Salford Quays can be a stunning place to wander on a summer's evening. Admittedly it's something…read moreI've never really done until a friend of mine moved here recently but I'm glad I did. It was whilst on one of these walks I discovered Reflexion Shisha Lounge. The lounge is extremely well run and the interior is immaculate. A posher version of Rusholme's Shisha cafe offerings is how I'd probably describe it. The Scene Indian kitchen shisha terrace probably gives it a run for its money but I think Reflexion wins out, just! The quality of the shisha is very good and despite it being a tad more expensive, given the waterside views is worthwhile. As well as Shisha they also have an extensive F&B menu although it's diffficult to see anyone venturing here for that alone if you're not into shisha. This place has definately given me more of a reason to explore what this locale has to offer.

Te service was amazing with amazing staff and one of my best lounges to go to. Khalaf was very…read morehelpful and overall a great experience

I was coerced into coming here on a Sunday. I agreed under the guise of a Bloody Mary special to…read morecombat my hangover. So...I would not have picked this place as my first choice as a spot to work off a hangover. It had too many clean lines. I was wanting something old, dark, traditional, dark, quiet-ish and dark. So it was dark but in no way traditional. None-the-less there was indeed a Bloody Mary Special so all went well. It was a special that included an English breakfast. Between the Bloody Mary the hearty eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns and so on...I left in far better shape than I arrived. That was the extend of my experience- which seems a shame as there is a lot to do here (billiards, terrace- karaoke - they told us). I don't know that I would say this will become me Sunday recovery go-to place, but I will likely return and check it out under different circumstances.

I came along to Blackdog Ballroom as my friends +1 for their launch of their new cocktail…read moremasterclasses. They launched three new variants - studio 54, all cocktails popularised in the 70's, Mexican/tiki themed cocktails and my personal favourite Prohibition. I had cocktails st Blackdog quite a few times and they never disappoint and these be additions to menu are very welcome in my opinion. We had some rather fantastic Manhattens, Sazeracs, and a New York sour -the standout drink for me. A traditional whisky sour topped with red wine, sounds crazy but it's fantastic. Next time I'm looking for somewhere to drink cocktails and chat to some very knowledgeable mixologists I'll be popping along here.

Rude staff. Ordered at the same time. Same pizza. Served next to each other; one perfect, the other…read moreburnt to a crisp. [nights out are great though, fantastic choice of music]

NOT TO BE CONFUSE WITH TIGER TIGER!!!!! Oh no, I'm not taking the blame for that one!…read moreTiger LOUNGE is an undergound gem that plays a range of soul, rock and funk nights and is completely moron free. Tiger TIGER should be buried underground, has no soul, puts you in danger of being hit with rocks in socks, smells funky and is free to get in which only encourages the morons.

FAB has to be my favourite bar in Manchester. It may seem a little grungy on first inspection the…read morebar is actually very good. The prices are exceptional for Manchester and I have rarely seen it over crowded so there is no 30 minute wait at the bar for a drink. They have a number of specialist and national beers on tap as well as in bottles and bottles of alcopops and shots of spirits. The DJ area is pure genius ... The bridge of the original starship enterprise with Gerard the Dalek protecting it from the side. In the left corner there is a tardis that lights up and the ceiling is full of models from sci if shows like battle star galactica and Star Trek. Near the toilets there is a number of arcade machines and there are arcade tables near the tardis where you can play classic games such as pacman and donkey kong for a small fee. To top it all off there is also a pinball machine present. The bar snacks range from sweets to nuts and crisps and they also provide a simple, classic, student type menu. Through out the week there are various theme night such as games nights but there are a number of board games available at any time and these games can easily be played. The decor is brilliant for fans of science fiction shows and there are a number of posters and signed pictures around the place and there is a glass cabinet of merchandise ranging from classic Star Wars and superman collectables. Next to this here is a table which is a scene from an alien landing and a comfortable booth. Located near china town I always have to visit this bar when I stay over in Manchester. Thereupon are also tv screens located all around that will play classic cartoons, movies and tv shows.

I used to go to the Fab Cafe in Leeds when it first opened and was crazy about the place. 80's film…read moreand TV memorabilia lined the walls and dangled from the ceiling, they stocked an array of 80's confectionery behind the bar (think Dib Dabs, Sherbert Fountains, Space Raiders and even Pot Noodles), tables with the BUILT-IN PACMAN arcade game, decent music and cheap drinks. What was NOT to love? Well, fast-forward 10 years and you suddenly realise that walking into a sticky-floored bar and being greeted by the smell of piss doesn't quite have the same allure anymore. Don't get me wrong, I still think the Fab chain is, well, fab, I just think that the next time I go to the one in Manchester, it'll have to be at the end of the night when I'm pie-eyed and youngsters, smells, dirty toilets and crap dancing don't bother me. Going back to the toilets though - have you read the graffiti on the doors/walls in there? Some of it is hilarious, poetic even! You could be in there for hours just reading. Anyway, I think Fab Manchester deserves a second chance as we went in there quite early on in the evening and I guess it doesn't really come to life until a bit later. I will say that I was a tad disappointed in the state of it though and reckon they could do with putting some money into giving it a revamp, or even just a good scrub. Crikey, I think I'm turning into a snob.

Panacea is not my kind of bag at all. I'm sure the food is good (I haven't eaten here) but as far…read moreas a place to hang out, well I'd rather somewhere a little more laid back and down to earth, because I'm just not into dressing up to the nines to see and be seen. Local celebs to gather with their entourages around private booths whilst served bottle after bottle of Veuve Clicquot, the staff seem stuck up and a dress code must be observed. I had a little altercation in here with one of the bar tenders. Whilst the cocktails are made well, they're also overpriced. I know there has been a lot of effort put into creating this vibe, it's just doesn't wash with me.

I completely agree with the other Yelpers on this one. It is well known as one of the best bars in…read moreManchester...that just shows what a bit of good PR can do for you! It's not the fabulous exclusive little place it used once to be, it's a place where people go to try and spot celebrities. It's a place where boys go to pretend to be celebrities. It's funny when you walk in because all eyes fly to the door at every newcomer, everyone checking you out to see if you're famous. If you're a lookalike you could have an amazing night in here! But it's not great and it is expensive. It's in a nice bit of town and worth going once, just to see what all the fuss is about!

I've been to some dreadful places in my time, but Corridor is just about the worst of the lot…read more Before I even begin, I'll point you in the direction of what this bar thinks of itself without any trace of irony: "Nobody can tell you you are cool, you just know it. Five years ago, passing somebody in the street wearing white earbuds would elicit a knowing nod although strangers to each other, iPod owners considered themselves a clique, a cabal of cool... knowledge of Corridor's existence and location is spreading, usually by word of mouth and pretty soon, like the iPod it will ingratiate itself to the masses but thanks to the simplicity of the door policy (if you can find it, you can come in) and the focus on great drinks and service. Corridor will be cool for many years to come." Honestly. Anyone reading that with at least a trace of a rudimentary brain-cell should be wanting to hunt the place down and level it with as many explosives and bulldozers as possible. Stepping inside this hell-hole is when the suffering really begins. Red-lights adorn the area, complete with Curiosity Killed The Cat's 'Greatest Hits' being churned out of the in-house PA at ear-bleeding volume, leaving patrons to slink cod-disaffectedly on the red sofas, trying to read each other's lips on the off-chance anyone might say something of even the slightest significance. If they enjoy being here, then it is a safe bet that they're saying nothing interesting at all, leaving everyone else to slump in their chairs wishing someone would come and give them a lethal injection to end the unrelenting misery of this irritating hipster-gland. I managed to find myself faced with an achingly wacky bar-staff, all dressed in lab-coats. One of them fancied himself as something of a comedian. In reality, he was the flesh and bones equivalent of a novelty tie. Alas, no law has been passed where you can force people like him face-first through paper-shredders. To the right of the bar was a 'hilarious' chalk-board with formulas and equations on for patrons to work out. You'd be wrong in thinking that people ignore it as three dunderheads gamely stood by trying to work out whatever pointless equation it was, presumably in the name of a free drink. On top of this, the prices on the bar were extortionate and there was nothing on tap. Anyone who actually pays to buy a bottle of Bud should be thrashed to within an inch of their lives. I got a dark rum concoction and, to be quite frank, it was dismal. Almost apologetically, a fat man in a lab coat was sent around the venue to serve up experimental booze-treats. That means a big spoon with vodka jelly on and some cream that tasted like vermouth. As interesting as it sounded, the screwed up faces belied the polite approval it brought as the fat man revelled in the only attention he'd ever got in his life from absolutely anyone. One good thing about Corridor is that the man who served me my drink was so thick that he gave me a tenner instead of a fiver in my change. I saw that as compensation for having to endure a hideous, grotesque place that had the soulless bon homie of a wine-bar in a crap '80s American sitcom. Thanks to all of the above, this place will no doubt be a runaway success to yapping fools who buy into a supposed exclusivity and irony. Kill it.

This bar is uber uber cool. The creator of socio-rehab produced this place so it was always…read moredestined for good things. Bringing a feel of New York style to Manchester's Left Bank, Corrider 'is a cocktail lounge for late-night chicks and dudes and city slickers, with a Jazz, Soul and Funk nights to entertain you. All I will say further to this is- This place ROCKS!

House 9 is alright, and its pretty new so if you're bored of everywhere on Deansgate, its probably…read moreworth a try. Angela makes a good point about the security, as this part of Manchester seems to cast the net wide when it goes in search of bouncers, and ends up bring up all the scum from the bottom. These guys were welcoming, and even let me in for free, while there was supposed to be a couple of pounds charge. Having said that, I think its usually free anyway, unless they have something special on. It is relatively cheap, especially for Deansgate, so that's another thing its got over its local rivals. However, there were some downsides to my visit. There was a large 18th birthday party going on, which was loud and dominant. A number of under 18 year olds were present and they had a wristband system in operation to mark out the ones eligible to purchase alcohol. Irritating. Music also was pretty poor, apart from a few Michael Jackson choonz, for whom I have a soft spot. They did take a number of our requests though so I'll have to say fair play there. The décor is done out in that formulaic trendy, shoes-only, style bar, which is pretty boring and unwelcoming. Basically if you absolutely have to hang out on Deansgate Locks, then you should probably go for the lesser of a bunch of evils and have one at House 9, but if you can tear yourself away, just go onto Deansgate itself and go somewhere actually nice.

This new bar, located in Deansgate Locks, has only just opened in the last 2 months and I love it!…read moreIt is tucked away in the old lock keeper's house and has various levels as well as 2 terraces overlooking the canal. The rooms themselves have that under the arches feel, which gives the place an intimate feel and reminds me a little of The Cross in London. For this reason it appeals to an older crowd who want something a little more special. The staff and the management are extremely curtious and look like they're having fun. There are no intimidating security lurking at every corner which you often find in the pretentious clubs in this area (or at least I wasn't aware of them) and the vibe is very relaxed. The bar stocks the regular drinks and aren't over-priced. Love it.

Big Hands is an essential watering hole before a Gig or even if you just happen to be in the…read morevicinity. It has a really nice relaxed atmosphere even when it is crammed full of sweaty Metal Heads (as it usually is for the type of Gigs I go to). If I lived near by then it would be my local so that I could go in and play a game of guess who is playing a gig by the punters attire and general appearance. If you happen to pop in to play this game (Soon to be screened on BBC1). and see me in there, then be assurred that there is about to be Metal of the highest quality going down \m/

I have a confession to make in that I've been living in Manchester for 7 years now and had never…read moreactually been to Big Hands until last Friday. Basically it was one of those places where people would say "yeah big hands is great" "oh you know what it's like" - and I'd just nod and smile thinking damn I'll get there one day! Ok so it is pretty out on a limb being up by MRI hospital and surprisingly close to the Manchester Academy music venues, making it pretty popular I guess before gigs. Again I'm not really sure why it wasn't on my horizon before this but basically I would always go to Kro across the road before gigs at the Academy. The bar looks tiny from outside but is surprisingly spacious throughout and has a lot more room in the back. It has a real 'neighbourhood bar' feel about it and the staff were pretty friendly, plus they were playing great music at a volume that you could actually chat over even though it was about 12.30am. A good selection of craft beer and some good beers on tap, it was great to also see the Okells beer from the Isle of Man represented in the bottle fridges.

Random stop we made since the previous restaurant we headed to had moved. When initially walking…read morein, it seemed like a real cool spot and it never hurts when you see 2 for 1 drinks. Once we walked in the host that came to the door at first was trying to tell us if we didn't have a reservation then they didn't have room....I was confused because even though today was one of days of Pride, their restaurant wasn't full at all. (Wish I took a picture). I then asked why we can't sit at the bar...the host wasn't sure so he went and asked the manager and the manager stated why can't they. Alright so my point lol. We sat at the high bar tables and they explained that you can scan the QR code or just order at the bar. The bar option was easier for us since it was a group. Made our order at the bar and that was simple. Now the 2 for 1 drinks start coming out and the first one was VERY lack luster. It was the passion fruit mojito which tasted like mint fruit juice. I did not taste a lick of alcohol. (Just an FYI the 2 for 1 drinks apply to all cocktails). We then receive another drink which I can't remember the name and it was decent but I was good with water after that one since it once again tasted like fruit juice. Once the food starts coming out, I'm excited! The guac and chips, they actually made it into nachos...apparently guac and chips with salsa is something people don't normally order....so after some explaining then they understood what was needed. When the Moqueca came out it smelt so delicious!! Oddly enough the appetizer came out with the entree as well. The one I tried was the mango and cheese empanada. It was pretty good...nothing to rave about. Alright back to the Moqueca, it was delicious. For warn you that you do have to de shell the shrimp and clams but besides that it was great! It's not 100 percent like the original but they did a great job. All in all the restaurant was decent. I do think they need to get their staff on the same page, and work on the ratios when making a drink but otherwise it was a decent place to eat.

Come here for drinks and maybe appetizers, but meals seem to fall short on quality…read more Many 2 for 1 drink options and others available to be sure to check the menu for the best deals. We came here for dinner last evening and enjoyed a few appetizers including the garlic bread, chicken nachos, albondigas, chicken quesadilla, crispy cauliflower bites o which the albondigas and cauliflower were the hits worth ordering again on a future visit. For entrees we ordered the Gaucho steak and Argentinian burger, would not get either again. Drinks were all good and had a plethora available. There was trivia going on when we arrived and late night has nice loud music playin throughout the restaurant and bar area.

What an awesome recommendation from my hotel manager on my first night in Manchester. I wanted the…read moreEnglish experience and going with the Sunday roast (on Sunday of course) was the right thing to do! I had the mixed roast (beef and pork) for dinner. It was awesome! Served with sauteed veggies as well as some blanched. The meats were sliced thin and smothered in a tasty gravy. And of course deeply fried potatoes tied it all together. The band was so loud that I had trouble ordering but it was worth the sign language to get to where I wanted to go! I was a bit shocked when the bartender said they didn't serve English beers but then served me their house IPA that hit the spot (I'm sure it was brewed in England). This is an incredible place and everyone should check'em out!

The Wharf is definitely a "must-go" if you're in Manchester, and specifically the Castlefield area…read more The patio is large, but at the time it seemed packed, causing us to wonder if we were going to be able to get a seat. But to our surprise, the inside of the restaurant is HUGE and multiple levels, so our family of 3 had no issues sitting somewhere and getting served immediately. Everything about this place is great. The drinks and food are delicious and reasonably priced. I really love the overall aesthetic. We didn't have to wait too long to receive anything that we ordered. There was a slight snafu with one of my drinks. My husband ordered a regular grey goose martini for me, but I ended up with what appeared to be a cosmo. When we brought this up to the server, I believe she said that they only make cocktails that are listed in their drink menu. A basic martini is not on the menu, but a cosmo is. The server asked if I would like to swap that drink out for something else on their menu, which I did. The food was very good and perfectly portioned. They have a kids menu, making this a good place for families. My husband ordered the french fries, peppercorn sauce, and scallops; I ordered the Mozzarella, peach, prosciutto ham salad; and my daughter had the kids mac n cheese. The Wharf is also very dog-friendly. We noticed that dogs were allowed inside and outside of the restaurant.