Came here by accident - as the breakfast place of my first choice was full - and I regret nothing. Gardening themed place decor with comfy interior. The menu was just as good as in the place of my first choice but also cheaper, which is also a plus! Cute little cups and tea selection (including Turing tea) were a nice addition to breakfast! read more

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I would give Allotment 3.5 if possible because it's in that middle ground between a good and great NQ bar. I love the feel and layout, the wooden chairs aren't uncomfortable and it has a greet atmosphere at night - during the day it's the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy lunch. That brings me on to the food, it's vey very good! Diverse menu, good selection of cask and bottled beers and an array of fabulous cocktails and gins. With the gentrification of the NQ causing some upset, I think allotment stands tall as a quirky, independent, customers orientated spot for those in the know. read more

Herd NQ - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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I've been here a few times now and I've never been disappointed. It's small, but just enough out of the centre of the NQ to never be so busy it's crowded (we managed to get a table for 2 on a Saturday night, by a stroke of luck). Lots and lots of different gins so you're spoilt for choice, I always go for the Sipsmiths (highly recommended) but I really do need to try one of the watering cans one of these days (always just seems a bit excessive for a night cap...) Decor is cool - it could've turned out naff with the fake grass and plants but it's so nicely done and the chairs are ace, drunk Emma is usually quite upset one of them won't fit in her bag. Well worth the 5 min walk out of NQ for a visit! read more

Herd NQ - Sipsmiths with cucumber! - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I quite like Allotment. I think this new bar in the NQ is bringing something really different to Manchester, different to the other more dark and grungy bars and pubs in the area. I stopped by here for a few drinks as i'd heard good things about it and wanted to see it for myself. Like the name leads you to believe, this bar is designed and does look like an allotment, or someone's very large back shed. Everything is wooden, the bar, seating, tables.. and it smells like a garden centre - odd but slightly fantastic. The decoration adds to the theme throughout - plant pots and other gardening material on the walls.. It's quite quirky and i like it. The bar area is centralised in the room, creating a very wide, open space. They have a wide range of local ales and beer on tap as well as a cocktail menu. I didn't get chance to eat here, so i will definitely be back to sample their eats. A couple sat at the side of us were tucking in to some burgers and they seemed happy. For a Friday night it wasn't too busy either - plenty of room to find a table and have a catch up with mates. read more

Herd NQ - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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Came to this restaurant with a mixed group of carnivores and herbivores, and it was a hit! They are very allergen friendly, from listing allergens on the menu to making sure to accommodate meals based on allergens. I had the tofu bowl small plate and garlic mushroom small plate, both which were delicious, although the kale simply tasted like it was drenched in soya sauce. But still delicious! My husband had the vegan haggis sunday brunch, which was really, really good. I don't know what haggis tastes like, but this handmade concoction was delicious. If I wasn't so full from dinner, I'd try the desserts; next time! The decor was also really nice; they used a lot of stuff from around the garden to make a homey and cozy feeling. The staff was also very friendly! read more

On a Saturday night, Allotment had plenty of customers but was nowhere near as rammed as other NQ bars and we got seating right away. The music was good (late 90s/early 00s rap & hip hop which is actually a common sound in the NQ and basically ideal for me) but just a bit too loud - as it's so nice to find somewhere a bit more chill on a Sat night it would be nice to be able actually to talk. I know it's a money-making strategy (talk less, drink more) but actually it ended up pushing us out after 1 drink because my friends were sick of shouting. Decor is nice and unusual as others pointed out, not overly gimmicky I thought although our benches were very rocky which wasn't v comfortable. I ordered drinks at the bar but was told I should take a set and they would be brought over, which was nice. I liked my lavendar/honey gin cocktail although my friend's rhubarb mojito tasted weird. The cocktail menu is interesting and I would definitely return to try some other options, which are reasonably priced starting around the £6.50 mark. Good addition to the NQ! The current Yelp mapping is wrong - it's northwest of Newton St close to the corner with Little Lever St. read more

If you want a gin then it's not normal to go and look in a shed. But Allotment is garden themed. And the decorative shed has an impressive gin selection. Great for an after work drink! read more

Herd NQ - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

This is a fun, quirky bar that aims to bring the outside inside. I feel it achieves this with the turf trimmings and potted plants, very nice touches. They specialise in gin and the G&T's are very tasty, the bar staff know their stuff and are more than happy to make recommendations. The wine is decent and won't cost you a bomb, Overall thumbs up :) read more

6 of us showed up at the door, the doorman said "sorry were full" so we took a look through the window and was half full. Why can't door staff just be honest well happily take our money elsewhere and spend it with bars who appreciate the business. Bars need to get over this blanket policy of not letting a group of guys in when they happily let a group of women in. read more

This place smells incredible! Ok not your normal start to a review, but it really does.. I like the decor as well, it's quite simple and minimalistic and at the time I visited (about 2 in the afternoon) it was relatively quite and relaxing. I was here to meet the boss man Jonny Q for some serious meeting time so we needed somewhere fairly spacious and not too loud and overpowering - which ruled out Ezra & Gil (Jonny usual spot). The tables are nicely decorated and styled with an old gin bottle (different on each table I think) with a flower in - a really nice touch. Everything seems to be styled on a garden theme - I guess the name Allotment could tell you that, but it's a really nice twist. I didn't have Gin unfortunately and an Americano and then a breakfast tea had to suffice for me - at least whilst the boss was around. I was in here for a good few hours though and by the time 4pm came around and people began to get out of work, it began to fill up with cocktail seeking city goers relaxing after a day in the office. The noise level soon picked up and I was on my way but I'll definitely be back for a gin cocktail soon! read more

I think this is a nice addition to the area, trying something a bit different than the typical dingy-trendy NQ vibe. It's all a bit twee, with buckets hanging from the ceiling and ladders on the walls, but sort of lovely for it. There is a decent amount of seating, not loads though it hasn't been overwhelmingly busy when I've been in. There's a selection of about four ales and three lagers to my recollection. Ales were nothing to shout about but fine. The 'Dirty Hoe' lager is nice, if rather cringey to order. The food menu looks great, as does the cocktail menu. Longer review to come when I've sampled them! read more

If you find yourself tiring of the bare brick, distressed look that much of the NQ conforms to, then Allotment may just be your new favourite. I think the best way to describe Allotment is just plain cute - there is a mixture of large bench seating to smaller tables, with greenery everywhere, and a really light and airy atmosphere. Meeting up with the other half and his work friends here, I was surprised to see that the 8-10 of them had easily found seating for everyone together, even on a Friday night. I had wine on this occasion, and the bar staff were super speedy; as soon as I had removed my coat and settled down, I was presented with a large white. Perfect. I'm looking forward to returning to try their food - perhaps their afternoon tea, which I see comes in a picnic hamper. Even cuter. read more

Great gin I had the bloom and botanist so delicious, shared a olive, hummus board with my husband and we had the Chocolate Fondant for dessert and the Rhubarb pudding bread, highly recommend this restaurant. Great location, excellent customer service! read more

A new little place in the Northern Quarter. Menu not a massive choice for non meat dishes, but the afternoon tea is beautifully presented. Highly recommended if you like gin! read more

I really like allotment as it gives me what I want from a NQ bar, quirky decor, good beers and interesting cocktails. The food looks good as well although I have't eaten here personally. Allotment is a great place to meet at the start of a night in the NQ as it has a fair amount of seating, its quiet enough to be able to easily hold a conversation and the drinks prices are reasonable (more for beer than cocktails, although I highly recommend the espresso martini!) All in all a decent bar, but probably not one to stay in all evening read more

I find allotment a little underwhelming - I want it to be better than it is but maybe I have just been at the wrong time. I have been here twice now and both times I wished they would hit the dimmer on the lights - the bright LEDs are a little intense. On my first visit I had a tasty cocktail but my friend asked she could have one of the cocktails altered so that it was non-alcoholic. The result was a little disastrous. Visit number two was simply to grab a non-alcoholic drink after dinner on a Monday night date. Again, the lighting somewhat affected the mood and it isn't the cosiest of hang outs. I'd like to try it again when the place is buzzing. I do like the recycled timber they've used in the bar, particularly in the toilet cubicles. Very cool. read more

Visited the other evening with some friends. Really extensive gin collective which the bartender was really helpful with! Think I found my new favourite with citadel. Even though the bar was really busy, we were able to eat in peace. The cauliflower burger was incredible and such a nice change from the normal veggie options. Food was reasonably priced as the quality was amazing, and the cocktail special was really lovely. read more

These days restaurants without a quirky theme seem dull. Thankfully, complete with corrugated iron shack and ingenious decor, Allotment has a very quirky theme. The earthy honest food, served in good quantity, lives up to this surprisingly stylish eatery's theme. Allotment have managed to refine the art of unrefined food well and the menu features some great bar snacks if all you fancy is a nibble. Overall, Allotment does simple fresh food very well in an interesting setting at a reasonable price. read more

I popped in Allotment for a drink last weekend. I love the décor with the 'allotment' feel and plants/herbs hanging from the walls. I thought this would echo through the cocktail menu but unfortunately it doesn't. Not surprisingly there were pretty busy with just one bartender covering. I went for the gin and jam cocktail which was nowhere near as sweet as it sounds. I really enjoyed it! When my friends joined me they enjoyed their cocktails too despite one ending up all over my friend as the bartender knocked it over! I was quite shocked that there was no discount offered as a gesture of goodwill considering she was now covered in alcohol. I didn't eat but the food coming out of the kitchen looked good and plentiful, I'll update my review when I've tried it! read more

Went for drinks and a light bite to eat after work on a Friday. Be prepared for lots of tables to be reserved on a Friday night though. When we did get a table we had some wonderful gin cocktails (one was slightly not right, but the staff were quick to sort) I also had the black pudding on English muffins with poached eggs and hollandaise- absolutely fantastic! Brilliant service and a lovely relaxed atmosphere. There is an extensive gin menu for gin lovers and recently on visits I've taken up the Gin of the Week offer, always lovely. Definitely worth a visit for the decor too! read more

Visited Allotment a couple of weeks ago for a friend's birthday and I have got to say I really like this place. It's made up inside to look like an allotment and this actually really helps with the atmosphere as regardless of how busy it gets it somehow manages to maintain a relaxed vibe. It feels genuinely different and is a nice change of scenery compared to most city centre bars. My friend recommended an ale called 'dirty hoe', I initially thought this was a trick where I would go to the bar and ask for a 'dirty hoe' and then get escorted off the premises. Turns out I should trust my friend more, it is a fine ale and I would definitely recommend it. read more

Second visit this afternoon. Again everything was brilliant. I didn't mention last time but they have the biggest Gin selection I have ever seen. At some point I will be trying some. A couple of my dining companions wanted to try a new one and I was very impressed by the knowledge of our waitress. With a couple of pointers around preferences she made great recommendations. It came with one bottle of tonic for sharing but having one each was also an option. This place is staying firmly on my go in again list. read more

Stopped by for a drink as I'd heard good things.. I wasn't disappointed! great decor, great atmosphere, great cocktails! Without meaning to sound too old - a venue where you can hear yourself think! Definitely recommend. read more

These people know there way around a gin and tonic! Go in there and let them be your guide! Awesome service and expertise!

Ended up here after a quick internet search for a Gin Bar. What a little goldmine of a find. Really good vibe to the place. Loved the decor, the wooden benches and the fairy lights. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Band was great. I had the ploughman's platter - it was beautifully presented and tasted devine (a real pain to eat off the little wooden block though). What a great gin menu, and our waitress helped choose tonics etc. Cant speak highly enough of it, will def go back, maybe do one of the tasting events. So pleased to have stumbled across it. Not sure I will try the vegan haggis though - can it really be named haggis if its vegan? read more

Was venue hunting for a party atound the northern quarter with a friend and we needed to refuel. It was mid week and the bar was a pleasant mix of post work drinkers, friends catching up and couples dining. We grabbed a table and were greated by a very pleasant waiter (the staff in here seem super lovely which is nice) who took our drinks order and gave us some menus. I opted for the veggie stack burger with a side of corn and my friend opted for the house burger. I really like the veggie stack rather than just a pattie made out of mixed veg this burger had chunky sliced veggies stacked up and topped with onion rings. Fries were served in a cute little garden bucket and my corn on the cob came in a plant pot all keeping with the allotment theme. Our waiter was replaced by a waitress who was equally as helpful and pleasant. My only slight issue was with the seating although a very comfy bench seat it was covered in a hessian type material which whn you are wearing black isnt great as it fluffed all over and ledt cream coloured thread all over me! Note to self for next time! read more

Herd NQ - Veggie burger - Bars Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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Really like this new bar in the NQ. Allotment has a theme of all things garden related as the name would suggest. The first thing that struck me was how nice this bar smelled. They had a botanical air fresher running through the air con which made you feel like you were in someone's back garden. The bar itself has been done out beautifully. They have long wooden benches and greenery throughout. The music was good but not too load which is perfect if you want to actually speak to your friends. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Crazy little bar, like something from the flintstones! The smell of the plants and flowers around the tables and in the walls makes it a really unique place to drink. Only had a couple of the Gins but both were excellent, poured in no time by a super friendly barman. One of the best indie bars in Manchester. read more

Fantastic bar in NQ that I am a huge fan of! Always a great atmosphere no matter what day of the week and super friendly staff. The cocktails are fantastic and the food always tastes great! read more

Delicious artichoke pie. A few tasty sounding vegetarian options to chose from. The staff were great and really accommodating. Good atmosphere, love the decor. read more

Decor is charming ,love the horticulture theme but the food is hype!! Smaller than Tapas portions, but not spanish orientated by which i mean a gravy and yorkshire pudding dish (over baked) whitebait ,but the coating was flour and not a light batter (badly mixed) chicken "wings" were small "thighs" and spicy potato wedges were like Asda's worst , other portions were also dry,- fish etc, and we were not brought our order of flat breads so all our hummus and dips were to be eaten by fork? gave up asking for the breads so had the dips(tapas) removed from the bill , great range of Gins , beer was limited but one gets the distinct impression that if you are charmed by the fairy lights and ye olde monochrome photos and mini buckets used to serve the "miniscule" overpriced portions then the food will be forgiven. This place is for "been there " or "Hipsters" crowd certainly not those who appreciate a real quality Gastro bar .Sadly it's as pretentious as the whole of the NQ is becoming. Tip : Decor and polite staff do not make a restaurant ditch the grub stick to the Drinks menu.You can claim a cocktail bar but never an Eatery. read more