The Purple Pussycat

One of Manchester's newest bars perched just off trendy Deansgate.

Why is it hot?  Owned by the canny people behind One Central (another one of Manchester's hippest bars) and cool club nights Bugged Out! and Romp, Purple Pussycat is a dark and decadent venue with a touch of sleaze thrown in.  But in a good way.  The entrance is illuminated with a purple neon sign in the shape of catwoman and once inside there's a black rubber bar, mirrored tiles covering the ceiling and stripper-esque poles on the dance-floor. It certainly looks like a strip club, but its not, it's really fun with down-to-earth staff with bundles of personality, a great cocktail menu and a cool indie disco music policy which is a treat for the ears, when compared to the bland house style that most bars stick to.

Best drink?  Mixologist Mat Maciejewski's rum and lime cocktail is scrumptious.

Happy hour?  Not a happy hour as such, but you can snap up bottles of house wine for a bargain £7 between 5-9pm each night.

What's the vibe?  Cool indie kids and groups of single guys and gals.

Fit bartenders?  It's not all about appearance here; its unpretentiousness means the bartenders have bundles of charm over drop dead gorgeous looks.

What to wear?  Whatever you like.  On a week night it's quite relaxed with people popping in for a drink after work and on the weekend it's also full of people dressed up for a night out.

Average cocktail/pint/vino price? Bottle of house red is £7 before 9pm.

Best part? The music and its frivolous and fun atmosphere.

Address: 19a Blackbridge Street, Manchester, M3 2PB