Live it up at The Living Room: cosy yet classy from breakfast till late night

Whether you’ve just finished work or you fancy a break from shopping, The Living Room has got it covered. The décor is clean and classy, the food delicious and the menu is stacked with an extensive list of snazzy libations.

Since opening in 1999, The Living Room has been no stranger to celebrity visitors and, having recently undergone a full makeover, it’s looking swisher than ever.

The venue is split into two levels. The chic downstairs bar is definitely a favourite with those who like the finer things in life, the upscale décor and buzzy atmosphere conjuring up images of a 1920’s New York speakeasy.

Every seat is clad in pale pink suede and there are gilded deco accents at every turn. The bar is clean cut and the expertly crafted cocktails and class act bartenders have people coming back time and again.

We sampled some delicious concoctions that were definitely something to shout about. I have to say that the bartenders do a brilliant job of building modern cocktails with a twist on the classics. One of my favourites has to be the French Kiss (£9.95). With tangy fresh blackberries, Grey Goose vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, it’s just a wonder of wonderfulness.

The Country Garden (£9.45) comes well recommended – fresh, sharp and sassy. The cucumber slices, fresh mint leaves and lime juice make for the perfect pick me up and add a refreshing kick to the drink. The mix of St Germain gin adds to the delicate flavour making it the perfect option for a late afternoon when you want a cocktail but don’t want to get blitzed.

If you’re a fan of sweet drinks that pop in your mouth, go for the bubble gum iced tea (£9.45). It’s served with a side of popping candy and is exemplary of the playfulness and care that goes into the drinks here.

Upstairs you’ll find a plush dining room complete with vintage décor, pastel colours and snazzy gold highlights. There are tables lit by candlelight which overlook the bar below, creating a feeling of crispness and space.

The dining area is well laid out, too, so you have enough room to eat your meal without feeling like you’re knocking elbows with your neighbour. There are also a number of plush communal booths to cosy up in and live music on the weekends.

The Haig Club Room, a bar connected to the main dining space was opened by brand icon David Beckham last year. Here, you can spend the night sipping on offerings built around the sweet grain whisky in a remarkably cosy yet classy setting. I kept my eyes peeled in case Becks decided to make a casual appearance but sadly he didn’t.

The menu is set out like an old style newspaper and flush with classic eats from an Eggs Royale breakfast to a seafood dinner.

A guaranteed good bet is the beef and ale pie (£13), which comes with buttered mash, broccoli, braised red cabbage and a divine red wine gravy. Clean and simple flavours and not too stingy on the portion either.

The seared scallops (£9) were sweet and soft and came with black pudding which added to, rather than overwhelmed, the flavour. I tried the truffle and hard cheese gnocchi too (£10) and it was perfect. The chef had cooked it well and it was brilliantly seasoned with all of its texture still intact. With slow roasted tomatoes, crispy asparagus and a tangy pesto this was the perfectly balanced pasta dish.

The Living Room is the perfect spot for any occasion, with flavourful food and an extensive drinks list that is modern and inventive without going all out into molecular mixology territory.

It’s open from 11am till late and, with a dining room, plush bar and two upstairs lounges, this classy setting will bring both your dining and drinking experiences to new heights. Literally.

80 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2ER