Ark Manchester image

Ark Manchester

Bar Lounge Night club

Hip, modern venue by the canal, with pub-style menu, plus cocktails, DJs and events. People often mention bouncers, night, time, staff, people, good, great, security, girls, club,


Address

3A, 5 Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5LH, United Kingdom

Website

www.arkmanchester.co.uk

Contact

+44 161 819 5858

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (669 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 7 pm to 4 am
  • Thursday: 9 pm to 4 am
  • Friday: 9 pm to 4 am
  • Saturday: 7 pm to 4 am
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), Closed, Holiday hours
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), 9 pm to 2 am, Holiday hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: bouncers (24) night (19) time (15) staff (14) people (14) good (14) great (14) security (14) girls (12) club (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 bhavik v. 1 year ago on Google
    Bouncers are rude and cocky!! Would be nice if they understood you - Power trip and ego at its finest, bouncers outside are completely incompetent all they do is man handle you and cannot hold a conversation. Shame as the rest of the staff are amazing
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 L 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely disgusting place. They play the worst music and one of the bouncers absolutely man handled one of my female friends for literally walking up the stairs. He physically pushed her down the stairs and hurt her and shouted at her after no communication that she couldn’t go up, despite me walking up right before her. She is the most sweet shy person ever and this made her cry. Absolutely awful place. Had to pay £20 entry too. Also the girls walking around with the shots reuse the same cups over and over again for hundreds of people, not washing them at any point. please do not go here if you want to have a good time, all of the staff are big burly men who clearly beat their wife when they get home. Stay safe girls <3
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dddd S. 1 year ago on Google
    This club needs closing , the bouncers are like thugs who get pure adrenaline from attacking customers for no reason, when you ask them to show cctv they will not show you the footage and delete footage, dodgy club. That fat tall one with dreads is gonna end up seriously injured by someone with how he attacks people with no reason
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sharon Pandiyath R. 1 year ago on Google
    Racism at its finest. I had a bad experience with the bouncers outside the club. This is my first encounter with something like this. I've been to the club before and we had a great time, but this time it's completely different, because they sent us out of the queue and allowed some native people. It's not a proper thing to do. It was one of the worst experiences we've ever had. Don't let such attitude bouncers ruin your reputation, it will undoubtedly harm your reputation.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Manu M. 1 year ago on Google
    Racist security. We were standing in the queue and the security came and dragged us out if queue. We asked for an explanation and they didn't say anything. Just keep telling you can't go in. Didn't even bother giving us a fake excuse. Extremely rude, only letting in white crowd. Security dragged us out and let some white girls into the queue. We also witnessed it happen to another group that tried to go in. Extremely disappointing experience. Never experienced such racism at any other clubs absolutely not worth it
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Rahul R. 1 year ago on Google
    Illmannered, racist and extremely rude security. He told us to move out from the queue without any reason. We were in good dresscode and politely asked one of the other security whats the reason and he told he have no idea why the other security did like that, so we waited to see him but he refused to explain. There where other people who faced this similiar experience yesterday.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sara I. 2 years ago on Google
    Racist and misleading entry policies. We had valid tickets for the Karma event this Friday and the bouncer didn't let us in with valid European drivers license because they weren't British. The entry policy specified that you need a drivers license to get in, but the reality is they wouldn't let you in if you didn't have a British one. If it were an event for British citizens only, they should have stated that beforehand. Don't recommend. Never going there again.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Katie 2 years ago on Google
    bouncers are completely incompetent, my brother showed his legitimate ID to which they checked with multiple members of staff on the door, confirmed it to be real, and then let him in. 10 minutes later while he was in the venue, a bouncer demanded he showed them his ID again, only this time he took it away and showed his boss who said that they had tested it and it was fake, and that they wouldn’t give it back to him. the ID was absolutely legitimate and when my brother said this multiple times, they asked for proof. thankfully, my brother still had the letter from the DVLA at home with license details which was sent to him and he showed the bouncers, again this was taking so much time but eventually they gave him the ID back. however, there was no apology, no “sorry we made a mistake”, and when my brother tried to go back in the venue they told him he wasn’t allowed back in despite it being them who are responsible for this whole joke of a situation. train your staff better, maybe teach them common decency of an apology, rather than still maintaining it was fake even after giving it back. not sure if they have some sort of quota they have to meet but bit concerning they initially let him in and then demanded to see it again?
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Rohan R. 1 year ago on Google
    Rubbish totally rubbish, once you get in will make you pay again if you go out even for a minute even manager says it’s our policy but don’t even have any paperwork for policy and not telling their names to us
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 John b. 2 years ago on Google
    Disgusting treatment from bouncers , that bouncer pherone needs to be stripped from his job , literally lies and picks and chooses who he lets in , mostly girls only , manager needs to watch him closely , know a lot of people who won’t be returning to the club just because of him , other bouncers are all such nice and well mannered people , but the door man pherone shouldn’t be there
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Naomi E. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely appalled and disgusted!! Would not recommend this place to anybody. The bouncer refused entry to our friend for looking young even though he had legitimate I.D. this is discrimination! The poor lad has a complex already so this does nothing for his self esteem. If your face doesn't fit well.............
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 كاي �. 1 year ago on Google
    Discriminatory security team. I've seen other guys entering the venue wearing cargo bottoms but I was denied enrtry because my cargos "looked too sporty". While I was waiting outside I also witnessed security refusing entry to a guy for wearing a Gucci tshirt. Neither refusal of entries were valid per their website dress code and from reading other people's experience here, it is clear that the security team pick and choose who they decide to let in based of arbitrary factors; outright discrimination. This is why you have received 1* and I will not be returning again.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 natalie c. 2 years ago on Google
    Bouncer didnt let us in despite having a passport. Althought im a different nationality and do not carry an english passport i did have the right id. I got notfied the next day that he let in a friend of mine with the same passport. So he basically chooses by looks😂🤣not by the right id.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Clea 7 months ago on Google
    So gross with dirty sticky floors and bits of glass everywhere. Bouncers on a power trip deffo wife beaters, absolutely manhandled my female friend for no apparent reason. The bouncer was trying to split up a fight with two men and the bouncer crushed my friend against the wall as she was stood behind him and hadn’t seen the fight break out, my friends first drink went all down her as the bouncer had been leaning back. The bouncer then turned around to my friend grabbed her arm and pushed her away to the exit. Separating her from the rest of our group, luckily I seen this happen as she was stood outside on her own and this was our first time visiting Ark in an unfamiliar area of town. I suggest you have a word with your bouncers before something serious happens. Will definitely never visit again, hate men stay safe girls :/
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Samuel P. 1 year ago on Google
    Let me tell you a bit about this place. To start with was offered a free drink last Saturday to write a review and seems the same with the last few below same time and coincidence all good reviews same day HMM. The place is dead went in last Saturday night room downstairs shut. 3 big fights took place. The place is good but DJ upstairs is terrible. The security are the main problem staff inside aren't so bad. Security think they big and hard especially the big guy outside with the little wonky thing on his head.. looks like a right tool. Male outside in black coat was sound knows how to talk but that security is shocking. Many don't speak fluent English so have a power trip they either man handle you or throw you out for no reason. I would never go back the place is dangerous much better welcoming places which are safe such as Dirty Martini, Club Liv, Impossible, Revolution. ARK use to be very good but since covid onwards has gone downhill. Would not step foot in that place even if it was free entry. Place is dead. PS.. Please do not offer free shots for a good review again not everyone likes to lie and manager sort this clown of a security team out! Merry Xmas :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 nop n. 1 year ago on Google
    Nastiest place ever ... Rude bouncers specially Fro does not have any way in talking to you no manners no respect! Drinks aren't cheap either and atmosphere dead. Stay far away from this place, foreign bouncers always making advances inside for tips and hugging girls in a heavy handed manner!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Andzelika H. 2 years ago on Google
    The security need improve they not check bags for drugs and purposely keeping people outside and any photo of passport or student id and learner license will not be accepted only real passport,driving license or read ID card.I waited 15 min before 5 people because security guy was talking girls.and he not let in white British girls with student photo ID. The waiter told me is because ID can be addit, that’s why not let in,but young British girl not do that as is cost lots of money only mostly man do that or from abroad people must be 18 to come Uk .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua R. 1 year ago on Google
    Good atmosphere. Brilliant sound quality. Someone reviewed saying learners licences aren't accepted? They are. I checked beforehand. Invalid review that. Anyway, the bouncers regarding Id are doing their jobs when they refuse entry for incorrect dress code especially when they clearly specify that it's smart and casual. Since when was trainers smart and casual? Anyway, nice staff, good atmosphere and definitely coming back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Z M. 10 months ago on Google
    great place, the atmosphere is amazing. Drinks are a little expensive occasionally but otherwise I’m loving this place every week. The staff are mostly kind and helpful so I would recommend 100%
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Roshan D. 11 months ago on Google
    Terrible experience, grimy club and sweaty. Bartenders kept spilling the alcohol over the side of the glass and to top it off, I paid for a tequila rose shot only to be given half. They said they don’t have anything else left so I asked to change it. The bartender puffing his little authoritative chest said you can take it or leave it - HALF A SHOT OF TEQUILA ROSE for £4.20! The flippin bottle is less that £12 and you’re meant to be a hospitality venue and we came in a group of 40 so we’re giving you enough revenue WHAT A JOKE, I’d avoid
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 fiber t. 9 months ago on Google
    Lots of fake reviews below all same day what a coincidence!! Went last night massive brawl outside where i witnessed the bouncer Pherone throwing a womens phone into the canal below and then the manager trying to 'fix' things. This club is dangerous and ran by Pherone & co who are very bad mannered. Many better clubs to attend to in and around Manchester !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sam S. 2 years ago on Google
    Big hit or miss with the bouncers they either let you queue jump or they kick you out for dress code. Club has quality music tho 3 rooms
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jasmine W. 2 years ago on Google
    Terrible experience. Bouncers are on a power trip. Three (yes three) bouncers surrounded my 5’3 18 year old friend, who looks young for her age, and interrogated her. She has anxiety and yet they separated her from the group and questioned her in an extremely hostile way over the legitimacy of her ID. Naturally, she was traumatised once they had finished shouting at her and probably will not be going out again anytime soon. I will not be surprised if she needs therapy after that. Disgusting behaviour from them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The A. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve visited Ark three times now, twice this past weekend and have had a fantastic time each time I’ve been. The atmosphere always feels fun and relaxed, the staff are always very friendly and welcoming and the bouncers I’ve spoken with all seem very reasonable and were always respectful towards me and my friends. I can’t cast an opinion on other’s experiences but I can say that I’m yet to have a bad evening at Ark and hope for many more great evenings over the next few weeks 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adele h. 2 years ago on Google
    My daughter was unwell, distressed and separated from her friends on Friday 11th February, Alice and Donny the door staff looked after her, even charged her phone up! Contacted me and watched her until I could get there to collect her. They went above and beyond for her and are a credit to the club. These days you hear of such horror stories, it’s so refreshing to see this type of care and consideration. I am so grateful as it could have been do different. Can’t thank them enough.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 isaacw175 2 years ago on Google
    didn't get let in for wearing trainers despite watching another guy in the same trainers go in just before me. bouncers are egomaniacs on a power trip who are just dying to not let guys in but turn a blind eye to the 16 year old girls with fake ids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy B. 2 years ago on Google
    Really fun night out, staff were lovely
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grace B. 2 years ago on Google
    Honestly best club in Manchester. Couldn’t recommend enough. Came every week before lockdown and it is honestly the best place. Such good vibes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucie M. 6 months ago on Google
    Had a really good time for my friends birthday, will defo return!!

  • 1/5 M 1 year ago on Google
    The guy in front of the door doesn't let me in because I’m coming alone!! I’m new student here how can I know friends!! That's shame

  • 1/5 蔡巧筠 1 year ago on Google
    Last Sunday there were no people in the Bando party, and it was not like what they wrote on the official website where 50% off applied on all beverages

  • 5/5 keira V. 6 months ago on Google
    Kieron helped us ensure we had a great night. Best night ever.

  • 5/5 Carl M. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing service. First time coming here great vibes. Nattaya/Steve/Donny were amazing hosts

  • 5/5 Kieron Charles T. 5 months ago on Google
    A great multi-room nightclub with a good range of spirits and cocktails. Security made my friends and I feel welcome and we will deffo all be returning.

  • 1/5 Qjdhhdhd 6 months ago on Google
    RASICT BOUNCERS MUST BE WIFE BEATERS ON STERIODS SHOCKED THIS PLACE IS RUNNING LIKE THIS THE BOUNCERS MIGHT BE ON DRUGS THATS WHY THEY BULLY CUSTOMERS THE OWNER MUST NOT CARE AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COST ....

  • 5/5 Lydia D. 7 months ago on Google
    Been here a few times, good rnb room :))

  • 1/5 Saghir H. 7 months ago on Google
    RACIST BOUNCERS Went on Saturday night had a table booked spent over 400 pound plus giving tips and the bouncers where on a power trip walked out for a cigarette would not let me back in when I had the table booked on my name as main guest HORRIBLE BOUNCERS STAY AWAY AT ALL COST STICKY FLOORS GLASSES AND ICE ALL OVER THE FLOOR

  • 5/5 Joshua O. 8 months ago on Google
    it was a great night, everyone friendly and respectful and drinks are great price

  • 5/5 Millie A. 10 months ago on Google
    This is the best night God I’ve ever been to out of all of the Cubs in Manchester, I had the best service of the Bestie day and the best dance floor

  • 1/5 Ayrin D. 10 months ago on Google
    Mt friends and I went to Ark last Friday when it was their KARMA party + £2 drinks all night. Bought the tickets online, ordered drinks and they said you need to have a student bracelet to get this £2 drinks otherwise its their normal prices. NO ONE and NOWHERE it said we need to have a student bracelet beforehand, it didn't say it on the tickets ( unless they have put it on Terms and Conditions where you won't see it unless u read carefully because I didn't see it) and the guys on the entrance didn't say anything about any bracelet. I thought I'm the only one that didn't know but kept hearing people complaining about how they thought the drinks would be £2 as that's literally what they promote. This is called a scam. Also 3 single gins and tonics costed 31.95 I just wonder how they calculated this, seems like the bartender decides what prices to put. Not going there again.

  • 5/5 ben c. 10 months ago on Google
    Ark is a welcoming, active club/bar. Had issues with other places on the locks however this spot is really one to visit😃 Best day to go is Saturday I think.

  • 5/5 DMarsh 0. 9 months ago on Google
    Top place, fairly cheap for Manchester.. Great staff Good night out if you’re a uni student

  • 5/5 A Hussain s. 9 months ago on Google
    Alice and liv have been supportive and helpful and professional, appreciate their help to get a table highly recommend ark... ***** best night out if you want to have a great night out recommend ark

  • 3/5 Sissa M. 2 years ago on Google
    It does look like a lovely place, but it's not as fun with huge events. Went to the Halloween event and waited over 1hr in the rain just to get in. Had a little bit of an issue with a friend as she only had her passport on her, causing some issue with the security so if you do come make sure you have a provisional or driving license to minimise problems which is not friendly for those who aren't british, but we got in so all is well. Drinks were good, staff was friendly but lord the crowds were crazy. Think I may revisit during a less crowded time, as there was no place to sit for a rest or to even put your drink down for a second. P.s. if you don't go to clubs often, don't bother bringing anything, there's no where to put it, as I've learned. Update: Following feedback, there is apparently a coat check on the lower level! Also, big events make things more complicated so try and go when there’s none if you want to avoid waiting for a long time 😊

  • 3/5 Samuel W. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty decent club, just like a small pryzm. The bouncers are actually sound, especially the tall one with the cool hair. 3 different rooms with all different vibes and cheap drinks (£2 on the night that I attended) However I warn you to not buy from the shot girls. They approach you every 5 minutes or so which is their job tbf. The issue is I watch them sell shots to people then go to the next man and use the same glasses over and over. I heard a rumour this happened before I went there but didn't believe it until I witnessed it. All in all I would say try it out but do not buy shots.

  • 5/5 Catelin O. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing night out. Drinks service is quick and everyone was lovely

  • 4/5 Ned S. 2 years ago on Google
    Good music, cheap drinks compared to other bars in the area, great for students

  • 5/5 Devantè P. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place as well as great prices for drinks. Atmosphere is always bliss

  • 5/5 kyran a. 2 years ago on Google
    Great time coming here and excellent service

  • 5/5 Tilly G. 2 years ago on Google
    Respect this place to the high heavens, lost my bag here one night thinking it was stolen so i’d basically lost all forms of ID in total. had a HUGE identity crisis. but i was absolutely PATTERNED when i got a call that they’d found my bag 🤩🤩🤩this place made my year, thanks guys xxxxx

  • 1/5 BrightAholic B. 2 years ago on Google
    Joke of a place - the bouncers queue jump anyone with a tight skirt or 1000+ Instagram followers. Anyway, I still waited patiently and was then told I couldn't enter with a passport because the photo was a few years old. Bouncers here have an ego problem and only care about social media.

  • 1/5 Harry T. 2 years ago on Google
    just a straight awful club by far the worst ive been to in manny. drinks where over priced and staff where rude and disrespectful.

  • 1/5 Mariana R. 2 years ago on Google
    Don’t go there bouncers didn’t see a guy go in the girls toilets and then tried to use the excuse he was guy and that’s a right to go in the girls toilet

  • 5/5 Megan P. 1 year ago on Google
    Came last week and loved it! Liv was the best bartender! I’ll definitely be back soon

  • 5/5 Nancy W. 1 year ago on Google
    Best bouncers in Manchester imo. Especially Karim and Pablo. Managers are sound also! Great music. Overall great venue!!

  • 5/5 Olivia P. 2 years ago on Google
    I would just like to put in a good review for Therone , pablo and marco. They are the best bouncers and are so nice. They our leahs and Olivia’s bestfriends and constantly giving good vibes so please don’t ever get rid of them and tbh I think they deserve a pay rise

  • 5/5 Kally S. 1 year ago on Google
    Been going to ARK since I was 18 I love the vibe of each room as they all play different music for all types of people the drink selection is great and the service is always fast even when it’s busy! The prices is reasonable for where this place is located 😊 I got served by Jacqueline and she was pleasant and helped me read the menu also as I struggle with reading and she took time out of a busy shift to help me and I really appreciate that ❤️❤️❤️

  • 5/5 hotfuzzkarine 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing night out. We went there last min and it was blissful vibes. Music you can dance to and drink were v cheap. Fun night would go again when back in Manchester!!

  • 2/5 Oliver R. 1 year ago on Google
    Decent tunes but when the bartender gets the order wrong and then goes ‘just pay’ I cant really rate it. Then refused to serve me after it, I think she was ginger get her the sack imo.

  • 1/5 Will D. 1 year ago on Google
    Would not let me in because I had the “wrong type of cargos” on. Not sure how that’s relevant. Would like to note that I have been let in multiple other clubs with the exact same trousers on. Edit: To reply to the owners reply, they looked like cargos, hope this helps 👍

  • 1/5 Filip H. 2 years ago on Google
    Ok so we waited an hour and 15 min in a queue, then we reached the point when u join the second queue and my friend didn't wait until the bouncer told to go, so the bouncer threw him out for being too drunk and me with him because I was his friend and I had a bag. So first of all, he wasn't drunk and me having a bag could be solved easily. The way they treat people is just horrible. Have never seen anything like it!!! Mo respect for customers, they literally don't mind me standing there for an hour.

  • 5/5 Kyle K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience as always. The bar staff and bouncers are all excellent and the prices are more than respectable all the way through the week. Definitely recommend Ark for a quality night out with mates. 5/5

  • 5/5 Ella H. 1 year ago on Google
    Me and my friends got a booth for her birthday and were looked after by Liv she was the best, so nice and made us feel special! Thanks for a great night!


Call +44 161 819 5858 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Night clubs nearby

Last updated:
()