Unusual Venues for Hire in Manchester

Your Guide to Hiring Unusual Venues in Manchester

Now at this point, you’re probably thinking that we’re full of it, but there really are a lot of unique and unusual party venues in Manchester. You can find all sorts of spaces for hire, such as old industrial age mansions, a full-blown cathedral and an actual hangar with a Concorde parked inside. The most sought after unusual venue types in Manchester are:

• Museums – Looking for a venue that has a soul? Many Manchester museums are available for private hire. Museum spaces make an unusual backdrop for various events, including corporate meetings, conferences and weddings, too.

• Venues with a view – Spaces with an extraordinary view of the city are one of the most popular unusual venues in Manchester for parties. Hire a terrace bar in Spinningfields or a cool rooftop space in Northern Quarter and enjoy picture-perfect scenery that your guests will remember for a very long time.

• Photo studios – This may seem a bit uncommon, but many photo studios in Manchester are used for meetings, hen parties or even weddings. Most of these unusual venues work well as a blank canvas which you can customise and decorate according to your needs.

• Unusual conference venues and meeting rooms – Hiring a unique conference space or a quirky meeting room is the key to organising a gathering your attendees will remember. Manchester boasts numerous industrial spaces (think lofts and warehouses) that are more than perfect for hosting memorable meetups.

So, which parts of Manchester offer the best choice of unique party venues in town? Going up and down Quay Street will put you in contact with a variety of unique party venues alongside their more mundane cousins. If you make it all the way to Water Street and the River Irwell, you’ll be well set up to take advantage of what Manchester has to offer. If you don’t mind going a bit further south, the area around Oxford Road will also reward the curious with a selection of reasonably priced quirky party venues.

Everyone knows the etiquette when you go out for a party at the bar or your favourite club, but what things should you keep in mind when booking something a bit more unusual?

• Price and size – Some of Manchester’s most iconic unique party venues are more geared to host parties of hundreds, with a price tag to match. Smaller alternative party places are around, so be sure to choose something that fits the kind of bash you have in mind.

• Amenities – When you book a place with a quirky gimmick, it always pays to double check that they can still fill some standard requests before you and your guests are left high and dry. Some of the more unusual places, for example, might not be licensed for serving alcohol. This is easily fixed by getting a temporary event notice filled out in advance.

FAQs about Unusual Venues in Manchester

How much does it cost to hire a unique event venue in Manchester?

Unusual venues in Manchester come in many different sizes and kinds, so the hiring costs vary. You can find intimate spaces for very cheap or vast event halls that will cost you a fortune! Because venues use different types of pricing, what is included in the price differs from place to place - some spaces are dry hire, while others might include catering, decorations, and clean up fees. Minimum spend venues are a popular choice in Manchester, with prices beginning at around £250 and reaching as high as £15,000. Many spaces offer per person packages with food and drinks included, which usually range between £20 and £100 per person. You can also book a venue with straight hire fees. These can be calculated per hour, per session, or per day. The hourly rates can vary anywhere from £20 to £315, but if you're hiring a venue for a longer period of time expect to pay between £90 and even £12,000. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How to choose the right unusual venue for my event in Manchester?

Choosing a perfect venue is a tough task, especially when you want it to be unusual! First, think of what type of event you’re organising and what type of unique you’re after. Is it going to be a modern and creative space for a brainstorming session? A vibrant underground area with neon lights and quirky graffiti to host your birthday party? Or maybe a venue that offers unique entertainment and activities for the social occasion you’ve been planning? It’s important not to forget about functionality when focusing on the unconventional aspect. Make sure the space not only has an unforgettable atmosphere, but also all the equipment and facilities you need to run your event smoothly. Check what the catering options are: some unique spaces are bars and restaurants that serve delicious drinks and food, but others might be dry hire spaces where you need to take care of the food yourself. Finally, make sure the location is convenient for everyone to get to - no one will be able to take in the distinctiveness of your choice if they can’t get there on time!

Which areas of Manchester are best for unusual venue hire?

You’ll find the most unique event venues in Manchester city centre, with a great diversity of spots ranging from buzzing clubs to modern meeting rooms. The bustling areas of Deansgate and Spinningfields are packed with amazing options both for partying and working! You can also look at some amazing options around Piccadilly station. If you’re looking for an unusual space in a vibrant and lively neighbourhood, you should definitely check out Northern Quarter, while New Islington is perfect for those in search of outdoor leisure areas and open spaces. The borough of Trafford is a good choice for events away from the city centre’s hustle and bustle.

Can you recommend any unusual venues in Manchester?

With pleasure! Some of the spaces that are both the most unconventional and most appreciated by our users in Manchester include:

• Heaven at Hotel Football - located in Old Trafford, this versatile and unique space offers stunning views of the city, a retractable roof, and a small football pitch! It’s an amazing choice for team building events and unique conferences!

• Alcotraz Manchester - Alcotraz offers an immersive theatrical cocktail experience where guests interact with actors while enjoying drinks. Packages range from all-inclusive options to BYO alcohol, with a minimum charge for 40 guests.

• John Rylands Roof Terrace at Manchester Hall - with beautiful views of Manchester City Centre, this unique rooftop venue can fit a crowd! It’s an amazing choice for special occasions of all kinds. Take pictures on the picturesque terrace and enjoy a stylish celebration!

How early should I book an unusual party venue in Manchester?

If you want to have a long list of available spaces, you should act fast and secure the booking anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks before your party. That way, you won’t need to worry about having fewer options to choose from and can focus on other party elements of your planning list.