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.

This is one of my fave bars I love the feel of the bar it's really relaxed and chilled out…read more I like the cherry beer here I always have this when I go. My partner likes to try the different beers they have. I think the decor is great it's a bit dark but it's great if your in manchester in the evening or weekend as it doesn't get too busy but always has a great atmosphere.It's a little hidden unless you know it's there you would prob walk past, you have to spot the sign and go down some steps it's defiantly worth a try.

I absolutely love Gas Lamp. I have spent many a good hour here. The tiles, the beers and the odd…read moreportrait of a long haired naked man in boots, all create the atmosphere. It gets a little busy at times but the crowd is always friendly. Look out for their guest beers... Never a let down. One tip though, if meeting friends... Make sure you do so in advance as phone signals are non existent down there. .. and I love it for that reason.

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.

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.

Have been coming to this bar for a few years now and never had a bad experience, however me and my…read moregroup of friends went in today to celebrate a birthday and had a horrendous experience. At first we were rushed to order when the bar was not busy with a snide remark from the woman behind the bar telling us to look at the board when my friends were unsure what to order. Two of us decided just to drink water as it was 1pm and did not want to drink, with the woman then saying 'or buy a non alcoholic drink were an independent business our staff need paying' with a disgusting attitude. 5 of the group did however buy a drink so uncomfortably we went upstairs to drink these. When we walked out of the establishment the woman behind the bar was giving us the finger behind our backs and then shouted thank you, which we should've realised we needed to do since she made our time there so horrible :)

Stood at the bar for 10min and was just ignored. Shame really nice bar but service was non existentread more

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.

This is a brand new bar in House of Fraser that opened just in time for the 2009 Christmas…read morefestivities. Not surprisingly, you'll find it beside the women's lingerie department, a calculating move that assumes that shoppers (in particularly women) purchasing small luxuries may also indulge in a spot of carousing too. Well, they weren't wrong. After discovering the existence of the bar on an afternoon shopping trip, my girlfriend and I congratulated ourselves on a hard day's procuring with a couple of glasses if their more affordable Champagne (Mumm Cordon Rouge NV at £45 per bottle or £8 per glass). We sat at the bar itself, which is situated in the middle of the room in the round, a nice place to sit and chat to the friendly staff. Not a regular hang out but it was definitely a welcome intermission in a hard day's Christmas shopping.

Wonderful selection of drinks and the food, we indulged in The Italian Job sandwich and the…read moreWatermelon Salad, both of which were lovely and very filling. The cocktails were incredible, while all the staff were lovely the bar staff were exceptional, making conversation as they served us. It made a great break while shopping and I'll definitely be coming back soon.