Bar Shrimp brings drinks, seafood and sound together in a way that feels purposeful and distinctly Manchester. Located on New York Street and created by the team behind Higher Ground and Flawd, Bar Shrimp is a cocktail and seafood bar designed for after-work drinks, late-night catch-ups and everything in between.
The space sets the tone immediately. Dark and moody, with plush red banquettes, floor-to-ceiling drapes and low lighting, Bar Shrimp leans into a lounge-like atmosphere that shifts as the evening unfolds. Table service runs throughout, making it an easy place to settle in, whether you’re stopping by for a quick beer or staying deep into the night. Sitting next door to Higher Ground, it works seamlessly as a pre- or post-dinner destination.
Seafood takes centre stage on the menu, with a focus on British and Irish produce. On ice, there’s a tight selection of oysters from across the UK and Ireland, alongside hand-dived razor clams, scallop tartare and Isle of Lewis mussels on the half shell. Small plates are designed for grazing and sharing: devilled eggs topped with brown crab and trout roe, chilled Scottish shrimp with mayonnaise, Arbroath smokie fritters and cured pork croquettes. Heartier options include steamed mussels with bacon, mustard and cream, plus simple comforts like sliced toast with caramelised onion butter. For pudding, malted milk soft serve with malt caramel and bread frosties feels nostalgic and spot-on.
Drinks are equally considered. Cocktails are split between carbonated spritzes, shaken classics and playful shots, from a Shrimp Spritz built on vermouth and gin to an After Hours blend of mezcal, sea buckthorn and lemon. Beers are on tap, and the lounge snack menu runs alongside, featuring house-cut crisps with sour cream, hand-cut fries and Exmoor caviar for those inclined.
Sound is treated as a core part of the experience. Music Director Lukas Stankunas curates the soundtrack, with a rotating roster of artists joining him on Sunday nights. The custom-built Clarity M-1215 sound system, created with Stockport-based MasterSounds, has been designed specifically for the space, ensuring the music feels immersive and finely balanced.