JUST when you thought super clubs were totally passé in Manchester after the sinking of the cruise ship-like Lucid, another opens in the very same venue at The Printworks.

The new Opus is like the ultimate night out all in one venue, offering clubs, bars, a restaurant and live music all under one, slick roof. Whether or not Opus has learnt the lessons of its predecessor remains to be seen, as it is still very early days. but it's obvious that Opus does have more character and atmosphere.

Ink is the main bar, which is open to the general public at all times, situated next to the suave brasserie on the ground floor. It is awash with beige and chocolate and has that fresh, newly-opened smell, mixed with the heady scent of the leather booths, filling the main floor area.

There are nice design touches, such as the fabulous Sputnik lights, and the smoked-glass screens, but the huge booths, although intimate, do cut you off from the rest of the bar. But if you are a people watcher, it's better to sit in the window sofas overlooking the Printworks.

Originality

There isn't much on offer in Ink that will stun customers with originality, but it does have a good social special between 4pm and 7pm. The offers are good value with two cocktails for the price of one at é5, bottled beer for é2.50 and a posh treat, Champagne and a mezze platter, for only é28.

The bar menu is pretty standard, with a selection of homemade burgers and sandwiches all under é5, freshly prepared in the open-plan kitchen next door.

Ink is the first of four bars in the cavenous Opus. The others are less accessible in the day and more part of the Opus experience. That means charges, but check with the venue to be sure.

Chill bar is a sleek, moody cocktail lounge that operates a 63-strong cocktail menu, for those who love plenty to choose from, and sipping in style. The Live Lounge is dedicated, as the name suggests, to live music or, on a Friday and Saturday night, to comedy.

After the live experience, the venue doubles up as one of the clubs. For those who want the convenience of an all-inclusive night, the Opus comedy package offers you a three course meal, table service and access to all other Opus areas for é30.

The overall impression of Opus is that it is a cut above the other experiences on offer at the Printworks and is more akin to the bars on Deansgate. The management want to appeal to a well dressed, glamorous crowd and Ink certainly hits the mark for them - I just hope that the niche market the Printworks offers lives up to the management's expectation.

Opus, The Printworks, Manchester. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday noon-2.30am; Tuesday and Sunday noon-late. Tweet