Manchester Private Hire Venue

For processing and conviction, we recommend that you wear light clothing as you will be required to wear a standard-issue Alcotraz orange jumpsuit (provided) for the duration of your stay.

Your experience will last 1 hour 45 minutes, and inmates will be provided with their own orange jumpsuit for the duration of their time behind bars. If you want to spend more time behind bars, with time to mingle and eat pizza, you may want to consider our private hire package, exclusively for large groups of 30+.

Our standard-issue Alcotraz jumpsuits cater to all inmates, with sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. Please note that you are free to wear your jumpsuit as you wish to make it more comfortable, such as tying the arms around your waist.

The inmates you come across behind bars are highly skilled mixologists, and they work best with smuggled spirits. But, if you prefer wine or beer, this can also be served to you.

If you don’t want to smuggle in alcohol as part of your private hire experience, you can choose one of our all-inclusive private hire packages.

Alcotraz operates a closed bottle policy, meaning we will not accept any bottles previously opened. Please only bring new, unopened and sealed bottles.

If you have any alcohol left at the end of the experience, we will give you your bottle back. For this reason, we would advise you to bring screw-top bottles rather than anything with a cork.

Don’t worry – the guards are on your side and will help you smuggle in your contraband! Smaller bottles can be smuggled in coat pockets or handbags, but if you don’t have anything to conceal your alcohol with, the guard checking you in may be able to provide some props to help…

Once you’re in, our talented inmates-turned-mixologists will take your alcohol from you to create delicious, bespoke cocktails tailored to your preferences and any dietary restrictions. Just remember to hide your cocktails from the Warden or convince them you’re actually enjoying some “chicken soup”!

(Please note that the above does not apply for our all-inclusive private hire packages.)

Inmates get approximately 4 personalised cocktails delivered by our expert mixologists, using the liquor you smuggle in with you. All liqueurs, bitters, syrups and other ingredients that go into making your gang delicious cocktails are included in the ticket price, so all you need to bring is the liquor of your choice.

If you’ve chosen one of our all-inclusive private hire options, 4 cocktails/drinks will be included from the prison canteen for our 1 hour 45 minute experience. If you’ve chosen our 4-hour all-inclusive experience, you will receive 3 cocktails/drinks in the first 2 hours (during the immersive theatrical experience) and 3 more cocktails/drinks in the second 2 hours (open venue hire for pizza and mingling).

Alcotraz is an immersive experience where guests get absorbed into a storyline that is brought to life around them through characters including the Warden, the Guards and Inmate Cassidy – all played by actors.

Those that really want to get involved will soon be trying out their American accent and telling the Warden what they are in for!

Those that would prefer to sit back and enjoy are welcome to do that too, whilst enjoying personalised cocktails in this unique and fun world.

Alcotraz may be an immersive experience, but it’s not scary. We have actors working inside the prison who help bring to life a fun, lighthearted experience for guests. However, if at any time guests do not act respectful and polite towards actors and the venue, then they run the risk of their experience being cut short.

If drinking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The Alcotraz experience is exactly the same for non-drinkers as a huge part of your time behind bars is the immersive storyline that unfolds around you where you can interact with the storylines and the actors. For those not drinking liquor, there is no need to smuggle anything in and instead, you will receive x 4 expertly crafted mocktails included within the ticket price!

Our Manchester Cell Block is on the first floor and we do have a lift to get to the first floor. However, the wheelchair will need to be left by the lift and the wheelchair user will need support for a short distance to get to their cell. On Friday and Saturdays, please book 1.05pm, 3.30pm, 5.55pm or 8.20pm.

Alcotraz Manchester is a strictly 18+ venue. Whilst visitors are encouraged to interact with our actors and fully immerse themselves in their new roles as Alcotraz inmates, abusive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated, and we would ask that you don’t interrupt the show during times when the actors are performing in front of the whole audience (although you are welcome to chat to them at any other time). Visitors who violate these rules may be asked to leave the venue early.

Visitors will need tickets for each person attending – one ticket doesn’t mean one cell. A maximum of 6-7 guests can sit in each cell. Where possible, we will endeavour to seat groups together, but larger groups may need to sit in opposite or adjacent cells. When the venue is busy, smaller groups and couples may have to share a cell with other guests – but this can be a great opportunity to meet new people!

Unfortunately we are unable to refund or cancel bookings, however, it is possible to move your booking to another day if we are given appropriate notice depending on your group size. If your group is 5 or less, please provide 48 hours notice prior to your visit. If your group is 6 or more, please provide 96 hours notice prior to your visit. Any purchases made individually will be treated as part of the wider group that they were looking to attend with. If you happen to make your booking within this time period then unfortunately an exchange is not possible. If the appropriate notice applies to your group size then please email thewarden@alcotraz.co.uk to complete an exchange.