Anyone in the trade will tell you, running a pub is never easy. So keeping one open for 25 years is no mean feat. Enter Atlas Bar, a Manchester city centre institution for more than a quarter century, winner of multiple awards — including Best Bar Team North West and Best Spirits Bar North West at the The Great British Pub Awards. But enough with the CV. What really counts is that this is a real favourite with the Oxford Road, St Peter’s Square, Deansgate-Deansgate Locks locals, proudly occupying a corner just over Whitworth Street West from the neighbourhood’s elevated metro stop.
Atlas does do food, from breakfast to evening dinner, but let’s start with the reasons most people come here — refreshments. Since 2012, when Mark and Elaine Wrigley took ownership, there’s been a heavy focus on the gin saloon. And we really do mean heavy. In fact, the bosses proudly claim that “at last count” they stock more than 570 individual gins. As if that wasn’t enough, they also reckon they’ve got “one of the biggest draught beer offers in the city”. Meaning this is definitely one of those places you can stop in for one and wind up with a whole lot more than you’d initially bargained for. No bad thing, of course.
Alongside the booze — which also includes excellent wine and general spirits — Atlas is a go-to for Bottomless Brunch, served Thursday through Sunday from £39 per person. Not to mention the daily menus. These include the super-tempting bar snacks at 3 for £20 (chorizo & sweet potato croquettes, cheesy hash brown bites, garlic and parmesan chicken strips, black bean and beetroot fritters, and more). Lunchtime dishes such as halloumi bowl thingy, smash burger, and tuna melt. And a selection of breakfasts, from the Atlas Royal and avocado and eggs, to full English or vegan. Specials, including a paddle board packed with artisanal gins for not much more than a tenner, and events such as tasting masterclasses, complete the offer.