Deansgate Locks restaurants, eating out, dining, pubs, bars in Deansgate Locks Manchester.

Deansgate Locks

Deansgate Locks is a prime example of what can be done with a little imagination and a lot of government cash. Only 10 years ago, this was a derelict space where the grotty old railway arches were a dumping-ground for all kinds of unspeakable rubbish. Then the city centre-housing boom took off and the old arches were suddenly in demand big-style. One by one, they were gutted and converted into some of the swankiest bars and cafes in Manchester. For a while, Deansgate Locks was THE place to be. It still is, if you are young, well off, and sufficiently attractive to get through the door policy operated by many of the places here. At weekends, it tends to get shedloads of people flooding in and can be pretty overcrowded and oppressive. During the week, it's still a cool place to be. The only sad thing is that the legendary Hacienda, which used to stand proudly on the corner of Whitworth Street, is long-gone.

Loaf - Modern British food and lots of footballers

Absolutely oodles of cash was spent on doing this place up and it has paid off in the last few years since Loaf opened. The interior is simply amazing -- under exposed brick arches there are two bars and a restaurant stretched out across two floors all topped off by an upstairs bar/lounge. The style is Modern British - lamb shanks with rosemary and red wine jus, fish, and steak with various sauces.

Sugar Lounge - Celebrity hangout with restaurant

In media circles, Sugar Lounge is most famed as the place where Angus Deayton got himself into serious trouble. It's champagne all the way here - with prices to match. There are twinkly lights, excellent bar staff, and of course it is all fiendishly expensive. Strict door policy so wear your best gear if you want to sample Manchester night life at its most exclusive.

Fat Cat Caf� Bar - A quality chain operation

Part of a chain but not a bad one at that, Fat Cat Caf� Bar is a comfy space with lots of sofas, tables and general room for relaxing and drinking. The menu is decently put together and reasonably priced with a wide range of food of eclectic and international flavour. It's a popular choice with office workers and refreshingly unpretentious.

Atlas Bar - Cool for drinks and light eats

The daddy of them all. This used to be the only caf�-bar in the area but it's now been somewhat overshadowed by the newcomers. Once an independent operation, it was sold off a couple of years ago to a bigger backer but the famous patio is still there and it's a great venue for an al fresco drink in the spring and summer.

If Bar - New kid on the block

This one is still a work in progress. Once Prada, then The Lock, then The Bar, it's now being revamped and hopefully the new owners will enjoy greater success. There are pics of New York's Studio 54 behind the bar and there will be food served again here plus a new menu. One to watch

Revolution - Russian theme with Western food

Vodka is the major reason for being here -- and there is lots and lots. A myriad of flavours from bisongrass to blueberry is on offer and it's very popular with students as they have lots of special offers. On three floors, there's a good range of �5-�6 burgers plus BLTs, steaks and salads. A theme bar but nicely done.

Fact File

Parking:
Oodles of space in nearby G-Mex.

Cash:
Still a bit tricky. It is a real hike to the nearest official ones on Deansgate but most of the bars round here have cash machines inside and they all take plastic anyway.

Pub:
Strictly speaking, not quite Deansgate Locks but the Briton's Protection round the corner makes for a nice contract to the chrome and glass numbers nearby. A cosy, welcoming pub it dates from the early 19th century and boasts an unspoilt interior where you will find real ales, old-fashioned pub sandwiches, soups and home-made chips and chillis - plus a nice, eclectic crowd.

Bar:
Of course everything on the Locks is a bar of some sort but Baa Bar is quirkier than most. The brainchild of famous Manchester entrepreneur Tom Bloxham, disco balls hang from the ceiling and an electronic board advertises the drinks. It's not an eating place -- Baa is all about hanging out and meeting members of the opposite sex.

Nightclub:
The northern offshoot of the famous London Comedy Club and a huge success since it opened here several years ago. Manchester is now something of a Mecca of mirth what with Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas. They all started here and it's very much worth a trip.