Situated in one of Manchester’s busiest areas for after work drinks, evening shenanigans and raucous nightlife, Lock 91 stands at the corner of Deansgate Locks and Deansgate itself. Its name nods to the fact the building used to be a lock keeper’s cottage way back when it was the 19th Century, but today the address is best known as a three storey bar and event space boasting an atmospheric canal side outdoor terrace and packed programme of music and other happenings, smack bang in the centre of the city.
While all this sounds expansive, one of the most remarkable things about Lock 91 is just how intimate the place feels, with the team keen to point out this is about creating a home-from-home vibe that contrasts many of the polished, glam-style eateries and drinkeries this corner of town is packed with. Behind the bar, talented mixologists serve signature cocktails using fresh ingredients and the top drawer spirits, with Manhattans a particular speciality. More bespoke creations are also being poured, for example the Lock 91 Martini Medusa, which is definitely one to try if you’ve not already.
Triple floors mean triple the potential, and few could accuse this place of failing to make the most of what it can offer. Parties ranging from small get togethers to mid-sized gatherings and full blown soirees for up to 300 people are catered for, with each level individually designed and decorated to suit different types of events. On that front, private bookings aside the diary consists of Cuban salsa classes, alternative drag cabaret, the Manchester Language Exchange, grassroots live music every Tuesday, poetry nights, kwizzioke (karaoke, with questions), open mic sessions, book and wine clubs, and opportunities to meet leading brewers responsible for some of the well chosen pints being poured out for thirsty customers.