The restaurants in Manchester we have loved... and lost

Manchester has played host to some extraordinary restaurants and bars over the years, but sadly not all have stayed the course. Here we take a look at some of the amazing fine dining experiences and intriguing bistros that caused a stir during their time in Manchester, but are no longer a part of the city scene.

We've taken a look back on the MEN's archives from 20 years ago, with the assistance of former CityLife food photographer Phil Taylor. Phil was tasked with heading out to capture all the new openings as well as classic dining experiences for the restaurant reviews in our what's on section, and as such captured an extraordinary time in the city.

Phil, 61, from Bolton, recalls "an optimistic time" as we celebrated the Millennium in the region and a raft of fine dining openings across the city. He says: "It was a very optimistic time back then, we were coming to the tail end of the Madchester years, the Commonwealth Games were going on.

Read more : "I found Manchester's best sandwich down a dodgy looking back street"

"Manchester was on the up, Harvey Nicks and The Lowry Hotel had just opened, and it was an extraordinary time on the restaurant scene. It's ten years since I assisted with the food and drink column and I don't think I've eaten properly since, although I have put plenty of weight on over the years and ended up diabetic."

Here we take a look back at some of the old favourites that sadly did not stand the test of time, with Phil's photos giving us a window into the past. Let us know in the comments which restaurants you miss the most from Manchester's dining scene.

Famed for it's very, very raunchy murals on the wall, and even more raunchy door knobs (imagine what they were themed around), Lounge