HAVING spent the first seven years of his drinking life tending Manchester's best bars, Andy Hicks thought that it was time to set up his own business.

Spates at Mojo, One Central Street, Obsidian and Something Blue had taught him all the cocktail barman's tricks and, more importantly, he says: "I just wanted to see cash coming into my till for a change."

And last week the till in question materialised at Proof in Chorlton. Specialising in cocktails and "good local drinks for local people", the new bar in the former Riskee premises opened with a 48-hour party.

"One minute I was chatting to architects, the next I was standing behind my own bar," Andy laughs, still clearly made up with the whole thing. He's drafted in former Sugar Lounge manager and events organiser Jon Woodruff as a co-owner.

I dropped in during the launch party to find Andy and Jon shaking, grinning, and sweating as chic suburbanites queued five deep at the bar to sample their signature cocktails.

"I hate long cocktail lists," Andy explains, so the talented twosome have honed their selection down to a very reasonable 14. There's a shorter `Fool Proof' classics menu, too, including Mojitos and Mules, as well as plenty of smoothies and shakes for the less alcoholically-inclined.

I tried the Margarita. Prepared in circumstances resembling a riot, it still tasted perfect; ice-flecked and cold, with salty and sweet notes of tequila, lime and orange.

My friends, meanwhile, opted for beers, including the Mexican Dos Equis, and some straight vodka and cokes made with Stolichnaya Russian blend. "Whatever you're after, we'll do it," says Andy, obligingly. "Rum and coke, to a Staropramen on the sun terrace, or champagne cocktail, we just like making drinks."

And this passion for their craft should give the duo a real head start.

Proof, 30A Manchester Road, Chorlton M21, 0161 862 9333. Open: 10am-11pm Sunday-Thursday, and 10am-midnight Friday-Saturday.