After its £1m makeover, Neighbourhood has burst back onto the Spinningfields bar scene with something for everyone.

That's not a throwaway comment. They cater for LITERALLY everybody. At least that's according to their mission statement on their website.

"It literally caters for all, offering something for everybody."

Uh-oh. They used the L-word.

There are so many new businesses in Manchester that are terrified of losing custom. They want to be everything to everyone.

New joints often open with a tagline longer than your arm- they aren't restaurants anymore. They're a restaurant/bar/cafe/bakery/deli/barbershop quartet.

"Neighbourhood is a bar, restaurant and club all in one, welcoming anyone – no matter your age, what job you do or what you have."

Since when was it restricting to specialise in something? That's how the food and drink industry was built.

Back to the £1m makeover.

It's a mammoth fit out. Previously the go-to spot for fresh-faced city-types, the bar was the place to be seen for messy post-work drinks or a frantic night out fuelled by cocktails, testosterone and Lipsy dresses.

Now, it's polished into a classier version of its former self. Dark wood panelling is offset by vibrant green seating. Cold marble tables are warmed with bright geometric print table mats.

Decked out like a younger, cooler sibling of Hawksmoor, it looks the part.

On to the food.

The dinner menu gathers inspiration from every kind of eatery, offering a platter of varied dishes for the customer.

Taking their cue from across the pond, they embrace the ethos that the customer is always right. At Neighbourhood you can get what you want, when you want it.

It's an empowering feeling. The interior is all twinkling gold fixtures and champagne bottles. "The best view of heaven is from hell," is scrawled across the wall in pink neon lights. It's a heady mix, and - judging by the sizeable bill which ended the night - easy to get carried away with.

For starters it's beef tartare (£12) - rich meat laced with capers, with feathers of grilled sourdough thrust behind it like a peacock.

Lobster tacos (£10) are a sweet bundle in a floury soft wrap. A welcome crunch of batter and hefty squeeze of lime give them the edge over the tartare.

Mains are also impressive. Fish of the day is salmon (£15.95) and comes on a bed of creamy leek fondant, with samphire and brown shrimp. Harmonious and light, it's a well-balanced plate. Meanwhile, the roast cod (£16.50) stands up pretty well to chorizo and mixed bean cassoulet.

Our sides of sweet potato mash (£3.95) and fries (£2.95) are excessive and sit awkwardly at the end of the table, unwilling to pair with anything.

You got carried away.

Yes. I got carried away. Ordering unnecessary sides could be a symptom of the indulgent surroundings we find ourselves in. Or, might have been something to do with the...


The wine menu has some left-field and exciting producers to choose from, alongside some more well-known estates. Jean-Luc Colombo's Picpoul (£10) is subtle and well balanced. The Tolenada gavi (£9.00) is a fresh and minerally white, with a splash of sweetness.

We drain our wine glasses and a playful dessert menu is artfully slipped under my nose.

£6.95 for a chocolate eclair? It'd have to live up to Didsbury's Bisoux Bisoux patisserie for that price.

It doesn't. But the KnickerBocker Glory (£7.95) fits the bill. Plough through toasted Italian meringue, brownie and vanilla ice cream and there's a jam that'll stop you in your tracks. Strawberry and cinnamon seem like they've been pals forever, but it's something I've never tasted before.

Desserts finished, and the lights bow to the increasing music. It's changing into bar-mode, and the lads nearby start to shout a little louder.

Pimped up to the nines, it's a place of excess and luxury - and it's easy to get carried away.

Does it really cater for everyone?

Does it heck. But the reason Neighbourhood works is that it does a very good job of making everyone believe that they fit the bill. Luxury is made fun and seemingly accessible. Just be ready to land with a thud when you get a £100 bill.