THERE were even times in the early days when Atlas had queues to enter its glass-fronted haven, and over the years it has become synonymous with the more glamorous side of Mancunian nightlife.
But now the hallowed venue has received another makeover from its newish owners, and there will be some people on the music and bar circuit who remember the good ol' days of the Atlas heyday and weep at the transformation.
I don't believe that the atmosphere and popularity of a bar is dependent upon its interior, but it does add to the ambience of a place, and Atlas 2005 has the feel of the interior at a Travelodge lounge.
The heavy colour scheme, with its dark wood and velour, is totally inappropriate for a bar that was conceived as a light and pared down environment in which to be seen rather than to be drowned in beige and burgundy.
There is a huge patchwork padded arrangement on one wall that squeezes the bar into a narrow corridor and the seating is more hotel reception than funky bar space. I inwardly cringed when I visited for the first time, but I respect the courage of the owners to have a go at redefining this city centre institution.
Just like Dry and its revamp into a standard pub interior, I think they have homogenised what was once a unique space. But how do you spruce up such a dominant design? After all, things can't stay the same forever.
There is one gem in Atlas that has remained untouched and that is the perfect garden oasis that was packed to its willow fences last weekend. If inside is just too underwhelming, step outside into a green wonderland and catch a few rays or huddle under the heat lamps for a sublime evening. Personally, I don't think that Atlas will suffer from the transformation.
The crowd of slinky boys and girls seem happy enough, the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is lively. And with a good roster of DJs at the weekend, Atlas will continue to attract the customer who wants a stylish night out but is not necessarily club bound.
There is a new food menu to cater for both lunch time and evening custom, with wraps, salads and mains starting at é3.95. Perhaps it is just me turning into a finicky and wistful 30-something, but I can't help thinking that the revamp could have injected vivacity into the place rather than a dose of run of the mill, but then burgundy isn't so bad really - is it?
Atlas Bar, Deansgate, Manchester. 0161 834 2124. Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm. Friday-Saturday 11am-2am. Sunday noon-10.30pm. Tweet
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MEGA!! The perfect word to sum up the recent refurbishment in my opinion! The bar has got a cool new feel and the toilets are a major improvement. I think it's about time people let go of a bygone era and moved on!!
As the daughter of the, as you say, 'newish owners' of four years i would appreciate Liz Mutch contacting us at Atlas Bar to discuss her article. First off, as one of very few family owned and run establishments in Manchester, we take pride in our individual approach to the business and the personal touches we encourage, well noticed and commented on by many. We appreciate, having 30 years of experience in this trade, that everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, in the bar/pub/club business, as in all business, it is about profit and customer feedback...when you have nothing but positive feedback and you are making 17 times the profit that was being made in Atlas's 'good ol' days' you must admit to yourself, it is obvious who is more in touch with what the public want! Atlas still has style, has varied entertainment, no trouble EVER and beautiful design. Our mass of cool and funky customers will do the talking for us! All that can be said is that you can't please everyone, especially those who can't let go of a bygone era!