Vintage Dresses & Drinks by the Locks: Lock 91 Review

Hey kittens, who’s getting excited for the weekend? I know I am, and what better way to celebrate Friday night than a cocktail or two? Oh go on, the drinks on me!

Although my blog is primarily fashion related, y’all know I’m a huge fan of indepedents in my local area, whether they be designers or young talent. For my latest blog posts on Manchester talent, check out my blog posts on local brands Emporer Fashion, Elvis Jesus launch and the Dress for Success launch to see my most recent reviews on supporting local fashion industries. However, today we have something a little different…

Today’s blog post is all about in independent Manchester company, but this time, it’s a bar! As y’all know from my weekly (sometimes more often!) event posts, I love a good cocktail, which is why I was delighted to be invited to Lock 91 to try a couple of their speciality brews.

When I was first invited to Lock 91, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although I pass the bar every single day on my way to and from work, I’d never ventured inside. The bar itself is nestled under Deansgate metro stop, at a right angle to the strip of bars classically (or not classily, as the case may be) known as Deansgate Locks. I came with an open mind and as soon as I stepped inside, I knew I’d fit right in!

Welcomed by the most, well, welcoming staff I’ve probably ever met, I was showed around the bar on my own mini tour. Think Cribs, but bar-style. The building itself is lovely – I love a good vintage find, whether that be a dress or a bar, and Lock 91 did not disappoint. Although only being open less than a year, the guys at the bar have definitely stamped their own personal mark on this old lock-master’s building. Think multi-levels, stencils on walls, beer barrels, leather settees, wooden tables and treasure chests. Phew!

On to the drinks themselves… I was invited to sit at the bar and try eight (eeek, that sounds bad!) or so of Lock 91’s new summer cocktail range. It launched at the start of August so y’all have plenty of time to go and try out this new range if you fancy it. I sampled a range of unusual cocktails – all new inventions, none of the classic (or common) drinks such as Cosmopolitans of Mojitos. Lock 91 pride themselves on being inventive in their creations and although I must confess I often slip into the comfort of ordering familiar names when I visit my regular cocktail haunts, I appreciated being pushed towards something new. Heck, I even discovered I could like red wine (eurgh!) in the form of the bar’s very own “Chill Out Pedro” – the first red wine cocktail I’d ever heard of!

After sampling a range of eight or so drinks, I took my favourites to finish off properly on the outdoor terrace. I might be using the term “terrace” loosely, as the outside area is very small, but it’s also very lovely. A small outdoor area looking out over the canal locks is a lovely addition to the bar and far enough away from the chain bars of the rest of Deansgate Locks that you’re hidden in a shabby chic oasis. Although I wasn’t keen on the apple-based cocktail I sampled, my favourites were the frozen, berry based creations, including the Berrioski and the Screwball – both a little like a posh (and alcoholic) slush puppy. I mean that in the most complimentary way possible!

Over all, I had an absolutely lovely night and I would definitely pop back in for a couple of chilled out drinks after work. For £6 – £8 for a cocktail, the prices really aren’t bad at all. Although you can get 2 for 1 cocktails in pretty much every other bar on Deansgate locks, you do pay the price for a watered down, standard Margarita jobbies. Personally, I’d prefer to pay a couple of pounds more and chill out in a friendly, local environment. Think Northern Quarter-esque bar in a prettier location!

So kittens, what’s your favourite cocktail? Leave me a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, like my Facebook page and subscribe to my Youtube channel to keep up to date with all things fashion!