A new bar in the Northern Quarter features an Ian Curtis mural by the same artist that had his work sensationally painted over last year. Disorder, which has been inspired by the music of Joy Division and is opening this weekend, commissioned street artist Akse P19 to paint the mural.
His mural of Curtis, which was on the side of a building on Port Street, was painted over in favour of an Amazon Music advert for the new album from Aitch. The Moston-born rapper condemned the move at the time, and a new permanent site for the mural is still being sought.
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The mural at Disorder is not the same as the one at Port Street, but is taken from another picture by feted Manchester photographer Kevin Cummins, known for his work with a host of the city’s most famous bands from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Owners Sam Koropisz and James Stewart got permission from Cummins for Akse to reproduce the picture, and now it’s taken pride of place on the wall in the new bar on High Street. “We loved that mural,” said James. “We thought it was such a shame. So we got in contact with him, and Kevin Cummins who was the original photographer and got the rights to the image.”
“It’s not just about Joy Division, it’s about Manchester music, and the place is a love letter to Manchester music. The idea is to bring unknown pleasures to Manchester.
“We’ve always spoken about doing a bar and music venue, and the space came available, so we jumped on it.”
Downstairs, there is a ‘dive bar’ set up, featuring a DJ booth and a stage area for bands to play, with Happy Mondays legend Bez and Rowetta playing on Friday for opening night, as well as a handful of bands.
Meanwhile, the kitchen will be run by Stockport-born chef Bryan Barber, who will be taking diners on a journey to the izakaya bars of Japan. Izakaya bars are generally small, local neighbourhood bars which feature a small range of snacks to be served with drinks.
“I’ve travelled in Japan, and the culture is something I’m really passionate about,” he told the M.E.N. “You get these small bars down alleyways called izakaya, where it’s like five seats at a bar. I loved the personal vibes of it.
“They pick two or three dishes and specialise in those. I’d not seen anything quite like that here, so I wanted to emulate it.”
While the inspiration might be from the Far East, there will be a distinctly northern twist to the menu. “We’re making it fusion with Manchester vibes, so where they’d do meat cutlets, we’re doing them with black pudding and apple. I wanted to bring it towards my roots as well.
“But the menu won’t be relying too heavily on meat. So I’ve made a smoked watermelon and halloumi sando, which is quite unique. It’s reminiscent of a caprese salad from Italy. It’s bar food, but bar food doesn’t always have to be super heavy or super greasy.
“There’s fried chicken, of course, but also lots of fresh things, fresh flavours that will refresh your palate.” Also featuring on the menu will be a smashed burger and a reuben sandwich, as well as gyozas, a smoked cauliflower tostada and a range of skewers.
Disorder is found at 78-88 High Street, and opens on March 17. Bookings are being taken now.
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