The Long Bar

I like The Long Bar’s set up which maximises seating space around the bar with fairly comfortable backed high stools. We arrived just before last orders but received a friendly welcome and weren’t rushed out. I enjoyed my Aperol Spritz (which thanks to our recent Unilocal elite event is my new favourite apéritif), they also appeared to have some fancy beers on the menu including one relatively unpronounceable one which my friend I suspect deliberately chose as I was ordering. Music was good too and overall this was a much more chilled option than nearby Alchemist, which was rammed. Granted the selection of cocktails is severely limited, but really if you have a mojito on the menu that’s essentially satisfactory, isn’t it.

There is still some royalty left in Europe besides our beloved Queen, and to remind us of the rich history of his country and his family (which has very close ties to our own House of Windsor) HRH Prinz Luitpold of Bavaria visited our fair city to teach us everything you could ever want to know about the family business, Kaltenberg lager.
A group of esteemed Mancunians gathered in the Bier Haus, which is a delightful addition to one of Spinningfields latest hotspots, The Long Bar (owned by, you guessed it, Living Ventures). After a quick introduction to the charming prince, we were taken through a tale of the dizzying history of his family and their ties to the production of Kaltenberg, which is now brewed under licence and distributed by the award-​winning Lancashire brewer, Thwaites. As Prince Luitpold explained, the company much prefers to set up local production of their fine ales to ensure the quality and freshness of the brews. Operations are expanding to Ukraine and Asia next year.
We progressed through a wide variety of brews, each one getting a little bit darker and a little bit stronger. Before each tasting, the Prince imparted his considerable knowledge of the brewing process and flavour profile of the lagers and beers, including their impressive ABV%. In true Bavarian style, guests feasted on magnificent frankfurters the size of cricket bats in a bun (exaggeration but you get the point).
After the tasting, the charming Prince fielded relevant questions about the brand, as well as the odd reference to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (don’t ask). It was a truly unique experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon in the cozy Bier Haus. We have a new found respect for Kaltenberg and The Long Bar.

So like ronseal it does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a long bar, a bar that is long, an establishment selling beverages across a noticeable length in comparison to its size… a simple concept.
Places of public consumption usually have obvious priorities, as much internal seating at possible and if they’re lucky enough they will have space to create a beer garden… Long Bar goes the opposite way, it ends up with one of the largest beers gardens in Manchester in the form of ‘The Lawns’ and due to the disppraportionate size of its Bar squeezes in minimal internal seating. This plan hinges on one crucial thing… The weather.
We’ve had a few good weeks of sun this year, they’ve been awesome, and therefore Long Bar has been awesome, I myself have spent a couple of Friday eves there straight out of work and left around midnight the weather still pleasantly warm, I spent many lunchtimes grabbing a brief bit of pintage to top up on my non-​existant tan.
The Beer line up is minimal, but this is not why you go to Long Bar, you go to sit on the grass with a few drinks and soak up the rays and the atmosphere, it works very well. I actually quite like their beer they have called Strange/​Curious Brew (I forget if it’s strange or Curious)
The Weather is the ultimate Achilles heel of this place in my eyes, I feel like we should have a Stark stood in place of the Bouncers every now and then muttering ‘Winter is coming’ I am massively curious to see what they will do when the sun begins its migration away from our skies.

I decided to meet a work colleague at The Long Bar and glad that I did.
Staff were really friendly, the drink was reasonably priced and the added fact that they provide seating in a green lawn area (which is well maintained) was an added bonus.
I’ll be recommending The Long Bar quite a lot in the future.

The Long Bar, alongside Bloom Bar, is one of the newest additions to Spinningfields. Situated on the lawns, it’s perfectly placed to take in Screenfields or simply soak up some sun. Try saying that quickly.
The first time I tried The Long Bar, we were put off by the noise — trying to attract the daytime drinkers, they seemed to be blasting out music more suited to underground clubs. This time, they had it right, toned down for the suited and booted post-​workers. As with the Yacht Club, there’s little covered space, so if you want to be shaded get your elbows out. Otherwise, plonk yourself on the lawn and drink up.
Drink service is quick and friendly with little fuss — there is your basic range of beers, cider, and some glamorous sounding cocktails for those with some cash to splash. Everything’s served in plastic cups due to the outdoor nature of the area, so don’t turn your nose up — it’s for safety! Food is available, predominantly in the form of cheese and cold meat boards, but there are some sandwiches available for those in the need.
Another well thought through addition, perfect for the Spinningfields crowd.