One of Bolton's most popular venues of the past few years is getting a new lease of life as a 'boujee' cocktail bar.
Upside Down has opened in the basement venue that was most recently occupied by the Oasis-inspired Definitely Maybe Bar, at St Andrew's Court Shopping Arcade, in Mawdesley Street. Ever since Definitely Maybe moved to a bigger premises, Upside Down co-owner Sinclair Little had been eyeing up the vacant unit.
Sinclair, who has worked in Bolton's pubs and bars for seven years, including a stint as a manager at Definitely Maybe, said that his experience of working in the venue has given him a great start. "I've worked in this actual building before so straight away I knew what needed to change," he told the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE : New Bolton nightclub set to open with private pods where clubbers can play their own music
"I've been bar staff for a long time so I've made it with them in mind rather than just doing it how I want it to look and then it being a pain for them," he said.
Those of a different generation may remember the bar as Bergerac's, but the venue then went through a string of unsuccessful businesses before Definitely Maybe became a success. Sinclair, who owns Upside Down alongside his partner Rebecca Smith, added: "Before that, this was essentially a hole in the ground but people know it's a good venue now. It's a location, people know where it is and it got a reputation for being a good place for a night out. So we're grateful for that.
"We're going to be more of a cocktail bar. We've got quite a late licence where we can serve until 4.30am. We may go down the clubby route a bit later on but early doors, it will be more of a boujee cocktail bar.
"Every now and again we'll have some live music but we don't want to really compete with Definitely Maybe and places like that, we'll have drag acts down the line, tribute acts and things like that. We'll play it by ear and see how it goes. Some things will work and some things won't."
Cocktails served up in the bar will include classics such as pornstar martinis and zombies, alongside specials such as The Upside Down (raspberry vodka, blue curacao, lemon sour, bitters and pineapple juice), Terry's Chocolate Orange Delight (triple sec, Baileys, creme de cacao white, and espresso), and Hubba Bubba Baby (gin, bubble gum syrup, blue curacao, cranberry juice, and lemonade).
There is a green and pink theme in the bar and there will be 'cheesy' music played, along with 'old school R'n'B. There are also a number of 'photo opportunities' such as a flower wall and neon signs.
Rebecca said: "I feel like we're hitting that part of the market that Bolton's missing. We want to bring Manchester vibes."
Sinclair agreed: "We want a Manchester quality bar, where instead of people getting a taxi there, they'll want to come here instead. If we brought you in here with a blindfold on and took it off, you wouldn't know that you was in Bolton.
"It stands out. The pink and green is eye-catching. It's unique, I can't think of anywhere else that looks like this. There's a lot of photo opportunities in here for customers. We've got a flower wall, down the line I want to add a swing. It's Instagram-worthy."
Upside Down Bar opens this weekend. For more information, visit the bar's Facebook and Instagram pages.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'There is no GOD': Liam Gallagher leads tributes to Oi Polloi as Northern Quarter institution announces closure
- Bar, kitchen, brewery and garden with space for 5,000 customers - the huge derelict spot that will soon become Manchester's go-to venue
- 'The world's gone mad': Ed Sheeran fans 'gutted' as Subtract tour tickets go on sale for nearly £100
- "Give me free stuff!": Manchester restaurant criticises Love Island contestants and influencers who tried to blag free food
- Review: Chris Brown at Manchester's AO Arena
