Manchester

Anonymous says...
While there's no denying this is a beautiful bar with great cocktails and friendly staff, unfortunatley Panacea semms to be becoming a victim of it's own success. I am (for now) a regular, simply because my friend is a friend of one of the doorstaff. I don't like the attitude of the place anymore - it used to be cool, but now it's just an extension of the locks, tarty girls (flirting with doorstaff will get you in!!) near enough everyone on coke. It's now a bit of a tourist destination and hanging on by it's fingertips to it's reputation as hangout of choice for footballers and Hollyoaks stars until the next celeb bar comes along and then it will just be the scallies and the slags!! I'm going back to the Northern Quarter!
2 people agree with this review

Anonymous says...
I agree with the comment regarding if you are not from Manchester you aint getting it. Travelled from London...thought lets give this bar a shot...They heard our accents and thought " no way". If you are over 40, looking for a bleached blonde divorcee then this place is the one for you....
3 people agree with this review

Anonymous says...
Is it's my regular haunt and I know the doormen well. If you're a Chav, Scally or a giggly OMG airhead dressed like a dogs dinner you ain't going to get in, and Amen to that. Panacea allows my friends and I to get away from you lot! And to be honest the place only gets really busy on Saturdays and Fridays during the summer. If you can't get in on a slow night take the hint. As for those who call it snobby etc, way off the mark, try London Bars for pretension!!
2 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
Panacea - the bar that no one can get in to - is reeling after manager Joe Akka was jailed for a horrific attack against a 55-year-old stuntman. Wayne Docksey, who worked on The Spy Who Loved Me and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, has had a metal plate inserted in to his head and is unable to work due to the injuries substained outside Panacea last year. The attack took place outside the swish bar on John Dalton Street, and the court heard how Mr Akka ran at Mr Docksey, throwing a punch that knocked him unconscious. Mr Docksey was left lying unconscious on the street until a member of the public called 999. He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and later had an operation to remove a large portion of his skull. Judge Henshaw said it had been a cowardly attack made possible by Akka’s position and that the incident had been an abuse of his power. He added that he did not find Akka to be a remorseful man in the slightest. "Nothing can justify this level of violence being used on anyone. It is shocking that Akka, as manager of the club, felt that he had the right to attack a customer, under any circumstances." "When the victim set off for a night out with his family, the last thing he expected was to end up lying in a hospital bed requiring brain surgery. He realises how lucky he is to be alive, but his life has changed completely since the attack and we may never know exactly why Akka chose to attack him in the way that he did." Akka has been jailed for 13 months and ordered to pay £10,000 in damages and legal costs
1 person agrees with this review

Miss C Brown :) x says...
I agree with the comment below, we were told there were too many of us girls and that it was over 25's night.....but yet my friend walked in there and he is 19, mind you she does have bleached blonde hair and fake boobs!!!! The doormen are complete ugly morons to say the least, I could get even more nasty but I wont. My dress cost more than their whole Burton suit outfits altogether!!!

Who do they think they are!?!? If the face fits and all that, theirs hardly fits now does it, suggestion.....hows about the managers hire handsome doormen..!? good idea anyone?!?!

Manchester is DEFO not the next London!
2 people agree, 1 person disagrees with this review

Anonymous says...
OMG!!! Me and my girls came up to Manchester from Peterborough on Saturday and we were told we were NOT allowed in as it was over 25's!?!?! Erm....so WHY was Darren Bent walking in there and he is what 23! The door men are by far the most idiotic men I have come across! Do they think its London...!? Oh please. This place is a joke. We will DEFO be sticking to just London from now on....
1 person agrees with this review

Anonymous says...
"if your face dont fit and your not dress hip" OH MY GOD get a grip.

Anonymous says...
I've not even been yet and already think its s*it! really dont want to come to your snobby bar!

Anonymous says...
Went to Panacea on Friday and had a great time. Anyone who slags this place off obviously isn't used to nice bars that have to select the best clientele. Bar service amazing, whole venue immaculate and fellow customers lovely too. Will definitely be returning!

Anonymous says...
course their nice to you if you are a regular and your face fits . thank god my face didnt fit ,from what i saw in the queue i wouldnt want it to .
1 person disagrees with this review

Anonymous says...
The people slagging Pana off are obviously fools who would struggle to get in to any bar....Pana sets THE standard for if your face dont fit and you aint dressed hip then you aint comin in !! thats the way it is and the way it should be... natural selection... I ve never ever had any trouble getting in, I am a regular and the doorman are always nice as pie to me. The drinks are cool and not as expensive as people make out, no different than havin a drink at The Hilton ! Dont try getting in wearing Asda Jeans and a pringle sweater your nan got you! Be cool Be nice and make an effort with your clothes, get there before the crowds and settle in 10ish and chances are you will get in - its worth it .
1 person agrees, 1 person disagrees with this review

gari says...
dont waste your time going ,especially if you are not from manchester .my friends and i went for a special xmas night out in manch.we stayed in some fab apts ,got all dressed up glam girls smart guys ,12 of us .great meal upstairs at rest/bar and grill ,spent 600 pounds.after qeuing 40 mins in the cold the very rude and arrogant doorthings said ,sorry ladies and gents you wont be visiting panacea tonight.what? try another night .you bet we will .when by summer you will just be another has been bar on the manchester scene letting anybody in.we went to canal street and had a brilliant time .gay /straight doorpersons their could show panecea how to make people really welcome what a fab night their.avoid panacea at all costs much better places in manchester.
4 people agree with this review

Anonymous says...
Was going to visit said bar but after reading all the awful reviews, think I will stay clear.
5 people agree, 2 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
went thier this Friday, it was fantastic, what a great bar , about time just what Manchester needed. me and my freinds really enjoyed it , not too mention the gergeous looking men xxxx see you all next week
3 people agree, 2 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
Hi I booked Panacea for my birthday meal with my hubby last August. Just to say the lady on reception was lovely, the bar staff very polite and discrete, and the restaurant manager was fabulous! Food was gorgeous and cheaper than it was in 2006, but the drinks are still pricey, but we kinda prepared for that! Haven't tried going in just for a drink yet though! my try this friday night...i'll report back
3 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
s*ite doesnt come close- who do those idiots on the door think they are! rude, stupid, ? i can think of stronger words but they not worth it niether is the visit. dont waste your time
7 people agree, 5 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
Overated and distgusted by door staff behaviour. if you do decide it is the only hip place in town and believe me it is not -do not go out for a smoke as chances are you will not get back in. Stick to the living room you will have a better night out
4 people agree, 5 people disagree with this review

Adam says...
When to Pana on the Bank holiday sunday with 2 of my Friends and it was fab, the drink were out of this world and the ladies were fabulous, Had the best night, drunk champaign till it i couldnt drink and more plus the Rasberry Martinis with a twist are to die for..... Highly recommend it!!!!!!!!
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
sh*t is the only word !!!
5 people agree, 5 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
after traveling for 2 hours from birmingham me and two of my mats were turned away for no reason vile doormen on door but after reading the comments glad we didnt get in come to brum much beter night and beter class of doorman
10 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
Crass, pompous, arrogant, pretentious, misguided, dire, tactless, haughty, chav, farcical are all words that I'd use to describe this vile pit of peroxide based, self indulgence. The only people that prop up the bar in this painfully superficial place, drinking vastly over-rated, over- priced drinks are letching hags lusting after wannbe reality TV stars and be-mulletted perma-tanned recruitment consultants from the city pretending to earn more than they actually do. I'd recommend it if your idea of a good time is repeatedly stabbing yourself in the eye with a rusty fork.
8 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
s*ite service inside, even after buying a bottle of bubbly. Possibly the most obnoxious doormen I've ever encountered - was told to cross the road to smoke my fag. If they are going to market this place as a London style venue, they seriously need to have a word with themselves.....avoid this place like the plague.
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
As one of a group of 13 people attending a birthday party at Panacea I can give you candid review of my experience. After spending in excess of £1000 a female with the group was escorted off the premises for 'being to drunk' even though nobody made a complaint, she was not being loud; she had not even bumped into anyone. The real reason I suspect is the most unprofessional, self-important pea brain doormen were bored and decided to provoke a fight. If she was 'as drunk 'as they made out, they duly through her onto the streets alone !! It was by chance one of the group witnessed the fracas otherwise she would have been at the mercy of the city at the early hours of the morning. I thought the days of doorman administering a kicking and slapping the punters had long gone and the ‘bouncers’ are monitored and trained to maintain our safety. In summary Panacea is the following :- Overpriced !!! Full of lazy pompous barmen Ungrateful for your trade Doormen as welcoming as a ‘dose of the clap’ A good place to be beaten up Manchester is full of fantastic alternatives please explore them as the ‘fad’ which is the Panacea will soon implode to nothing and hopefully the sooner the better. Thanks Panacea for letting our party spend copious amounts of money then spitting in our faces.
7 people agree, 5 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
c'mon you guys, there are loads of places to visit in manchester! why go there? chavy people in the que....chavy doormen...sucks!
5 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
great bar , great drinks...awful doormen.don't bother!
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
hell yeah....my clothes were far more expensive than the doorman's soul, and still couldn't get in. what's the big deal? every f*cking loser in this place gets in jail after all.whateva...they're probably some big guy's bitches by now. P.S i hope it hurts manchester city centre xxx
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
agree with anonymous from chester. same happened to us. could not believe it.
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
was seating quietly having a drink with 2 other girls when a bouncer came and asked us to leave for no reason. Did not even let us finish our drink. Still cant understand why. Wont be going there again. emma, manchester
5 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Anonymous says...
booked a booth for my birthday. Came all the way from chester, just for 3 of my friends not to be let in by the doorstaff for no obvious reason. everyone was smartly dressed and we are all professionals. My planned birthday party was ruined.
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Your Name says...
"your name" said well. last night i tried wearing a prada polo shirt and smart clothes in general and the bouncer with ironic attitude was asking for shirts :/
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Your Name says...
Doormen are terrible and don't let you in if they don't like the look of you! Even if you go smartly dressed!
5 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

glenn says...
bar staff friendly enough but the top shop reject door man was a pain in the back side. since when can a couple not enjoy a cocktail just sold to them without some idiot stood over you telling you to down it as he wanted to close up (22:55). barman was thoughtful enough to apologise on his behalf. this place will go the same way as all the other celbrity hangouts in manchester...obscurity.
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Panacea says...
+ great cocktail menu, almost the best capirhinia I've had. Cool, good music, waiters were friendly. I liked the crowd, but then I'm not easily intimidated by posy beautiful crowd- it provides more opportunity for people watching - cocktails ? watered down- had 4-5 each over the evening, ones served at bar fab, not so sure about cocktails served whilst at table as most of us in the group were surprised by how sober we felt by the end of the evening and lack of hangover the next morning!! this was in a marked contrast to previous week when I had wine & 1 cocktail. - Watch the crushed ice, more juice in champagne cocktails than fizz!!! Group booking we were allowed a max of 7 people ( same sex not allowed) per table, BUT £10 /person cancellation fee is just insulting, booths varied from having 3-7 people seated so it shouldn't matter if 1-2 people in your booking don't show. Didn't know there was a selective door policy, lots of beautiful people, I think we got in as we had dinner reservations on both occasions! Great people watching place, & talking to people posing around the bar was quite easy. I'm not a leggy blond, so will interesting to see if I get in without a dinner reservation. Pear mojito at Obsidian so MUCH better than vanilla mojito at Panacea- ?? too much ice again!!!
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

sammy joe says...
Great bar and staff good time had by all what more could you want x x
4 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Dee says...
Fab looking bar, bar staff tend to look down noses at guests, great loo's appart from half the girls having snow under their noses!
5 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

SARAH says...
Bar of the year? Let down of the year is more appropriate, and not just for me by the looks of the reviews i've seen. After queueing for near enough 15 minutes to get into the bar, the door men decide to refuse to let us in as we were too casual (and the dress code is smart/casual on the website, yes it really makes sense doesnt it?). What a let down after having travelled from lancashire to meet our friends, and what a let down for the couple who spoke of the venue so highly. A black formal knee length dress was their definition of too casual and my boyfriend was wearing black formal shoes, trousers and a shirt, the couple we were with, were similarly dressed. I found it rediculous that they door men were letting in bleach blonde haired girls with short skirts on, obviously this must be the dress code they prefer. Our friends who took us to the bar, have been there many times before and will now never visit again. I myself will not be setting foot near the place again, and i shall never recommend anyone to go there. If you do still fancy visiting this bar, check out the reservation terms and conditions for booking booths/tables before you go there. They charge £10 or £20 cancellation charge per person if you wish to take people off your booking, and you cannot book if its all females, or all males. Your party must be mixed sex! Whoever drew up them terms and conditions needs to get a life and get in the real world. There were tramps hanging around outside the bar asking people for cigarettes in the queue, hardly a top class venue now is it?
5 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review

Panacea says...
This is a really good night out. The music is always amazing, the bar staff are such a laugh and there's always loads of hilarious people to people watch! It is expensive but why not splash out on a tasty cocktail every now and then! Doormen are sound too- can't wait to go back!
4 people agree, 6 people disagree with this review

Stephen Newton says...
Voted bar of the year by Manchester tourism... Hang on don't you have to be able to get in a bar for it to be good. Door policy split my party up and the bouncers did not care. So much for keeping people safe. As a matter of principle you should stay away from this bar.. If you have no principles make sure the doormen check your party before anyone goes in and be sure the blokes go in first...
5 people agree, 4 people disagree with this review