Manchester

Manchester has always had a thriving bar scene, from the early pioneers like the stunning Dry Bar, which was initially run by the team behind the Hacienda and designed by Ben Kelly, the sadly defunct Mash and Air, then the opening of Deansgate Locks changed the drinking landscape of the city in 2000. Since then there have been new bars opening on an almost weekly basis, with the resurgent Northern Quarter providing the most excitement, with bars like odd bar, bluu and the lovely socio rehab well worth of a visit.

For those that like their bars to be full of glitz and glam, the recently opened Cocoa Rooms will provide. The addition to the Manchester bar scene of our first Skybar has been welcome, and the Hilton owned Cloud 23 is proving to be the city's most popular bar above ground level.

Manchesters old favourites have not lost sleep over these newcomers. Bars like the Deansgate based Living Room are still as popular as ever, whilst two of our favourite drinking holes (circle club and Tribeca) are packed to the rafters.

As each week passes a new bar opens and a failing one closes. This never ending cycle will keep Manchester at the forefront of the UK bar scene - that's not to say it's perfect (misguided pretentions and ridiculous bar prices are two such failings) but the number of licensed venues can not be beaten (apart from London).