CityLife

Obsidian Bar and Restaurant

Obsidian's bar is 50ft long

CHINATOWN might not be the obvious choice for early evening/late night drinking, but recently refurbished Obsidian is worth the visit.

Situated beneath the Arora Hotel down an elegant marble staircase, the bar has been sectioned off from the adjacent restaurant, meaning dancing revellers and weekend DJs can enjoy the lounge-style funky/deep house soundtrack uninhibited.

The basement room’s prominent feature is the 50ft-long bar running along the back wall, which gives way to two booths of velvet seating and wooden tables.

Besides the new sleek black marble floor, slender bar stools and rather upright fixed leather seating, the interior is fairly stark. But the absence of décor does not equate to a lack of substance; instead it’s a refreshing return to stripped back style, which focuses attention towards the bar, and so it should.

Passionate mixologist

Atmospheric uplighting reveals an impressive back bar of pouring brands, like 23-year-old Ron Zacapa Guatemala rum, Belvedere vodka, and chestnut liqueur, sure to please the most discerning of palettes.

There’s nothing on draught, but a range of world beers – Moretti, Budvar, Asahi and Cusqueña – come bottled.

I was served by bar manager Tom Lloyd (professional bartender of the year, in Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2009 Awards) who was clearly a passionate mixologist.

If you love cocktail culture, like dressing to impress and are prepared to queue for quality drinks and service, Obsidian is a less pretentious, less gimmicky and more reasonably priced option to Deansgate’s premium cocktail bars.

Obsidian, 24 Princess ?Street, Manchester, M1 4LY (0161 238 4348, obsidianmanchester.co.uk).