Taurus bar @ Canal Street

By David Keane

Taurus, 1 Canal St, Manchester M1 3HE

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 12noon -11pm, Friday - Saturday 12noon - 1am, Sunday 12noon - 10:30pm

Visit their website here.

Overview:

Now ten years old and renowned for being the finest place to dine in the village, the numero uno in Taurus doesn't only apply to their street number.

For many it is a social hub, a regular favourite in the village, somehow managing to bring a vibrant buzz while remaining a relaxing retreat.

Drinking:

Taurus boast an impressive range of wines catering for whatever your price range, and also stock one of the best range of beers in the village, including a nice Belgian angle with Hoegaarden and Leffe.

But their real selling point is the cocktail menu. Over a dozen adorn the list, from old favourites such as the Mojito to the more unusual Volcano. And to top it all off, during Happy Hour (which is actually three - 4pm - 7pm), you can get all of these cocktails for only £3.95.

Eating:

Famed in the area for their mussels, and we can see why. We got them served in a rich thai green broth that's worth the price alone, and you can be sure we mopped up every bit with the side dipping bread.

This is where you want to come if you are yet to try this particular fruit of the sea - and you can for only £4.95. We can't think of many places where you can get this quality for this price.

On top of this, they put on an excellent Sunday lunch all cooked fresh that morning - so don't leave it too late because once it's gone, it's gone! 

As for the service: you'll be seated at a table and waited on quickly and effeciently. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere means you can sit back and relax. You can enjoy a candlelit table in a little alcove, or you can bask in the sun out by the canal.

Overall impression:

The quality of the food here is exceptional and its location along the canal makes for a great place to go with friends in the summer months. If you are out and about around Canal Street and want to have something to eat, this place is second to none. Not to be missed...