About Cain and Grain
David “Ormy” - Google Maps
“We didn't eat here but the food that was coming out looked great. There is another bar upstairs that is a speakeasy theme, beautiful bar. Downstairs is great, lots of salvage for that industrial look. Loved it in here. Will definitely return.”
Other great spots to get laid in Manchester
Sometimes the best things are just right there in your pocket. Almost every hot girl on the planet has some sort of online presence be it Instagram, Facebook and, Tinder, our favorite, and most reliable way to find hookups in Manchester. All you've got to do is install the app, add a bunch of your best photos and start chatting. It's really that easy/
Tinder is still a decent hookup app
There are around 1,400 dating apps that UK residents can try out these days according to data gathered by The Telegraph. Tinder is the most well-known by some distance. A brand recognition survey by Statista ranked it was the most-recognised dating app among UK residents.
In fact, for all of you reading this between classes at Metropolitan University or the University of Manchester, Tinder is old news. On college campuses around the world, this app has long been the go-to choice for easy shags. When it launched in 2012, Tinder immediately became a sensation among Millennials. Since then, its reputation has taken a wee hit.
The thing about Tinder is that, while it’s easy to use, it can also be incredibly frustrating. Sure, every other swipe reveals yet another unbelievably fit woman. No Manchester hookup apps besides Tinder have so many gorgeous ladies - who aren’t spam accounts. So why is it so hard to actually meet any of these women? It probably feels to you like they must not respond to anyone. Here’s the secret: you’re usually right.
A lot of the most beautiful women on Tinder never respond to messages. They just enjoy the ego boost that comes with non-stop matches and compliments. If you want any hope of connecting with a gorgeous woman, you better be extremely hot and young to boot. The only men that get much traction on Tinder are those in the top 10-15% of looks. Almost everyone else gets ignored. That’s doubly so if you’re older than 30, no matter your gender. The unofficial age range for Tinder is 18-28. Any older and you’re practically invisible.
Currently, the makers behind Tinder are trying to refocus on being a relationship app. Whatever they try, Tinder will always be tops among Manchester hookup apps for attractive people. If that includes you, congratulations, you’re going to have amazingly sexy hookups.
What people think of Tinder
Megan B. - SiteJabber
“I have been using this app for years and met a lot of people off this app. Not sure why it doesn't have a better rating.”
Porter J. - SiteJabber
“Tinder has revolutionized the way we find love! This incredible app has made dating exciting and accessible like never before. With its user-friendly interface and innovative matching algorithm, Tinder brings people together effortlessly. I love the variety it offers, allowing me to meet amazing individuals from diverse backgrounds. It's a delightful experience, filled with countless possibilities and genuine connections. Thanks to Tinder, my social life has blossomed, and I'm grateful for the endless opportunities it presents. Highly recommended!”
Frequently Asked Questions on Manchester Hookups
Is Manchester good for singles?
Not only is Manchester is the most populous city in England, but it has one of the highest percentage of singletons; around 55%, according to a recent report by The Independent.
Mancunians are very friendly and there’s no shortage of great venues for singles to mingle. Yet, the majority of locals still believe it’s tough to date in their city.
In a poll administered by EHarmony, 51% of Mancunians said they had been single for at least 10 years. What’s more, two thirds of the single respondents said they felt like they’d be single forever.
Instead of being put off by these stats, we recommend you take them as a sign that there are plenty of lonely women looking for relationships in this city.
Is there a hook-up culture in Manchester?
Manchester is a huge UK city, plus there are FOUR universities in the county of Greater Manchester, so it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that hook-up culture is rife here.
“Generally speaking, Brits are pretty open about sex,” explains Sophie Dallison, a journalist for GBMag. “Sexual innuendo is the basis for a lot of British humour and the entire nation becomes shamelessly enraptured by ‘Love Island’ every summer.”
What is the best hookup app in Manchester?
Your best bet would be Tinder as it's the most commonly used dasting app in the UK, according to OFCOM figures. However, feel free to try out AFF and eHarmony for a higher chance of finding an actual hookup.
Is it expensive to date in Manchester?
When the dating website ‘Elite Singles’ conducted a study to measure the cost of an average date in 15 major English cities, Manchester ranked as the sixth cheapest. You can expect to spend less than singles the average English bloke when wooing women in Manchester, according to this study at least.
In even better news, 47% of Brits polled by tech website Cybercrew.uk said they prefer to split the bill on a first date.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
References:
Brignall, M. (2023) UK consumers lose £580m to fraudsters in first half of 2023, figures reveal. The Guardian.
Brooks, E. (2024) How to find and meet single cougars in 2024. Beyond Ages.
Buchholz, K. (2023) How the world dates online. Statista.
Cernik, L. (2022) ‘It felt like losing a husband’: The fraudsters breaking hearts - and emptying bank accounts. The Guardian.
Dutton, S. (2019) The best dating websites for Manchester singles to use in 2019. Manchester Evening News.
EHarmony (2020) Manchester dating: Tips to fall in love in the north-west.
Great British Mag (2019) British students and sex: everything you need to know.
Hurrell, S. (2023) The best dating sites in Manchester for 2023. Manchester Evening News.
Kunst, A. (2023) Leading dating services ranked by brand awareness in the United Kingdom in 2023. Statista.
Ohara, K. (2016) 17 things you should know before dating a girl from manchester. Cosmopolitan.
Russell, K. & Astill, R. (2024) The 26 best dating sites and apps if you’re looking for love. The Telegraph.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024. Beyond Ages.
Stojcheva, L. (2023) Dating statistics for the UK — How many people are on Tinder? CyberCrew.
Toogood, C. (2023) The best bars in Manchester. The Telegraph.
Watson, S. (2019) The price of love: What does a typical date night cost? Elite Singles.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Beyond Ages, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
