Taurus is a cocktail and restaurant bar in the very first spot to be occupied on Canal Street. It's just a quick walk from Piccadilly Station and next to other popular bars and restaurants, Velvet and Queer on the Canal Street strip. Having been open for 12 years, Taurus has recently had a renovation and now really looks the part!
The Venue
Taurus is a comfy and stylish space, taking advantage of its canal side location. Outside it looks simple with several large windows and bare brick walls. There are a few tables scattered outside make it a great spot in the Manchester sunshine, perfect for lazy sunny days. Inside clean wooden tables with plush red chairs overlook the street itself. The lighting gets darker as you approach the bar area, giving it a more chilled out atmosphere, which is really seductive. The bar itself is small but has a large selection of spirits on display; plus the Happy Hour is proudly presented on the wall next to it to tempt you into ordering something indulgent. There's a spot for everyone; from more formal dining at the tables near the entrance, to a relaxing drink on the chocolate coloured sofas with candles adoring each table. This cocktail and restaurant bar oozes confidence in its warm and relaxed atmosphere, with a wide range of classy clientele to match.
The Atmosphere & Clientele
Weekdays, it's a popular venue for a quiet drink and a bite to eat but on weekends and evenings Taurus is a whole new beast. At lunch time tables often fill up quickly and at weekends and in the evening it's a lively nightspot, and is always full. Taurus closes at 11pm on weekdays and 1am on weekends, making it a great party spot for those not wanting a 4am finish. The music isn't overbearing either, allowing for great conversation all afternoon. Taurus has a sophisticated clientele looking for a quality drinking and dining experience, so you wont find your typical stag/hen night parties here.
The Drink
Taurus offers some gourmet food options from sharing platters to main meals; lovingly prepared using fresh ingredients, but it's the cocktails that are this venues main attraction, and at £6.75 a pop they're a bargain too. Their Strawberry Daiquiri is a burst of vibrant flavour, made with fresh strawberries, Bacardi, Syrup de Gomme and garnished with a strawberry to top it off. In my humble opinion, their Espresso Martini is possibly the best in the city; with a smoothness that is unrivaled, made with freshly ground espresso, Smirnoff Vodka, Kahlua, Syrup de Gomme and a twist of lemon. One of Taurus' best features is Polly's Happy Hour, making these delicious cocktails a snip at just £4.25 between 4pm & 7pm. Plus it also offers house wine, Amstel & Joseph Perrier Brut.
Summary
In an area with some of the most lively bars and clubs in Manchester, Taurus is a welcome oasis of calm. There are cocktail bars all over the city but Taurus stands out with its fresh take on classic recipes, created by experts in a wonderful chilled out atmosphere. Whether you're part of the LBGT community or not, Taurus welcomes people from all walks of life and shouldn't be missed out on!
