Manchester has played host to some extraordinary restaurants and bars over the years, but sadly not all have stayed the course. Here we take a look at some of the amazing fine dining experiences and intriguing bistros that caused a stir during their time in Manchester, but are no longer a part of the city scene.
We've taken a look back on the MEN's archives from 20 years ago, with the assistance of former CityLife food photographer Phil Taylor. Phil was tasked with heading out to capture all the new openings as well as classic dining experiences for the restaurant reviews in our what's on section, and as such captured an extraordinary time in the city.
Phil, 61, from Bolton, recalls "an optimistic time" as we celebrated the Millennium in the region and a raft of fine dining openings across the city. He says: "It was a very optimistic time back then, we were coming to the tail end of the Madchester years, the Commonwealth Games were going on.
