The team behind mobile bar company Escapade have a sumptuous bar and function room on Deansgate called Elixir Tonics and Treats. The owners run pop-up bars for the likes of The X Factor, while general manager, Gary Foy used to manage Panacea. Between them, the other staff have worked across the city's most prestigious bars and clubs (Sugar Lounge, Mash + Air and more) making this something of a cocktail hot spot with a massive function room downstairs. House cocktail is something pretty special - if you can call it a cocktail. It's more of a birdcage. Eight martini glasses are carried to the table, hooked over the sides of a birdcage. Guests choose four cocktails from the menu that range from the herbalicious vodka-based 'Lavender Cascade' to champagne, chocolate and violet flavoured treats like Countess Viola. Guests then enjoy two of these drinks each from a birdcage filled with candles, dry ice and chocolate treats (£40). Recent winner of a locally voted best cocktail bar award, the team are in the process of planning their next move for 2014. Watch this space.
Elixir Tonics & Treats, 123 Deansgate, M3 2BY. Tel: 0161 222 8588. elixir-manchester.co.uk