Stray Bar, Manchester – must-try cocktails in Manchester City Centre

Even on a Tuesday evening, Stray had a buzz about it. I was in Manchester celebrating my birthday and had been to my favourite wine bar in the city, KERB, and my go-to Manchester restaurant, Erst. So it was time to try something new and visit what soon became my new favourite cocktail bar in Manchester; Stray. I got one of the few seats at the bar, just as you walk in, and was immediately greeted by their super friendly and chatty staff who asked us what had brought us to the bar that day. They made us feel welcome and were more than happy to talk us through the menu, share some of their favourite serves and help us figure out what we fancied. I’m normally incredibly decisive when it comes to ordering a drink (can’t say the same for much else!) but at Stray, choosing a drink proved to be a bit of a task simply because so much of the menu caught my eye. I was glad for the help, that’s for sure.

Three words: Tomato Vine Margarita. Yeah, I know, I was sceptical too. But after trying one of Stray’s signature serves I was fully converted to the tomato vine marg life (and I think you might be too if you give it a try). I’m not really sure how it works but who am I to question? It’s epic. You can even take a bottle of it home as Stray offers a few of their signature serves by the bottle. Other menu highlights included their Mai Tai but I’ve got my eye on their Rhubarb & Pine Gimlet for my next visit. And, obviously, another Tomato Vine Margarita. If you’re on the lookout for a proper cocktail bar without all the fuss and frills, Stray is a must-visit. The drinks are incredible, the staff are impeccable vibes and the atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy. I’m also just really into the branded napkins. Nice touch. Get it on your Manchester list.