For anyone who wants to see Premier League footballers off the pitch, relaxing in nightclubs, bars and restaurants, Manchester is the place to visit.
There are numerous nightspots around the city where players from Manchester United and Manchester City can be seen out on the town, often accompanied by their wives and girlfriends.
Here are five of the top venues in Manchester for celebrity spotting.
Panacea
One of the favourite hangouts for footballers and WAGs is Panacea, a basement bar and restaurant in Deansgate. Colleen Rooney chose to hold her hen-do here. Making it through the large glass doors and down the wooden stairs will be the first hurdle, as they have a very selective door policy.
Once inside, a gilded East meets West décor includes private booths where both real and wannabe WAGs will be drinking very expensive champagne and cocktails. Those planning to visit Panacea should find a great value Manchester hotel to spend the night, as the money you save on accommodation will help to keep the Cristal flowing.
Cinnabar
An ultra-cool cocktail bar in the Hulme area of east Manchester, Cinnebar is on the top of floor of Vermillion, a popular Thai restaurant. Located in Sport City, right next to Etihad Stadium, Cinnebar attracts WAGS and footballers galore, and is a favourite with Cheryl Cole and Ryan Giggs.
Sharing a designer with the Buddha Bar and Hakkasan, the red and gold décor is ornate, with cocoon shaped lounging beds surrounded by Asian antiquities.
Cloud 23
For great views as well as a chance to see footballers and WAGs, a visit to Cloud23 will be perfect. Situated high up on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel in the Beetham Tower, Cloud 23 is the highest point in the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give a spectacular view over Manchester.
Cloud 23 is famed for its cocktails, inspired by Manchester’s heritage, with names such as The Industrialist and Berry Black Smog.
Neighbourhood
When the Manchester United team wanted to celebrate their Premier League title win, Wayne Rooney gathered them all together at Neighbourhood. Located in Tower 12, part of the Spinningfields development of Manchester, Neighbourhood is a New York style eatery and bar that only opened last year and is already a hotspot on the Manchester nightlife map.
Designed to replicate an American diner, the restaurant’s menu is based around various districts in Manhattan.
The Living Room
Popular with Manchester United players, The Living Room is a bar-restaurant in Deansgate, where many of Manchester’s footballers have apartments. For those who don’t live in the city, it’s easy to find hotel rooms for two and enjoy a romantic weekend that includes an overnight stay in Manchester and a candle-lit dinner at The Living Room’s restaurant.
The food served is modern English, and the extensive drinks menu offers cocktails that are WAG favourites, like the Glamorous and the Pornstar Martini. The décor is elegant and stylish, and upstairs is a members-only area much frequented by footballers and their wives and girlfriends.
Paul Hendersen is an avid football supporter and writer.
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