Manchester: Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar Immersive Experience

Summary

Manchester’s Alcotraz bar lets you smuggle liquor for custom cocktails in a wild prison story

You’ll slip into an orange jumpsuit and try your luck smuggling liquor past sharp-eyed guards at Manchester’s Alcotraz prison cocktail bar. With a cast of quick-witted actors guiding you through a wild immersive storyline, you’ll sip four custom cocktails made from your own stash while laughing with friends — and maybe feeling just a little bit rebellious.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d be slick hiding my bottle in my sock — turns out, everyone tries that. The guard at Alcotraz just grinned and shook his head (“rookie move,” he whispered), but let me through anyway. The whole place smells faintly of oranges and metal, like someone just wiped down the bars. We got our jumpsuits tossed at us by Inmate Cassidy, who winked and said something about keeping an eye on the Warden. I’m not sure if I was supposed to feel nervous or just laugh — probably both.

Inside the “cell,” it’s all clanging doors and shouts from other tables — people really get into it. Our guide (I guess he was an inmate too?) slid over and asked what we’d managed to sneak in. He had this way of making you feel like you were part of some big secret. The cocktails were nothing like what I expected; they used our rum with these weird bitters and something homemade that tasted almost smoky-sweet. Honestly, I still think about that first sip — maybe because we’d earned it, sort of? Or maybe because Li laughed so hard when I tried to say “contraband” in a fake American accent.

The actors never broke character, even when someone spilled their drink (not me this time). There’s this moment where the lights flicker and everyone hushes — the Warden walks by, real slow, eyeing us like he knows exactly who’s hiding what. It’s silly but also kind of thrilling. We took photos in our orange suits after, looking ridiculous but happy. And yeah, my sock trick didn’t win any awards but at least I wasn’t caught… officially.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Immersive prison cocktail experience

• Enter wearing orange prison jumpsuit
• Explore immersive prison environment
• Interact with actors in storyline
• Smuggle in liquor for cocktails
• Enjoy four personalised cocktails
• Take photos in prison setting

Top questions

Do I need to bring my own alcohol to Alcotraz Manchester?

Yes, guests are expected to bring their own liquor for the cocktails; all other ingredients are provided.

Is the Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, including transportation options nearby.

How many cocktails do you get at Alcotraz Manchester?

You receive four personalized cocktails made from your smuggled liquor during the experience.

Are there actors involved in the Alcotraz experience?

Yes, professional actors play guards and inmates to create an immersive theatre environment.

Can service animals come to Alcotraz Manchester?

Yes, service animals are allowed at this venue.

Is there a set cocktail menu at Alcotraz?

No set menu; cocktails are created based on your personal tastes and what you bring in.

What should I wear for the Alcotraz experience?

You’ll be given an orange prison jumpsuit upon arrival to wear during your visit.

How long does the experience last?

This detail isn’t specified; check with the venue for exact timings.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to Manchester’s immersive Alcotraz prison bar show, four bespoke cocktails crafted from your own smuggled liquor using liqueurs and homemade syrups provided on site, plus all props like orange jumpsuits — with full accessibility throughout the venue.