'We like to think we’ve gone upmarket a bit,' the bartender tells us as he slides our Manhattan across the counter. Manos is, of course, the bar formerly known as Hermanos – remember, that well-known, independent café-bar that closed last year? The friendly vibe remains, but it’s now a ‘liquor bar’ and rather more polished. There’s even a ‘liquor of the month’ on the extensive cocktail menu.
Short, straight-up, long or sparkling, there’s plenty going on here, from negronis and mojitos to more unusual modern classics, like the 'Boo-Ya-Cachaca': cachaca, sherry, ginger wine, violet liqueur and soda.
Chunky wooden tables and booths do for seating, and fashionable filament light bulbs swing above the bar, decorated with mesh-front cabinets full of curios.
It’s a good alternative to the pub for a post-work drink, being fairly chilled, even on a Friday. There’s usually no problem finding a seat, getting served and having a chat with the friendly barmen in the process. Things busy up later in the evenings, especially Thursdays–Saturdays, when the much-loved Hermanos DJs return to entertain drinkers.