"Romance, Cocktails and Lampshades" |
| Room is one of the leading cocktail bars in Manchester and it's not hard to see why, with such an exhaustive menu. In the past, prices were significantly higher than elsewhere in town and an additional 10% service charge was also added. Thankfully, things have changed and the exhaustive menu is invitingly priced at £6 a cocktail (£7 for Champagne cocktails) and that dreaded 10% has gone. You are talking about genuine cocktails too, mixed professionally, which can often create a long wait at the bar. |
| The bar staff were friendly, although at first we thought the waiting staff were being a little pretencious when they asked us to move from the fantastic bay window seat, claiming it had been reserved. It was only on closer inspection when we actually noticed the small 'reserved' sign that we realised their earlier uncomfortable glances towards us were because they were just plucking up the courage to approach us - which they did politely, it has to be said. There is table service in Room although many people seem to prefer hanging around at the bar area and ordering direct from the barstaff. |
| Room seemed a little too pretencious and empty when we visited for this review, however I guess that was down to the clientelle in there at the time and the huge ceilings don't help. It's one of our regular haunts though and is often lively enough to have a good time without being too exclusive. There are regular DJs although the music is normally played at a background level, which suits the venue accordingly. |
| For decor, there aren't many more photographic bars in Manchester than Room. A big fireplace, cooly lit bar area, huge wooden ceilings, the biggest lampshades you've ever seen and large windows overlooking King Street's designer stores, make it a truely unique bar. |
| The toilets at Room are impressive. Andrex bog roll with Au Lait soap and moisturiser complement the clean, modern fittings. The large backlit floor to ceiling fountain has gone from the Gents though. |
| What it is about Room? There's so much potential for it to be one of the busiest bars in town but it's never seen to have achieved that status. Maybe it's a little too pretentious for many but there's no getting away from the fact this is one of the most romantic venues in Manchester for first dates or perfect for impressing out of towners trying to experience Manchester's nightlife. It's great to see prices seem to now reflect other bars in town and the service is as good as ever. |
| | ~ Manchester Bars (15 Aug 2009) |
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