The best independent bars in Sale

Places to drink in Sale – these days, there’s certainly no shortage of bars or pubs on offer. But if you’re looking for somewhere unique, you need to check out the selection of independent establishments in town.

Where you drinking tonight?

Cork of the North
Dutch Courage
Early Doors
Folie
Hops & Boogie
Jackalope
Pray Tell
Num6er
The Steamhouse

Cork of the North

Looking for a glass (or bottle) of wine to become your new favourite? The team at Cork of the North Sale are on hand to help. A little bit fancy, but not at all stuffy, Cork of the North will serve you a glass or two of something nice, before persuading you to take a bottle home for later. It’s an independent wine bar and wine shop combined.

Owner Marc Hough and the team specialise in choosing a range of delicious wines from all over the world (we dream of work trips like theirs) for the bar and regularly host wine tastings matched with some mouth-watering side plates. If you’re not sure what you like, they offer wine flights with your choice of three different wines. Feel free to hang around and suss out your favourite.

If wine’s not your thing, Cork of the North also has a selection of artisan bottled beers and spirits.

Northenden Road has a great vibe in Sale at the moment, so next time you fancy a crisp white or a smoky red, head over to Cork of the North. 🍷

📍Cork of the North, 13 Northenden Road, Sale M33 2DH

Dutch Courage

In the mood for a cocktail? Whether you’re planning a catch-up with friends or a date night with your better half, get Dutch Courage on your radar. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s strictly an adults-only affair, so sort your babysitters out well in advance.

A late-night cocktail bar, it really comes alive as the sun goes down. With fab decor, Dutch Courage is charming, intimate and, dare we say it, pretty trendy. The cocktail menu isn’t full of the usual suspects (although you’re very welcome to order those too); it’s forward-thinking, a bit different and lots of fun.

And although Dutch Courage specialises in cocktails, its drinks menu also caters for the wine and spirit fans among us. So you’ve no excuse to not give it a visit. 🍸

📍Dutch Courage, 19C School Road, Sale M33 7XX

Early Doors

A new kid on the bar block in Sale, Early Doors opened in late 2023 on Northenden Road. The early signs are good: friendly staff, way more seating than you'd expect and a good range of drinks available on tap.

Looking forward to seeing this independent bar grow in the coming months!

🕓 Open Wednesday - Friday: 4pm - 10pm | Saturday and Sunday: 1pm - 10pm

📍Early Doors, 24 Northenden Road, Sale M33 3BR

Folie

An alpine lodge-themed bar in Stanley Square, Folie opened in late 2023.

The ski lodge-inspired setting, complete with wood accents and plush booths, is cosy with a welcoming atmosphere. Owned by the same people who own Jackalope on School Road, there's plenty of beer on tap alongside a selection of wines, cocktails and spirits.

📍Folie, Unit 27, Stanley Square, Sale M33 7WZ

Hops & Boogie

Taproom? ✅
Bottle shop? ✅
Vinyl store? ✅

All under one roof at Hops & Boogie.

Gone are the days when the words ‘real ale’ meant warm, flat pints (although we know plenty of people who still like those). Hops & Boogie is an independent taproom for both true beer aficionados and those wondering what all the fuss is about.

Perfectly placed in Sale’s Stanley Square, serving a mix of domestic and international craft beer, Hops & Boogie is already well on its way to becoming one of Sale’s best-loved watering holes.

So what are you waiting for? Hop to it!

📍Hops & Boogie, 21 Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7XZ

Jackalope

Cocktails, draught beer, wine, Jackalope has the lot. A popular cafe and bar on School Road, Jackalope is well-located if you're in town for a few drinks. Can get busy at weekends, so make sure you get there early to bag a table!

Jackalope, 46 School Road, Sale, M33 7XE

Pray Tell

Located in Stanley Square, Pray Tell serves up a selection of craft beers, natural wines and cocktails. Owners Paul and Beth will also be running Sale’s first ‘booze school’ and a series of specialised tasting sessions.

The bar has six keg beers and two casks on tap and they showcase a selection of Pomona Island's brews thanks to a partnership, alongside other local brewers.

📍 Pray Tell, Unit 6, Stanley Square, Sale M33 7XZ

Num6er

If it’s a G&T you’re after, Num6er has you covered. The popularity of gin has exploded over the last decade or so, with plenty of small, independent distilleries now making combinations that elevate a classic G&T to another level.

Whether you’re winding down after a busy week or looking for a raucous catch-up with old friends, this dedicated gin and whiskey bar on Northenden Road has a tipple to suit any occasion.

Enjoy G&Ts made with some of the most popular blends such as raspberry or blackberry – but a word of warning: the menu is pretty extensive, so perhaps don’t try them all in one night!

📍Num6er, 11 Northenden Road, Sale M33 2DH

The Steamhouse

We told you that Sale’s Northenden Road has become a nightlife hotspot. After a bit of a refurbishment, The Steamhouse now serves up a host of cocktails alongside its usual real ales and continental beers.

With regular open mic and live music nights, you’re guaranteed a good night at The Steamhouse! 🍹

📍The Steamhouse, 1 Northenden Road, Sale M33 2DH

Like we said: loads of places to drink in Sale, especially if you’re looking for those with more of an independent spirit. And if you can’t make up your mind which bar in Sale to go to tonight, might we suggest a bar crawl? Enjoy!

Which are your favourite bars in Sale?