So... where do we start?
Deansgate Locks is, to be blunt, somewhere I attempt to avoid on nights out as it has a bit of a reputation for being full of folk who've had one too many - somewhat deservedly based on the number of people who were "assisted from the venue" with protest, if you know what I mean. (Subtitles: Kicked out.) Still, I decided to stick with my group and give it a shot despite my reservations.
I must admit, I do not understand the fuss about the whole tiki bar idea. Stereotypically Hawaiian-esque décor coupled with jazzy shirts sounds like it should be a laugh, but however much I try I never enjoy these places.
Perhaps it's because I've had cocktails served by bartenders who know their craft and who have taken it competitive, or perhaps it's because the atmosphere is just never quite on point (Tiki theme + grime music isn't a combo I'd have thought of myself); either way, Lola Lo was not exactly Grade A luau material.
In terms of pricing, at £6 just for entry you know you're in for a steep evening - but this may just have been because we rocked up fairly late to the party having come via a corporate Christmas event. I have to say, though, that the door staff were commendable in that not only did they let us in (and out of the rain) really quickly but they were also really good about the fact that I was packing a bottle of vino I'd won earlier. Left it with the chap on the door, picked it back up later on, no hassles.
The drinks were average-to-high in terms of pricing, which would have been fine aside from the fact that they weren't that good and the bar staff weren't particularly quick at getting them out. One of our group took one glug of their cocktail before promptly getting a second opinion on it "tasting horrible". Jaegerbombs for £2 a go wasn't so bad, though. (I happen to find them rather palatable as it goes.) You can get bottles as well if you're feeling flush, I think - I saw one guy drinking Belvedere straight from the bottle!
The venue itself is a good size, certainly a lot bigger than other tiki-type bars I've been to, which was a pleasant surprise. We even managed to get seats for a group of 8, which is impressive. For those who smoke, the nature of the arches provides a decent amount of shelter from the weather.
Overall, I can't really say I'd be in a rush to go back. If you're looking for somewhere to relive your youth or pretend that you're still a student in Manchester, then you'll probably find that experience here. If not, you'll probably find more expediently served and better cocktails for less money elsewhere. read more