Common

Common is a lively bar and restaurant hidden away on a backstreet in Manchester's Northern Quarter, attracting plenty of regulars and sociable locals. It recently went through a major design change and expansion, swapping leather jackets and beer mats hanging off the pink walls for a stripped back interior with minimalist furniture. They've also switched their menu up a bit with much more to offer — although they have kept their popular burgers and sandwiches — and they now even serve breakfast until the early afternoon. The bar has plenty of cocktails, wine and local beers and they've also partnered with London's Workshop Coffee and Sheffield's Birdhouse Tea Company. It's still the same old Common at heart though — they regularly have local DJs spinning tunes throughout the evening and they continue to support upcoming artists by displaying their work throughout the bar. They've also brought back their fortnightly quiz night Common Knowledge for those who missed the unusual questions and unique prizes.

Common was named as a winner in the Best Place For A First Date category in the North West in The Skinny Food and Drink Survey 2014. Check out the other winners as voted for by The Skinny readers and read more about our best places for a first date.

 [Charlotte Davies]