June 2017 by Veronica J.
I normally come to Bar 21 when they host board games night. I really like the atmosphere - popular rock music, film inspired interior - such as a table featuring game of thrones posters with characters, and pleasant lighting. I have to say I have never ordered food, but from what I have seen when others ordered- looks very appetising! I usually opt for tea or coffee, however, in a short period of time the price changed from at around a pound to 2.50, while the teabags were switched to a cheaper brand. Normally you are served quite quickly, although occasionally you would have to wait. The bar is easily accessible- Victoria train and Shudehill bus stations are close; alternatively, there is a short walk to Piccadilly Gardens.
January 2017 by Aaron S.
I called in Bar21 while in Manchester, which was my first visit in over two years, I remember coming in two years ago and really enjoying my visit, where I awarded Bar21 4 stars so it makes me so sad to come back and have to demote Bar21 to a single one star, and now compare this to one of the worst places which I have eaten. When I came in, I was greeted and sat down really quickly, this is a bar that serves food, for example even during the day it is set out like a bar, with dark lighting, weird disco lighting going around the room, loud music and uncomfortable seating. Straight away, I taken a look at the menu and I didn't understand the weird, unusual layout so I consulted my server who consulted the chef, they put so much pressure under me to get certain items and in the end i opted for it, he seemed to know what he was talking about and stressed how good the beef kebabs were, and the chips, he tried to push certain foods on me and stress how good they were. I also claimed my free coffee for checking in on Yelp, however I rather wish I didn't, it is made from a kettle and not a machine and the coffee quality was awful, I had to send it back the first time and the second time it wasn't any better. The food had a really long wait, and when it did come it certainly wasn't very good either. My Mexican Chicken dish was terrible, as I recall it cost £8.50 with chips or something like that. They did put the Naan bread on my plate despite my request not to because of my allergy. The food really wasn't very nice, the chicken was poor quality and just rubbery, it tasted so bad. I couldn't even eat it. Even the chips were bad, yes they were homemade but they just tasted weird, they weren't very nice at all, instead they were a little soggy. Moving onto my friend's meal, my friend normally does enjoy eating out and does normally eat it no matter what however she was disgusted with the quality of the chef's special, the kebabs, I tried them and they tasted undercooked, it felt like the Chef had been put in another room and a hitman tried to kill us by making the food, it just tasted awful, they had no flavour, nor seasoning and considering these were the best kebabs and the best thing on the menu, they really were awful Sadly, if the chef actually thinks these are some of the best things on the menu, they must be deluded and simply not understand what food is. I'm struggling to think of something with this place that is actually okay, my list goes on - Overpriced - Poor service - Awful coffee - Awful food - Pushy staff - Decor - Overall feel for dining The list goes on.... Sadly, the place I once loved has turned to a place I now despise, my friend and I both left our plates and had to eat somewhere else. Nothing about the meal tasted right, this was a real shame considering the standards shown in late 2014 which have slipped, like a certain Liverpool footballer did in the same year (Cough, Cough Steven Gerrard)
May 2016 by Usman A.
This place has a feel of Fab Cafe to it. Its a kind of retro movie bar. I cannot fault the service here and the drinks are fairly cheap for Manchester City Centre. This place is probably best for a mid-week drink with close friends. Nice bar, friendly staff and decent prices.
April 2016 by Philip S.
Bar21 is OK, with film and pop culture memorabilia, but I found the choices of beer and drinks very limited. Especially as it is a bar in the Northern Quarter. He had no German beer, no Guinness, no great options... One annoying thing as I was deciding what beer to have, and I finally settled on Grolsch, there was a misunderstanding on what I wanted, as the Bartender was trying to sell me their 2for1 offer, and I ended up with two pints of Coors Light. I accepted it at the time because there is no great difference between the two mediocre brands, although, Coors Light did remind me of a German Radler, which is the equivalent to a Lager shandy, but better. Maybe their events and quiz nights make it better, but I am not willing to find out. If you are going for a quiet beer, there are better places nearby. Literally around the corner!
October 2015 by Ashley F.
A lively spacious venue spread on two floors with tables and 60's style booths and a film motive. A friendly and unchallenging environment the lets you find your own space, private but included. Music is present in an unobtrusive way that feels contemporary without blocking communication. Some iconic film features (a sculpted iron 'Alien' for example) remind you of the theme in an quirky but not obsessive manor. Essentially relaxed and fun.
May 2015 by Danielle C.
On a visit to Manchester with friends, we were trying out the local bars, Bar 21 was right by our hotel, so we made it our first stop. It has a great atmosphere, and played some great music, it was right uo our street so we stayed a bit longer, and before we knew it we was on the cocktails, amazing by the way! Before we left we decided to have a bite to eat, i had the ribs, not the best iv ever had, but they done the job.
November 2014 by Pawel W.
I back to this pub after Halloween party.Pub looks very modern in site with lots of posters from cinema movies. I realy like in this pub that music on background is not too lout.you can sit down with your friends and enjoy your pint, Food looks nice and test nice in average price. STAFF nice and friendly.
November 2014 by Ellie B.
Had a great time in Bar 21's basement last Saturday night. It was one good tune after another (mainly indie) and the DJ even put some Pulp on for us. I'll definitely be back to throw more shapes on the dancefloor very soon.
October 2014 by Chris T.
I love this place! I love all the movie art work and the memorabilia, all the staff are really friendly and can't do enough to help, The prices are great and they also do a happy hour on sundays and mondays all day and tuesdays 5pm-8pm which has selected beers and cocktails, they also do some fun movie nights which sounds like fun! Its a quirky bar and i like it alot! We went on a tuesday night so it was pretty quiet so I'm going to revisit on a more busier night to see what the crowds like. But if youre looking for a relaxing place to enjoy a drink in the week then this is a great place to hangout.
September 2014 by Jessica H.
After the excitement of our trip to Bar21 for the Yelp event, we decided to return for dinner prior to a gig at The Castle. It was very empty when we arrived, putting us on the back foot slightly, but it gradually filled up over the course of an hour or so. Service was quick and we were given the food menu to browse whilst ordering a bottle of wine (as ever). We were surprised that the menu was much smaller than expected, and than it used to be; obviously it must help the kitchen, and perhaps there is a different menu for the restaurant area - if they still have that - but it was just very far from the goodies we were able to try at the Yelp event. After little deliberation, I went for the breaded chicken burger, served with fries. Unfortunately when it arrived there was mayonnaise on it so had to be taken back, but the apologies from the staff were enough to make up for it. We also ordered a side of ribs because they were just so good the last time, which were the highlight of the meal; sweet but savoury and falling off the bone. We had a lovely meal and it was what we needed pre-gig, but I feel like the menu was a bit small and they have a lot more to offer.
August 2014 by Gavin L.
Bar21 is much as you would assume a bar to be: It has drinks that can help you achieve a level of horizontality (It's not a word, but then neither is 'totes', 'amazeballs', 'thats just jokes', and many other words being invented by cretinous individuals that border on the subhuman, so take it or leave it) and it has food, food which going by the buffet we had last night would be exceptionally good. The staff were all above standard for a bar, and friendly, smiling, and pretty quick, which just about makes them all minor messiahs. Or prophets. Prophets of delivering the message of alcoholic happiness. The layout of the place is perfect, and has one of those surprise basement areas that isn't some seedy den of iniquity that they are in most establishments, but a nicely decorated and non-damp smelling great little hideaway. I would heartily recommend popping in there during the day time, as the night time I can't vouch for nor indeed the weekends. Ok I may have undermined my own appraisal of this place somewhat but lets just say on initial viewing this place is pretty good.
June 2014 by Marcio F.
Better than you can imagine What a wonderful experience each time I have been at the Bar21. The food was fantastic and the service exceptional. The prices were very reasonable...
June 2014 by Matt B.
Only popped in on the off-chance of food and had to ask if they were open as it was just so quiet. The lady behind the bar was full of enthusiasm and warmth and just made us feel like we were friends who have not been seen for a while. The food was great and the beer was good quality (usually is in the city centre but only in cheaper venues do you find the beer isn't as well looked after). That being said, We had a pizza each and I had a Staropramen while the other half had a coke and the bill was sub £20! So needless to say we left with a big smile on our faces and will be popping in again next time we are shopping! 5 starts go to good atmosphere, very attentive bar staff, quick service, good value and because we just loved our mini-pizzas! -Matt
June 2014 by Louise B.
Called in for a quick cocktail on way to concert at the MEN. 2 hours later and with full bellies, we left! Cocktails were well made, and actually tasted the alcohol! Food was tremendous, and plenty of it! Great menu to choose from, all compliments to the chef! Staff were friendly, and atmosphere was relaxed for a Saturday night. Good mix of people in there, and good music too. Will definitely be back!
April 2014 by Hollie V.
Not a bad venue, and quite spacious inside with a big bar area, so good if there is a group of you and other nearby bars are a bit packed. I quite liked the music selection...took me back my youth! Quite a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Not too expensive either, which is sometimes the case with other Norther Quarter venues.
