Zinc is great. It has really improved over the last few years and I would highly recommend it.

The food is just delicious. I often have their Sea-bass baked in banana leaf - wow! The prices are standard for Manchester, so if you're not from the area you may think it a bit pricey. But with a bottle of wine, two mains and sharing a pud, you're looking at £50, which as a city centre dweller it's about right.

The staff are so helpful too. I'm probably a bit biased as they kindly supported us with a Celebrity Art Auction to raise money for Children In Need 2008. They provided bucket-fulls of Champagne and yummy canapes all for free. This generosity is reflected in their service - nothing is too much for them, they go the extra mile to make sure you have a wonderful experience and they get it right every time.

Great for after work drinks or for a sit down meal. Oh and the bar snacks are delish too!

Now then. I have a love hate relationship with Bluu.

Here's what I love:

1) Food is yummy.

2) Staff are nice (mostly).

3) Location is good

4) In the summer it's nice to sit out in the sun (if we ever get any in this rainy city!)

Then night falls and the vampires crawl from their dark caves! For some bizarre reason as soon as the bells chime 6pm all the idiots descend on Bluu, seriously, you can set your watch by them.

It becomes over crowded with the type of people you usually like to avoid. The ones that leave their maturity and sense at home as they leave for the night out.

Not that this is Bluu's fault, as by day it's a decent place that I'm happy to visit. And I've had many a tipsy afternoon there. But the people it attracts is quite off-putting.

Plus, the toilets need ripping out and replacing. In fact, the whole place needs a lick of paint.

So, I'd say do nip in post shopping spree and sample the good food but be sure to make a sharp exist before the sun sets!

I like Common but mainly because all my work mates hang out there. If it wasn't for them I'd probably not frequent as often as I currently do. However, this is only because it's full of what I like to call 'indie kids'. I'm more of a SATC kinda gal! And would prefer a Friday evening in the likes of Grill on the Alley. So my rating on Common is skewed a little.

If however, you have floppy hair, listen to Morrisey and go to Glastonbury then you'll like it just fine at Common.

The beer is always cold, the wine is always drinkable and the staff are nice - if not stuck in the 80s.

The nachos are delicious though and you can get spaghetti hoops on toast, which I think is genius! You couldn't get that at a swanky wine bar, could you!/

I LOVE this place!

It's great for many reasons.

1) It's stylish without the pretentiousness of other well known bars/restaurants on nearby Deansgate. Jeans are more than acceptable. But you will also find lots of lovely ladies all glammed up of a weekend. Anything goes here.

2) It's very relaxed. You never feel like you're being judged; you just go in, get your drinks and enjoy this fine establishment.

3) All the staff are warm, friendly, helpful and approachable. I personally have big love for Andrew - he is amazing at his job and always sees to it that we have the best time when dining at Grill.

4) The food - my lord! The steak melts in the mouth, tuna crumbles on the tongue and don't even get me started on their sumptuous chicken pot pie. Diet queens need to ditch the scales for a night at Grill - believe me, it's worth it!

5) Cocktails. These dudes know their drinks inside out. I don't know if it's the training or that they recruit exceptional bar tenders but you will never ever be disappointed with a cocktail from Grill. Try the Whiskey Sour, seriously, it rocks! Cocktails are supported by an array of beers and a great wine menu.

6) If like me, you do a lot of client entertaining (PR, if you're wondering), then Grill is ideal for schmoozing because, quite simply, they get it right every time.

There is literally something for everyone at Grill On The Alley.

If you haven't visited this fine establishment yet, then you haven't lived. Get your asses down there immediately if not sooner!