97

Number 97 Beech Road has a long history of quality drinks. The location is perfect, nestled snugly in the midst of a street that’s up there with the prettiest and most desirable in Manchester. A stone’s throw from the feeling of near-endless green space in the meadows and water parks at the city-proper’s southernmost boundary, a short stroll to St Werburgh’s Road and Chorlton Metrolink tram stops, this corner of the suburbs has a village-like feel but still offers a metropolitan lifestyle, inviting us to stay for another glass, whatever you’re drinking. In this case, sophisticated cocktails and 5* liquor. 

97 Beech was established by seasoned veterans in the North West hooch game. The crew also run the hugely successful Tariff & Dale up in the Northern Quarter, and another Beech Road institution, The Lead Station — known for proper pints and a great roast, among other things. Here, though, they turn their attention to refined and elegant combinations of luxe booze, even going so far as to quote famous author and legendary soak Ernest Hemingway on their menu. Selling itself as a neighbourhood bar, the interior is a combination of sleek chic and homely timber, timeless and definitely well-matched to the overall concept. 

Which brings us to the menu. 97, as it’s colloquially known, does not mess about, and sticks to classics, poured straight up without a sniff of Instagram-friendly OTT. This is a place to drink, rather than a place to be seen drinking, if you catch our drift. Alongside the mixes, you’ll also find a really nice wine list which favours the Old World, and a truly impressive — and surely insurable — spirits cabinet. The choice of gins, which include Surrey heroes Silent Pool and the Harrogate-made Slingsby Rhubarb, and rums, are particularly impressive. But Scotch, bourbon, brandy, and agave don’t let anyone down, either.