The worst thing about secrets is not being able to share them; especially when they involve some of Manchester’s coolest and quirkiest bars. Fortunately, the guys at DesignMyNight are awful at keeping schtum and have shared the 5 best secret bars in Manchester, from wacky cocktail laboratories through to sexy drinking dens.

1. Cane and Grain

It’s no secret that Cane and Grain is one of Manchester’s coolest bars. Spread across several floors, this joint is no one-trick pony with everything from tropical tipples in the Tiki lounge, through to ribs and bourbon downstairs. Look out for secret space Science and Industry, a covert cocktail laboratory which incorporates methods learnt at the University of Manchester’s chemistry department in its drinks, along with wacky ingredients for out-of-this-world taste.

2. Dusk Til Pawn

Located in the Northern Quarter, this secret bar is easy to miss, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Don’t be fooled by the windows piled high with gaudy jewellery, old TVs, and a flashing ‘pawn shop’ sign; this is no place to sell your ex’s old tat, it is a top spot for cocktails. Once a fortune teller’s den, Dusk Til Pawn has been transformed into a fun boozer, serving inventive tipples and letting you choose the music on the retro jukebox.

3. The Washhouse

It might look like a place to wash last night’s dirty laundry, but The Washhouse proves appearances can be deceiving. A renowned secret bar in Manchester, this spot is disguised as a laundromat, but behind the washing machines and tumble driers hides a world of world-class cocktails. Expect Prohibition themes once inside, with dark leather booths, exposed brick walls and a DJ playing house music. Want in? Contact them on Twitter and ask for a machine.

4. Behind Closed Doors

Ring the buzzer of a nondescript door to be led down to this basement of vintage magazines and retro furniture. Behind Closed Doors may have opened less than a year ago, but it’s already made a mark on Manchester’s bar scene. Inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s, the bar is chock full of interesting features, from a DJ booth constructed of shopping trolleys through to vintage telephones on each table. Billed as a little bit sleazy, the venue’s cocktail menu is rather saucy, with concoctions that include ‘Furry Cup’ and ‘Wet Dream’.

5. Convenience Store

Want to find this sexy spot from the team behind Almost Famous? Look for the newsagent- style Convenience Store in the Northern Quarter. Rather than selling eggs and toilet roll, this cool Manchester bar is serving some dandy drinks and tasty tacos. The corner shop theme continues inside, with plenty of neon signs, a bar that looks a lot like a check-out and drinks that contain slushies and Cheerios.

For more info on what’s on in Manchester and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight and @DMNManchester.