The Alchemist, Salford

From the outside the Alchemist looks more like an expensive restaurant than the chain cocktail bar / restaurant it actually is. Steps lead up to a glass entrance where one is met by a member of staff who will lead you to your table, or to the bar. The slender interior consists of tables for dining in the left hand side and a bar with limited seating in the right. The bar supports three unlabelled keg fonts, two of which were drawing Heineken (£4.95) and Birra Moretti, which seems to be everywhere these days. I have previously eaten here, chicken goujons and chips in a basket. It was OK, but nothing to write home about. The major draw of this place are the views over the quays through the enormous floor to ceiling windows. Also, the staff are very friendly. I don’t plan to revisit here, but I will be back because it is a good location to take clients for lunch.

Official site of The Alchemist - thealchemist.uk.com

Official site of The Alchemist - thealchemist.uk.com

Quite a striking building in a fine position overlooking the quays between Media City UK and The Lowry (with the Imperial War Museum across the Manchester Ship Canal beyond). The modern bar and dining area aren't that large but the place to be is the waterside terrace (with it's own part-time bar) if the weather permits and you can get a table. No real ale of course, and just Heineken, Curious IPA and Kruscovice (£4.90) from the three keg taps.