The Social

You'll find this sprawling venue right on Royal Exchange Square, where the all-day menu runs from breakfast through to proper late-night bites. The kitchen keeps going until 1am most nights, which is a godsend when you're craving actual food rather than just chips after a few drinks in the Merchant City. The space feels like it's designed for marathon sessions - you could easily roll from brunch into afternoon drinks and still be here for dinner. Weekends get properly lively with that late licence stretching to 3am, making it one of those places that adapts to whatever you need it to be. The food's solid rather than spectacular, but when most kitchens have shut up shop, you'll be grateful for decent plates and a pint in such a central spot.