Atlas Bar

A recent refurb has revived this iconic city centre bar and café, which is nicely positioned within the Deansgate railway arches. Gin is the spirit of choice here, with over 60 variations on the bar’s lengthy menu. For spirit shunners, both the wine and beer selections are decent.

Food is similarly eclectic, covering everything from greek salad to fish pie, plus a selection of sandwiches and burgers to keep everyone happy. Atlas also has the advantage of an enclosed beer garden, which is heated and snuggly on cooler autumn nights.

If you do have a gin too many, you'll have a hard time accidentally going into the wrong loo – the door to the gents’ features a life-size photo of Michael Caine, whilst a sultry Debbie Harry adorns the ladies’. Unless you're supposed to head for the one you find the most attractive, of course...