Just a few years ago, Little David Street was overrun with weeds and covered in moss. Chained off and tucked out of view, the 'secret' street was neglected and forgotten.
But, with arrival of a Kampus - a new neighbourhood featuring contemporary apartments and buzzing restaurants and bars - one of Manchester's last remaining cobbled streets was given a major facelift. Restored to its former glory, the development ushered in a new era for the area and opened up a whole host of opportunities for the warehouses that lined either side of the 'secret' street.
The regeneration project brought back into use the Grade II-listed Minto & Turner warehouse and Minshull warehouse, which lay empty by the side of Canal Street for years. Both were restored by developers Capital & Centric and HBD with loft-style apartments and units for hospitality and retail.
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Taking up residence in Minshull Warehouse is Red Light, a new reservations-only, LGBTQ+ cocktail den which opens its doors this weekend. The brainchild of Deana Ferguson, who has worked in Manchester's hospitality scene for the past decade in spots including Ducie Street and Hawksmoor, the intimate bar is focused on bringing a premium cocktail experience to the village - something its creator thinks the area has lacked.
"We’ve created a cool and edgy, reservations-only queer bar that couples incredible drinks with top-notch service, something that we know will compliment what’s already on offer in this area," explains Deana.
“Red Light is an LGBTQ+ space but everyone is welcome. Our walls will be adorned with queer local artists, showcasing Manchester’s finest talent, and celebrating icons from history.”
While Minshull Warehouse played a key role in Manchester’s Industrial Revolution-era textiles boom and was later used by clothing company Baracuta, and most recently by The North West Film Archive, the bar was actually named for the history of its location. Once at the heart of the cotton industry, the canals and warehouses of the area became a hidden red-light district as industry declined.
"This was the red light district, so when industrial Manchester fell into disrepair this area was frequented by people of the night, says Jamie Anderson, Marketing Manager for Red Light. "So it's a nod to that history, but also great to see how well Kampus has revived the area, there's some amazing businesses we're alongside here."
Guests enter a space which celebrates both the original features of the warehouse and the local queer community. An imposing marble bar is set against a red-brick backdrop, while round the corner, you'll find cosy nooks fitted with plush booths and walls adorned with artworks.
"We wanted to fit into the community that we're part of, so we're working with local suppliers, and the art - where possible - has been created by local queer artists," adds Jamie. The flowers on the bar are from The Bud and Pot on Oldham Street and we've sourced ceramics from Frida Cooper who has a small studio at Pollard Yard in Ancoats."
The cocktail menu, devised by Deana and her top team of mixologists, features a number of experimental twists on classics. “We have a selection of signature cocktails that I’ve been perfecting over the years," notes Deana. "Red Light is dimly lit and intimate, the perfect date spot or somewhere to simply while away the night with some of the best drinks in town.”
Belfast-born Deana's ode to her homeland, 'Artist's Special #2' features Jameson’s whiskey and oloroso sherry, while 'Red Light Calling', a riff on modern classic London Calling, features home-made lychee soda and coconut fat-washed gin.
If you're after a recommendation though, perhaps start with a martini - a selection of pours the team at Red Light are especially proud of. Whether its a classic fruit twist or pomme verte sour apple riff, you can't really go wrong.
As well as cocktails, Red Light also boasts a menu of natural wines and ales from the city’s breweries such as Bury’s Brightside Brewery. It joins the likes of Nell’s, Barkside, Yum Cha and the recently launched Great North Pie Co, and summer pop-ups from Seven Bro7hers and Three Little Words.
“Red Light occupies an incredible spot at Kampus, tucked away just off the cobbled Little David Street where people will be able to sit out this summer," adds Adam Brady, from HBD. "We’ve a packed summer season at Kampus this year and we’re so glad Red Light is joining the line-up –bringing a new hangout to a part of a town with such a strong LGBTQ+ heritage.”
Red Light, at Little David Street, Manchester, M1 3FY is open Wednesday through Friday, from 4pm-1am, and Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm-1am. It is reservation only, but if you can't snag a reservation, they set aside a few tables for walk-ins every day.
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