Arcane, Manchester

Arcane is a dimly lit cellar bar with a black painted wood floor and exposed brick walls. A serving counter is found midway along the right-hand wall and around the rest of the walls are a mix of high and standard tables as well as some banquettes. There was some very basey background music playing for the benefit of myself and the other customer during a recent Tuesday evening visit. The polite barmaid informed me that it was table service so I sat at one of the high tables where I was presented with a glass of water, bowl of olives and a drinks menu which included premium keg and an offering from Shindigger, with no prices. I plumped for a pint of Poretti wondering how much it was going to set me back. I finished my pint and took the olives back to the bar where they were knocked of my bill, very cheeky when I’d not actually asked for them. Can’t remember the cost, but it was no more expensive than the other bars around these parts. This place isn’t really my cup-of-tea so I don’t plan on returning.

A tad better (and brighter) than the Liars Club. But still nothing to enthuse about.

A small cellar bar specialising in cocktails. Bare brick walls and industrial style ceiling give it a modern feel. Several high tables with seats that aren't really high enough for them and some sofas along with 4 barstools make up the seating options. Some high end lagers on the bar, my pint of Sagres was £4.70. Ms CAMRA had a glass of Sangiovese red wine which we had to send back as it had been in the bottle for too long. The replacement, from a new bottle was a very nice wine though. I suspect I'll have to call in here again as Ms CAMRA liked it.

Official site of Arcane Bar - arcanebar.com

Official site of Arcane Bar - arcanebar.com