Rum has long been a favourite of many a Mancunian but, in recent times, it has really asserted itself as the tipple of choice across the city's best bars - not least at Manchester's many tiki bars. As if taking a swipe at all the usual predictable associations with pirates (yawn), the city's drinking dens really are doing some very impressive things with this delicious by-product of the sugarcane - from twists on classics to just getting those classics absolutely spot-on. So, thankfully, drinking rum now means a whole lot more than just a planter's punch after work on a Friday.
And whether it’s dark, white, spiced or otherwise, rum has found itself a healthy home here in Manchester. Mostly because it tastes great, but also because it makes you feel great! At least until the the next day.
The Liars Club, City Centre
Without doubt Manchester's rum kingpin, not only does it show everyone how it's done but it also acts as the daddy to various spin-off bars - namely Hula and Cane & Grain's Liars Lounge. Yes, yes, both of those are also mentioned below, but that just proves how these guys have monopolised the scene. They really know what they're doing, and their very own rum shop is even further proof, offering more than 100 different rums, and making it the north west's most extensive collection in the process.
Keko Moku, Northern Quarter
Those crazy cats over at Keko Moku love their rum, and it's their boundless energy and enthusiasm for the stuff that makes drinking here so fun. The bar is small, but even when the queues clog the space up the bartenders never sacrifice the luurve that goes into each cocktail, expertly concocting drinks that make the most out of this delicious spirit.
Cane & Grain, Northern Quarter
The clue's in the name with this one, indicating that whilst the Northern Quarter boozer specialises in rum, it's not its only love - it's got a fair few other spirits on the side. Luckily, though, it manages to juggle its interests well, and boasts some great rums that include Appleton, El Dorado and Keko Kanu. You're also spoilt for choice on where to suck 'em up. The first floor Rib Joint and Tap Room is perfect for sinking back into your saloon surroundings, whilst the top floor Liars Lounge (from those rum aficionados at The Liar's Club) embraces the tiki vibe that rum can often call for.
Hula, Northern Quarter
Hula showcases the party side of rum, taking advantage of both its potency and its flammable properties to make it pretty much the life and soul of this underground bar. Open 'til late, you'll often see people stumbling around with half-sunk mai tais, whilst giant flames whoosh away at the bar, just missing the group of friends obliviously downing their volcano sharer.