Where?

Loaf is located in one of Manchester's newest drinking districts, Deansgate Locks, directly opposite the train station and right in front of G-Mex tram stop.

What?

It's a glam bar, beautifully furnished with a restaurant at the back and club space downstairs. Snuggle up on the stunning leather sofas, form a Sex And The City style girlie group around the trendy low seating, or stand and pose in the general direction of the bar.

Handbag or Heavy Metal?

Should a tassled leather jacket ever so much as cross the threshold of this bar, a siren would go off, the shutters would come down and a voice would command "Release the hounds". By which I mean that the theme is strictly trendy -- if a little uninspired -- dance music.

The In Crowd

While it's a pleasant place to chill out midweek, when Friday comes around the bar attracts fashion followers who would rather queue in the freezing cold than opt for any of the other, equally pleasant bars on the Locks. Once inside, throngs of trendies can be identified by their tendency to pose in expensive looking clothing, searching for anyone who looks remotely famous.

What's the Damage?

Once you've managed to fight your way to the bar you might wish you hadn't as the drinks are far from cheap. Be warned: they'll happily let you leave your credit card behind the bar but seven bottles of champagne later and you could well live to regret it.

The Verdict?

Loaf is a beautiful bar and if dressing to impress is what tickles your fancy then you'll love it to death. However, those hoping to take the name literally and loaf about in their casuals might well want to sup elsewhere.