20 Stories is perched on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields. They stood out to us because of their panoramic views of the city centre.

Furthermore, we like how their location makes them easily accessible. However, we noted that their earlier closing hours may deter late-night revellers.

On a more positive note, we were pleasantly surprised by the diverse and impressive array of food and drinks available here. We commend their food selection with standout dishes like the Whole Native Lobster and Cumin Braised Lamb.

We also think it’s interesting that their bar manager, Jack Marsden, created a cocktail menu that pays homage to Manchester’s cultural diversity and natural surroundings. We personally liked their Rough Measures, Life in Rose, and 66th Street.

We’re just a bit surprised when the bill came as it can be quite expensive here. However, though the mains can reach as high as £100, we believe the exceptional taste and quality justify the price tag — making it a worthwhile indulgence for discerning diners.

Finally, in addition to their culinary prowess, we appreciate that they also excel in customer service. We were particularly impressed by the attentive and knowledgeable server who went out of their way to provide detailed information about the menu.

Brewdog Hotel’s in-house bar, DogHouse, has two locations in its building – the ground floor and the rooftop. Of course, we headed straight to the top to check out the views, and we’re glad to report that we liked what we saw!  

Plus, we were thrilled to discover their impressive lineup of 30 taps featuring epic craft beer selections. On top of this, we appreciate that they have a wide range of food selection that features burgers, wings, salads, and brunch options.

During our visit, our taste buds were treated to the delectable flavours of their Patriot and Spicy Deluxe burgers. From our surveys, we noted that regulars raved about the Buffalo and Korean wings as well.

For those inclined towards plant-based fare, we have good news. DogHouse has meatless options like the Clucky This Time and Chipotle Champ.

Another thing that sets DogHouse apart in our books is their affordability. For instance, their mains start at a wallet-friendly £9.50 only! They also offer enticing promotions like buy-one-get-one-free burgers available for savvy diners to take advantage of.

Sadly, while our own dining experience was pleasant, we noted some concerns from other previous diners. From our surveys, some reported extended wait times for orders with some guests waiting up to 30 minutes for their meals.

Nevertheless, despite DogHouse’s occasional service hiccups, we think their diverse menu offerings and budget-friendly prices still make them a worthwhile destination.

BrickHouse Social stands out as one of the newest additions to the vibrant neighbourhood of Oxford Road. From what we’ve seen, they’re most popular among students and young professionals alike with their convenient location. 

We believe that this is also thanks to their extended opening hours that stretch until 4 AM, making them a prime destination for night owls.

Initially, we went to BrickHouse Social to experience what everyone was raving about, and ended up having tons of fun ourselves! 

Upon entering, we were met with a warm welcome from the attentive staff who promptly seated us. On top of this, we also note their swift and efficient service throughout our visit.

We also appreciate the lively atmosphere that is enhanced by a live DJ spinning upbeat tunes, coupled with ten screens and a pool table.

As for their menu, we noticed that they boast an array of affordable pizza slices, starting at just £2.50. We sampled the Marga-rita Ora and were delighted by the delicious blend of rustic barrel and stone tomato sauce.

On the other hand, while their drink selection is varied, we’re a bit concerned that some cocktails seemed watered down. However, the accommodating staff readily adjusted the mix upon request — so it was all good in the end.

Cloud 23 earns praise for their captivating private events areas that are named after the Gods of Ancient Greece. From our research, we learned that the most popular option is the Iris Lounge.

We’re amazed that this beautiful room can accommodate up to 120 guests in an open layout, and we think this is ideal for weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings.

When we dropped by, we immediately appreciated their convenient location on Deansgate, making them easily accessible via public transport.

However, we were disappointed by their early closing time of 10 PM from Sunday to Tuesday — curtailing our evening prematurely compared to other bars in the area.

Despite the limited hours on certain days, we were impressed with their tasting menu. Some of the standout dishes are Loch Duart Salmon, Pumpkin & Clementine, and Coronation Chicken.

Additionally, their extensive drink selection includes beer, wine, and bottled alcoholic beverages. But it’s their expertly crafted cocktails like the Hermes and Electra that stole the show in our books!

Just keep in mind that their offerings are undeniably expensive. We were surprised when we learned that their tasting menu is priced at £65 and cocktails start at £8 per glass.

On a more positive note, we appreciate their attentive and seamless customer service from receiving us to sending our bill, even if we visited them during their peak hours.

Cloud 23 stood out to us as an ideal spot for music enthusiasts eager to catch up-and-coming performers.

We also like that guests can find them easily as they’re located just a short stroll away from the central St Peter’s Square MetroLink stop.

On top of this, we give them props for being open until the early hours of the morning — sometimes up to 4:00 am! It’s also great that they also host events nearly every night to keep the party going!

However, we think that it’s worth noting that they do charge a door fee starting at £10. This is on top of the food and drinks that you will order during your stay.

Speaking of food and drinks, we like that they keep it simple with their pizza-only offering. However, this may be limiting for those who want more variety.

As for drinks, we found their cocktail selection commendable, but it’s their draft beer that steals the show for us! But what truly sets them apart is their exceptional customer service. 

We appreciate that the staff are not only friendly but also attentive. In fact, the server assigned to our area even checked on us from time to time to ask if we needed anything —  contributing to an overall positive experience. 

Atlas is a rooftop bar that offers a beautiful industrial vibe at the heart of Manchester. We think that this makes them a perfect spot for curious tourists who want to immerse themselves in the city that is known as the first industrial city.

They also have over 25 years of history under their belt. With this, they’ve become a beloved fixture in the community, and we noted that many regulars have been frequenting the place for the past several years.

This affinity from their customers became clear to us during our recent visit. We were floored by their extensive array of drinks which boasts an impressive collection of over 500 gins.

Our favourite menu item is the Gin Paddle Boards which feature three types of gin in one order. Other must-try items are the following: the Atlas Premium Small Batch London Dry, Atlas Manchester Strength, and Atlas Old Tom combination, which comes at an affordable price of £10.

When it comes to culinary offerings, we weren’t disappointed! From mouthwatering Sesame Chicken Wings to delectable Falafel Fritters and sumptuous Oyster Mushrooms — we love how their menu caters to a variety of tastes. 

Moreover, we appreciate the inclusion of hearty meal options like the vegan breakfast and full English breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, we appreciate their early opening hours. But it’s also worth noting that they do close earlier than some other establishments in the area.

Wolf at the Door stands out as one of the most budget-friendly rooftop bars in the area. Here, they offer delectable bao and tacos starting at just £1 — earning major points from us.

Aside from their affordability, we also learned that their prime location on Thomas Street makes them a hot spot among students in the vicinity.

We appreciate that Wolf at the Door operates every day, with extended operating hours. Although, we think it’s worth noting they’re closed in the mornings, which might disappoint early risers seeking a breakfast option.

On the other hand, while their menu primarily features snacks like fries and pizza, we were disappointed by the lack of full meal options. However, their commitment to offering vegan choices is a commendable choice for us.

Despite the limited food selection, their beverage offerings are diverse. We give them props for offering wines, cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages — ensuring there is something for everyone.

We particularly liked their Coconut Girl and Royal Negroni for their refreshing taste!

Finally, we’re glad to say that the staff at Wolf at the Door further elevated our experience. We appreciate that they sat us at our table right away and provided a consistent swift service from the point until we left the bar.