Vegan
Beer/Wine
British
Fusion

Vegan cocktail bar with a selection of bar snacks. Cocktails offered include house-made liquors, creamy ones use milk alternatives or aquafaba. Bar snacks include house-made seitan meatballs, cauliflower wings, mock duck buns. Open Mon-Thu 17:00-23:30, Fri-Sat 17:00-02:00, Sun 17:00-04:00.


Venue map for Speak In Code
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42 Reviews

First Review by Libbytes

cat_lover_41

Points +316

Vegan
16 Oct 2024

top-shelf cocktail place, must visit for drink tourists

the drink menu is made by the staff, everything is interesting and tries something beyond the typical bar fare. staff is very welcoming. crowd runs a bit younger, which is or isn't your vibe, but it's good all around.

no campari to be found so it's proper vegan.

demo 8 was a booze-forward drink with bergamot which was fantastic. strong but didn't finish heavy, surprisingly bright for its boozy heft.

demo 1 was sweet, bright, fruity, gin based but you wouldn't guess, also great.

I look forward to coming back, I'd go out of my way to drink here.

Pros: great, original cocktails , good vibe, aesthetic. music, speakeasy inspired

Nooch-Queen

Points +253

Vegan
17 Aug 2024

Nibbles are a bit small but the mocktails are lush

Went for a drink and a bite to eat tonight here and even though the food was lovely there wasn’t a lot of it for me personally but the mocktails are gorgeous and the staff are lovely

Pros: Mocktails , Lovely friendly staff

Cons: The nibbles

Speakincode

29 Aug 2024

Hey,

Same as above, we’re not a restaurant. We don’t have chefs - all our food is made in house by a small team of bartenders. We don’t claim to be a restaurant, nor do we want to bring a chef into our business for a bar that sells a small amount of food.

We’re a cocktail bar, and we have a selection of small plates that are made in house that as bartenders, we have the capacity of making to a good standard with limited resources and equipment.

Glad you liked the drinks and we hope this clears up any misconceptions about what we are.

Thanks,

Nathan,
Owner

DoctorRhubarb

Points +50

Vegan
27 Jul 2024

Best cocktails I’ve ever had!

The drinks are worth every penny! The wings were excellent too!

SebGethin

Points +71

Vegan
02 Jul 2024

The real deal

Incredible cocktail bar with very friendly and knowledgeable staff - oh and it happens to be 100% plant-based as well. If someone didn't know it is 100% plant-based, they probably wouldn't realise, since it isn't advertised as a vegan bar and the menu isn't marked with vegan logos.

Phenomenal drinks, great atmosphere, small plates were utterly delicious. Haven't got a bad word to say about this place.

Updated from previous review on 2024-07-02

Pros: Friendly, knowledgeable staff, Delicious food and drinks, Relaxed, cozy, yet classy atmosphere

DominiqueHegarty

Points +205

Vegan
22 Jun 2024

A must visit

Cannot praise this place enough! The drinks are incredible. There is a story for each drink, which makes them all very special. There are some adventurous drinks on the menu, and the flavour combinations work together so well. There’s a great vibe to the bar, too. It’s a must visit, purely for the spiel that you are given at the start about each drink! I can’t wait to come back here

Pros: Delicious drinks , Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, Good vibes

Gylo

Points +57

Vegan
30 May 2024

Wow wow wow

I don’t know what to say except if you love cocktails and you’re vegan or not you have to try this place. Staff are so helpful and clearly love what they are doing. It’s a must visit from me

Pros: Range of cocktails , Helpful friendly staff, Nibbles/tapas banging. And chilled music

Cons: Non

Lee_A

Points +992

Vegan
13 Apr 2024

12/04/24

My first vegan cocktail bar (as far as I can remember) and it absolutely did not disappoint. Great atmosphere, small but lovely selection of bar food and an extensive specialty cocktail list. The star of the show though is Jade, behind the bar. Engaging and attentive from the moment I arrived. Super knowledgeable (particularly about the alternative plant-based ingredients) and clearly passionate about what she does. Not hard to see why this place is rated so highly and why Jade herself is currently placing in the UKs top 100 list. You must come here when in Manchester...but book in advance, it was pretty much full thirty minutes after opening...and it didn't look as though it was going to get any less busy!

MouthyMackem

13 Apr 2024

I loved it here. I went on my own and worked my way through the menu.

Lee_A

14 Apr 2024

That's exactly what I did too! I'll definitely be back...there's so much more to try

CathyCoriander

Points +150

Vegan
30 Jan 2024

A Special Occasion

We were kindly welcomed by Jade who explained the menu and then left us to make our choices. She was an excellent hostess and we felt able to ask questions. The menu is very different from anywhere we’d ever been before. The drinks and both choices we made from the food menu were delicious. Would absolutely recommend!

Pros: Service was excellent , Menu , Ambiance

Cons: Low lighting- difficult to read menu!

LylaPenman

Points +99

Vegan
22 Jan 2024

Best cocktail bar in Manchester

My absolute favourite cocktail bar in Manchester - great vibe, lovely staff and beautiful drinks.

Happy_Bart

Points +3298

Vegan
20 Nov 2023

Nice drinking den

This place definitely has a character. The cocktails sound great, but unfortunately out of four that we had all of them were dominated by sugar. I would have much preferred if the flavours were allowed to shine through without being overworked by the sweetness. Pasta arancini had a great texture and a pleasant flavour and the owner was very approachable. I would visit again but ask for a low sugar option.

Updated from previous review on 2023-11-20

Speakincode

19 Nov 2023

Hey Bart,

Thank you for leaving some feedback. It was myself who looked after you on that evening. It’s a shame that we couldn’t have had this conversation in the bar and in person rather than on an online forum. I checked back on your drinks and you were happy at the time. I would have been happy to have had the chance to talk through recommendations or answer questions about the drinks so I could have guided you to the right drinks for you, but you confidently went in to your drink choices. In absolutely no way are we trying to trick you into liking something - I think you’re questioning our integrity at this point which is disappointing. Each of those cocktails you tried has stood the test of time over 2 years, with thousands of each consumed, and each persons perception is subjective, as each one of those drinks is a favourite amongst many people who visit SiC too - the 10 and 3 won an online poll by a landslide recently. We believe as a team they are well balanced.

In no way am I devaluing your opinion of thoughts towards our drinks - lots of elements are needed to balance cocktails, and one of those at times is sweeteners when you are incorporating savoury elements - in this case, mushrooms, Sundried tomato, fermentation and bitter coffee. The track 10 is definitely on the sweeter side but we describe it that way to our guests anyway, so if sweet isn’t for you I could have guided you elsewhere or maybe adjusted the balance in making the drink . For the Track 6 - it’s a savoury twist on a gimlet (Gin and lime cordial) - made in the same way, same balance, same sugar content as the classic, except the addition of Sundried tomato, bay leaf and pink peppercorn.

I just wish we could have had a more of an honest conversation in house as all feedback comes to me anyway, but we also had an opportunity to discuss at the table so posting publicly to me feels like an effort to inform people that we intend to trick them. I’ll always be upfront and honest, and of course I value direct feedback if the intention is to help us progress as a business.

Thank you for your time, and I hope we get the opportunity to discuss some recommendations at the table on your next visit.

Nathan

Happy_Bart

20 Nov 2023

Hi Nathan,

I did ask for about a less sweet option after my first drink and yet it still seemed very sweet to me but as you said, each person's perception is subjective. I'm definitely not questioning your integrity and I'd like all vegan businesses to thrive - just providing my feedback. Hope to visit again soon.

rachelwilson1

Points +167

Vegan
29 Sep 2023

Incredible

Gorgeous cocktails, lovely staff, insane food. I will come here every time I am in Manchester. DO NOT MISS

Pros: Atmosphere , Delicious drinks , Incredible food

Cons: I can’t live here

Levitz

Points +163

Vegan
23 Sep 2023

Omigod the cocktails are amazing!

Visited while staying with a friend in July after the Yayoi Kusama exhibition. Beautiful bar and great staff. Really interesting, thoughtful cocktail menu. Unusual flavours.

I am not a fan of very sweet cocktails so went for track 5: Shiitake butter bourbon, sunflower seed vermouth, sweet corn purée. It came with mushroom jerky!
Have to say it was possibly the nicest cocktail I’ve ever had. So good. Almost savoury flavour but really delicious.


My friend had track 12: East Asian gin, peach aperitif, cantaloupe melon, pear juice. Which came with marinated, pressed melon. Was really fresh and again not too sweet.

Will definitely come back when I’m next in Manchester.

Pros: Really interesting, imaginative flavours , Lovely presentation , Welcoming staff

Cons: Always a bigger cocktail 😂

Merlinsword

Points +79

Vegan
04 Sep 2023

Like another world

Delicious cocktails and an amazing atmosphere.
The bar staff are very professional, polite, and friendly, really adding to the experience.
The cocktails are so interesting and you can really taste the quality and ingredients made in-house.
It felt like I was in a other country, or well into a long-holiday, because the atmosphere and experience was so lovely, and different.
A great treat for a chilled and sophisticated night out.

Pros: Atmosphere, Taste, Experience

LisaSpykers

Points +7893

Vegan
07 Aug 2023

Innovative cocktails and yummy finger food

The cocktails here are really creative and refreshingly unique. I highly recommend Track 5 with the shitake mushroom, sunflower seeds, and sweetcorn. We only ordered one of the 4 small sharing plates (mac n cheese balls on harissa pesto with a little aioli) and they were super tasty with a perfect crunchy exterior. Would like to go back to try more cocktails and the mock duck dumplings too. Reservations are recommended unless you get there soon after opening time which is what we did.

Updated from previous review on 2023-08-07

Libra77

Points +3400

Vegan
25 Jul 2023

Speak In Code

Fab little cocktail bar with creative and delicious drinks, not your usual cocktails on this menu! Loved the concept and the staff were amazing at explaining everything and at recommending drinks to your preferences. Lovely, cosy interior. Small plates on the food menu. We could’ve happily stayed all evening but had to leave for a concert. We will definitely be returning though!

MouthyMackem

Points +711

Vegan
29 Jun 2023

Seductive menu and atmosphere

I went here to try one cocktail 🍸 but ended up trying 3, all of the flavours were identifiable. The vibe was so chilled and the music was relaxing. Staff were great too. I could’ve stayed all night.

Pros: Unique cocktails , Great surrounding , Good selection of music 🎶

Cons: A little pricey but worth it

nicirl

Points +2126

Vegan
28 Jun 2023

The most amazing cocktails!

Went there with some friends and thoroughly enjoyed the drinks. The bar staff were attentive, kind and very knowledgeable. Will be coming back as soon as possible!

hack_man

Points +25223

Vegan
24 Jun 2023

And liberty she pirouette

Kind of too old for this hipster type place now but the cocktails are definitely worth the effort of a visit. My mojito was rather surprisingly totally clear and smooth with none of the expected mint leaves or limes yet bursting with liquor and flavour. Expect to pay a tenner plus service charge. This is the modern world.

Pros: Good cocktails

CharlieMills

Points +5236

Vegan
04 Apr 2023

Nice cocktails

The cocktail I had here (track 4) was really tasty. Really nice vibe in the place and the staff were really friendly. The cocktails are stronger than at most places and less watered down.

Briggy

Points +373

Vegan
10 Feb 2023

Had a great time

Love that everything is plant based, many different kind of flavors available. Staff is very talented and nice to look at them being good at their job.

Pros: Everything is vegan, Talented and nice staff, Many different flavors of cocktails

Cons: Staff a bit quick to ask if you want another drink, Expensive (but worth it)

HolBates

Points +756

Vegan
10 Jan 2023

Great cocktails

Excellent service, help find what cocktails you are into.
Great range of types of alcoholic drinks. My fav are the coffee ones.

£12 per drink but worth it if you appreciate good drinks and vibes

Pros: Lots of opinions

Cons: Expensive

arlo2

Points +146

Vegan
07 Jan 2023

Amazing

Great good and drink in a fab atmosphere

banananna

Points +391

Vegan
04 Jan 2023

Totally unique

Such a cool venue! Drinks were all so well thought out and amazing, the vegan small plates are such a good addition too

jodiezos

Points +61

Vegan
03 Jan 2023

Incredible cocktails and small plates

If you’re into your cocktails there’s nowhere better, vegan or otherwise. Amazing creations you won’t find anywhere else. Nowhere else like it!

Pros: Huge variety, all vegan, Food menu is small but excellent, A really unique experience

sahil167

Points +31

Vegan
05 Dec 2022

Insane Cocktail Venue

Been a few times and absolutely loved it. Even my non vegan friends fell in love with the drinks and food on offer.

Pros: Some of the best cocktails in all of Manchester, Small but incredible little food menu

Cons: Will cost you a bit but worth it

LukeMcCarthy

Points +159

Vegan
06 Oct 2022

Unique experience not to be missed

It was one of the best cocktail places I've been to, Bret was incredible with some of the most welcoming and friendly service I've ever experienced. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Manchester

Pros: Fully vegan cocktails , Friendly and knowledgeable staff

SophieThompson

Points +153

Vegan
08 Aug 2022

My 4th time!

The cocktails and nibbles are amazing! Lovely surroundings and staff.

Pros: Innovative cocktails and drinks, Great ambiance!




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