Find your Small Venue in Manchester

Small Venues Hire Guide

Since Manchester is one of the most visited cities in the UK, it is bound to have an abundance of choices. Everyone can find something to their liking. Small bars and private dining rooms or lounges are among the favourites for private hire, while spaces in hotels and office buildings are preferred for business functions.

There are several advantages to booking a small venue, most notably the price. With Manchester being rather expensive, staying on a budget can be a challenge. It’s not impossible, though! Booking a smaller venue instead of a large one will spare you from emptying your wallet.

Another perk of hiring a small venue is easier organisation. Fewer guests mean fewer people to satisfy. That will save you time and patience. From the fancy bars of Spinningfields to the shiny new developments of Salford Quays, a diverse city like Manchester has many different options when it comes to venue hire. A smaller group makes it easier to accommodate your guest’s needs and there are more venue options to choose from than when looking for a big space!

If you pick a smaller venue you also have the possibility to go wild on the decor since there is less space to cover. Hiring a small space will allow you to allocate more money to flowers, lanterns, balloons, posters or other decorative elements. It doesn’t matter if you decide to hire a venue in Bolton, Stockport or Warrington, as having tasteful, thematic decorations can bring any event to another level.

FAQs about Small Venues in Manchester

How much does it cost to hire a small venue in Manchester?

The average hire fee for a small venue in Manchester is about £60-£100 per session or £20-£30 per hour. If you’re looking for hiring on a per-person basis, you should expect to pay about £10-£50 per guest. Some venues operate on minimum spend, which means that you have to spend a certain amount of money on food and drink. The average minimum spend for a small venue in Manchester is around £250-£500 per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Where in Manchester can I find some great small venues?

Ancoats is a great place to find small venues for hire in Manchester. It's located on the north edge of town and is known for its industrial heritage, making it an ideal location for creative, artistic events. There are many derelict buildings on Church Street that have been converted into vibrant bars, restaurants, cafes, and creative spaces. If you head to the northwest part of Manchester, you can reach Oldham Street, which is a hub for student bars and clubs. The area is known for its cheap drinks and great atmosphere, so it's perfect if you want to party hard with a tight circle of friends. Towards the centre of town is Oxford Road and its surrounding streets, which have plenty of hip bars and restaurants to choose from. The area around Piccadilly Station is also a good place to look for venues if you're looking for something a little more traditional like a pub. If you're looking for something more off the beaten path, head to The Gay Village. It's only a short walk from Piccadilly Station and is the place to go if you want to party with a more diverse crowd. The area is well-known for its famous gay bars and clubs, but there are also plenty of other great venues to choose from like quirky restaurants and retro cafes.

Which are some of the best small venues in Manchester?

• Basement Bar at Foundry Project. It's the ideal spot for both corporate events and private celebrations: birthday parties, networking gatherings—even hen or holiday get-togethers! The space can comfortably accommodate 45 people for a festive and intimate event and can easily be adapted to fit your specific needs. 
• Small Hub at King Street Townhouse. This upscale, intimate venue is the perfect spot for a private dinner with low lighting, wood-panelled walls and an impressive wine list. It's available for up to 30 guests on round tables or up to 20 on one large table and features an extensive menu that offers a wide range of classic British dishes.
• Big Ideas Space at INNSIDE Manchester. The bright and airy room, with a capacity of up to 30 people, is an inspiring space that offers a modern, creative and comfortable meeting environment with its comfy sofas and squidgy chairs which make it perfect for brainstorming sessions, breakouts, and training sessions.