Well, this should be one bar review but actually it's two. See we aimed on heading to Mojo Bar on Back Bridge Street off Deansgate and staying there. When we arrived and headed up the tatty wooden stairs (an exact copy of the Leeds Mojo) we were immediately struck with how loud the place was (or maybe I am getting very very old now!) but thanks to the open windows, how un-smokey it was, though lots of people were still puffing whole-heartedly in the last 24 hours until the ban came in. Ordering a cocktail from the extensive menu at the bar (where people are standing/drinking and not ordering - so annoying to queue behind people who are not moving anywhere!) I'm squeezed up against The Smelliest Man Alive.
So, the cocktail is served and it's disappointing to say the least - it's a crudely made drink hastily thrown in a pint glass. In fact it's now clear this place is going to be little more than a Wetherspoons with better lighting. I really tried to get into the mood to enjoy this place, but failed. Even a second (and more horrendous) 'cocktail' did not bouy the spirits so we left. This place might be better suited to hen nights or large groups of people who like to shout at each other, but definitely not my scene and they should absolutely throw their cocktail list away.
So, with me in tow (and in a pretty poor frame of mind) Phil valiantly drags me to Bar 38, where we stand at the bar briefly to witness some first class incompetence and leave. (No review required here I think).
Deciding that the best course of action would be to head for familiar, tried-and-tested drinking holes we finally agree on Dukes 92 (though the Knott Bar nearly won). Walking down Deansgate, we pass Dimitri's Taverna, which we have often caught a waft of the inviting food smells and commented on 'eating there soon'. However on this occasion it's not the scent of moussaka that draws our attention. Positioned just inside the window is a 5 piece band playing blues music so enthusiastically it's impossible to ignore. Barely a discussion needed - we enter and set up camp with a drink immediately to watch the band who we find out afterwards is Ernie's Rythm Section. Deciding this is definitely a good choice, we grab a bottle of wine to take in the talents of the band who wield a double bass, a harmonica and three sets of vocals that really make the performance... the lead guitarist is a pale skinny lad who, when he sings, sounds more like a 50 year old Louisana local. Decked out in Trilby hats, they consistently performed with passion and a rythm that was flawless - though I didn't know a single tune they played, I could have watched them for hours. As for the bar - it was a little cold owing to the door being permanently open, though the people who shared our table were smoking so much I was thankful for the fresh air. Otherwise, it was full of friendly people, service was quick and efficient and prices reasonable given the location. I'll definitely be back, especially now that the smoking ban is in force! Oh, and we really must eat there soon...
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