CityLife

Barbirolli

Barbirolli

Barbarolli
City centre
February 2010

Bar review

Overall: 5/5

When corporate chain bar Pitcher & Piano vacated Barbirolli Square in 2009 in search of the high footfall of Deansgate Locks, the peaceful waterside spot drew the attention of independent operators Barry Hogan and Pete Petrondas.

The bar’s prime outdoor frontage encapsulates all that is great about city centre living; a man-made waterscape, the juxtaposition of Victorian red bricks and modern architecture, and a wall of steps sheltering the area from Lower Mosley Street, which attracts crowds of 9-5ers on their lunch during summer months.

The duo’s new £775,000 live music bar/restaurant, Barbirolli, is just what the space needed – a destination venue that needn’t rely on passing trade. It’s a high spec, premium prices venue that manages to dodge the stuffy-nosed glam vibe by way of a friendly approach, a lazy night-time ambience and most importantly, a focus on live music.

CityLife’s Friday visit saw the suited and booted after-work crowd enjoy the Barbirolli band’s jazz, soul and modern hits from 5.30pm (highly recommended), while Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons will feature live bands from March onwards, with special appearances by Sister Sledge and Mica Paris.

A dramatic and tasteful interior of smooth oak finishes, leather-clad booths, a modern fireplace and chandeliers gives it an immediate wow factor. A rear raised dining area serves a bar menu or a la carte dishes, whilst the main bar is a more relaxed space where you can get up close to the bands.

Barbirolli Square, 31-33 Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3BD, (0161 236 3060).