Business Details
Award-Winning Bar & Restaurant in Manchester
The Pen & Pencil is a vibrant bar and restaurant located in Manchester's Northern Quarter, offering a unique blend of culinary and social experiences. Inspired by the mid-20th century New York bar synonymous with the original 'Mad Men', we provide a dynamic space for guests to enjoy creative cuisine, craft cocktails, and curated events. Our menu features all-day dining options including brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and mains, complemented by an extensive selection of beers, wines, spirits, and bespoke cocktails.The venue hosts regular live music events, themed nights, and private hire opportunities, catering to both casual visitors and event organisers. With a commitment to quality and atmosphere, we strive to deliver memorable experiences rooted in the cultural heritage of Manchester and New York.
Services
Food Service
Cocktail Bar
Private Hire
Takeaway Orders
Live Events
Happy Hour
Gift Vouchers
Brunch Specials
Dinner Service
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- Awarded Best Bar of the Year by Northern Soul
- Hosts regular live events with resident DJs
- Offers private hire spaces for up to 200 guests
- Serves diverse menus including bottomless brunch
- Located in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter
Associations and certifications
- Northern Soul
What people say
Award-winning bar
Vibrant atmosphere
Lively events
Diverse menu
Excellent service
Services
Food Service
The Pen & Pencil offers a diverse all-day dining experience featuring brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and mains. Our menu caters to various tastes with options available from 10am daily. Guests can enjoy meals in our vibrant Northern Quarter setting or opt for takeaway via our click-and-collect service.
Cocktail Bar
Our cocktail bar serves bespoke mixes, premium spirits, and classic drinks in a lively atmosphere. Resident DJs animate weekends with funk, soul, and house music. The venue also offers happy hour deals and themed drinking events throughout the week.
Private Hire
We provide flexible private hire spaces for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests with tailored food and drink packages. Bespoke options ensure each event meets specific requirements.
Live Events
Regular live events include DJ sets, quiz nights, and themed parties. Our calendar features weekly happy hours, bottomless brunches, and seasonal promotions. These events create a dynamic environment for socialising and networking.
Takeaway Orders
Guests can order food and drinks for takeaway through our click-and-collect service. The menu includes signature dishes and cocktails available for pickup. This option provides flexibility for customers preferring off-site consumption.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're open Monday-Thursday 10am-12am, Friday 10am-2am, Saturday 10am-2am, and Sunday 10am-10pm. Kitchen hours vary.
Do you offer private hire options?
Yes, we host events for up to 200 guests with bespoke food, drink, and space arrangements. Contact us for details.
Are there any special offers?
Enjoy 50% off food Mondays, £10 brunch specials, and daily happy hour deals from 4-7pm.
Can I order takeaway?
Yes, our click-and-collect service allows ordering food and drinks for takeaway via our website.
Do you host live events?
We feature resident DJs on weekends and regular themed events like quiz nights and bottomless brunches.
Reviews (6)
Charles Miranda
Jan 06, 2022
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Situated in the smarter section of the Northern Quarter, The Pen And Pencil blends into its Scandi-cool neighbourhood where polo-necks abound and air-cooled 993s look down their Teutonic noses at their stablemates from Crewe.
Exposed brick and warm lighting are just the ticket after hours spent poring over Pantone swatches. I unintentionally ended up with an impromptu Surf and Turf after someone else nabbed the last piece of hake. In my minds eye I had envisioned a blue crab poboy and ended up with a delectable sour dough sandwich instead. Yes, it wasnt lump meat but it was subtle and
Exposed brick and warm lighting are just the ticket after hours spent poring over Pantone swatches. I unintentionally ended up with an impromptu Surf and Turf after someone else nabbed the last piece of hake. In my minds eye I had envisioned a blue crab poboy and ended up with a delectable sour dough sandwich instead. Yes, it wasnt lump meat but it was subtle and
Suze Pearson
Dec 26, 2021
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Called in for some food and so glad we did. Staff all really helpful and friendly. Food was reasonable and very tasty, good atmosphere and music.
Mark Waring
Dec 16, 2021
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We had what were quite possibly the best burgers on the circuit. I had the "Buttermilk Chicken Burger'" and the others had "The Real Mac" and the "P and P burger" absolutely gorgeous, quality chicken breast and beef. Plenty of fries which is a pleasant change as most places give only a scattering. My only negative wood be that the chips were on cooler side of hot, I like my food scorching hot. In all, a super place for an informal bite to eat and a beer.
Brooklyn Tasia
Dec 08, 2021
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Me and my boyfriend took a trip to the pen and pencil today during our Manchester stay, we both where greeted by the lovely “Antony” who was friendly and all about the customers, we ordered the P&P breakfast… and omg it was absolutely delicious, everything was so tasty and I can’t remember I last enjoyed a breakfast that much. You can tell they use good quality produce, speaking from someone who is a sucker for good quality food I can speak highly of this place. I asked for a runny egg with my breakfast but when it came it was hard, absolutely no fault of there own
Simon Wong
Nov 19, 2021
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Went last Sunday morning for brunch around 10 am. It started to get very busy so would recommend a reservation. The vibe was ok, the tables were either high bar stools or low benches without a back rest. I had the french toast while my friend had the pancakes. The pancakes were slight burned, with way too much maple syrup. For me the french toast was good, not the best I've had. The coffee was one of the most bitter I have tasted. Staff were friendly and smiley, great service.
Lauren R.
Oct 25, 2021
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My sister wanted to go to another restaurant that was unknowingly closed (no update had been made to their website/google) so we happened to be right around the corner from here so thought lets give it a go. We were greeted by a polite host who seated us promptly, the restaurant had customers but wasn't very full. We ordered with the same person who seated us, who again was very polite and attentive as possible. However the busyness of the restaurant went from 0 to 100 and we waited quite a long time for food. Not surprising if the back of the restaurant was as understaffed as the front. The
