CityLife

IT'S been obvious to anyone with an eye for the impressive, the inspiring or just with a nose for a damn good party that the Pavilion which has been nestling in the shadow of Urbis for most of the year is a space that’s just begging to be taken over.<br /> <br /> And it’s to Ear To The Ground’s credit that they’ve seized the mantle and put the giant tent to good use.<br /> <br /> The concept? Well, in essence it’s the much-loved Canteena in its winter woollies. A temporary, themed bar/music space - only this time instead of being military-themed and hot and sunny it’s a faux-winter wonderland, all white and icy blue.<br /> <br /> Impressive job<br /> <br /> The Castlefield institution’s windswept, icy younger sibling if you will.<br /> <br /> In the manner of whatever the polar (sorry) opposite of a desert oasis is on entrance, they’ve done an impressive job. A long wooden walkway flanked with picnic-style benching and pine trees leads you up to the space itself, making you feel like you’re entering the realm of the Ice Queen.<br /> <br /> If the Ice Queen lived in central Manchester and wore clothes from the Northern Quarter that is. <br /> <br /> Inside, among the fairy lights and projected snowflakes, it’s more of the same: dominated by the ‘north pole’ itself in the middle of a huge circular lighting rig festooned with inverted Christmas trees (which we’re hoping isn’t some form of Norwegian Satanist symbol) plus signs to major cities which – though we’re not sure if they’re factually accurate – are sure to be useful for the frozen traveller.<br /> <br /> As are the wooden benches around the perimeter. <br /> <br /> Winter-themed cocktails<br /> <br /> At the antler-covered bar, the drinks offer feels pretty solid for a pop up drinking hole. As well as the Guinness (extra cold, of course), Carlsberg and Grolsch on tap there are a range of winter-themed cocktails: a Jack Daniels, honey, lemon and clove Whiskey Toddy and a Vodka, caramelised apple juice and cinnamon Winter Crumble being highlights. <br /> <br /> And the food menu – all meaty stews and broths – demonstrates the same substance and flair.<br /> <br /> Paradoxical warmth<br /> <br /> So far, so festive… so familiar? Well, kind of. The theme, drinks and general vibe are ringing a (jingle) bell: reminding CityLife firmly of the Christmas markets.<br /> <br /> Feeling cold after a day pottering round the stalls? Move into the paradoxical warmth of the North Pole, on to the cocktails and thaw the chill by cutting some rug. <br /> <br /> Organisers promise a laid-back mix of tunes, one-off DJ performances and club nights. And get there soon: it’ll all be gone come New Year’s Day.<br /> <br /> THE North Pole Winter Warmer:<br /> <br /> Festive drinks get a modern Mancunian spin at the North Pole thanks to the creative talents of Northern Quarter bar manager Adam Binnersley, who’s been drafted in to run the bar.<br /> <br /> Hence the mulled wine sweetened with Vimto, and the delicious Winter Warmer: the sweetness of caramelised apple juice combining beautifully with distinctly Christmassy cinnamon and vodka, in this case Finlandia (who’re sponsoring the outlet). Our top tip? For a tasty variation, try making this with bison grass vodka Zubrowka, that’s flavour profile is the perfect complement to apple.<br />