Plans for a new dive bar inspired by the rebellious rock n' roll legend Johnny Cash have been revealed for Manchester's Northern Quarter.
A number of Leeds-born concepts have landed in the city in recent years, and now an application from the operators behind the Mean-Eyed Cat based in Leeds City centre has been submitted to Manchester City Council.
The application proposes to take over the basement and ground floor space at 60 Oldham Street - the former home of District, a Thai-inspired barbecue spot. Last September, the Michelin-recommended eatery announced that due to 'extreme economical pain' it would scale back its food offer and focus on a drink and snacks menu from November.
However, after a short run as a bar it appears to have closed its doors. While it has not confirmed its closure via a statement, a new license application has been submitted to turn the space into a dive bar, with the consultation period closing on February 23.
The new concept is described as a 'deep-south' inspired bar with an ode to rock n' roll legend Johnny Cash', which will serve food and drinks including 'specialist' cocktails. It also states the premises will comprise a small outdoor area at the front of the building.
It's proposed opening hours for regulated entertainment are from 11am until 3am, Sunday through Thursday, and 11am until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. It has also proposed to serve late-night refreshments until 4.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The deep-south themed bar has become a popular spot on Call Lane in Leeds City Centre and will be opening a Liverpool branch later this month. It also part of the Escapism Bar Group family, which was founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Phil and Mel Harrison, and spans a number of popular Leeds venues including Call Lane Social and Brooklyn bar.
Known for its Southern soul-fuelled cocktails, it regularly gives punters the chance to 'roll the dice' to win free - and discounted - drinks. Meanwhile, it's food menu is focused on pizzas, which come in a host of Deep South-inspired options from Texas BBQ to smoky chipotle.
Despite receiving both rave reviews from both national and regional outlets, last September, District confirmed that 'recent events have taken their toll' on the business and that due to 'extreme economical pain' it would be pivoting to a bar with a small snack menu overseen by chef-patron Ben Humphries.
At this point, the restaurant had not long revamped its menu, shifting from a full tasting experience to separate dishes. At the time of the last announcement, owner Danny Collins told the Manchester Evening News: “There must only be a small handful of restaurants in Manchester breaking even right now. The price cap on electricity and gas is a start but it’s just not enough.
“The cost of ingredients has gone through the roof and there is only so much we can charge for a meal before people stop coming in. Especially when you already have a bit of a reputation for being expensive. Electricity renewal before the recently announced price cap was 10 times what it was. Cost of ingredients since opening have risen 4x.
“It’s just not feasible for restaurants to take on these price rises whilst they’re still paying off huge COVID-19 debts and people are understandably eating out less.”
Though it had only been open 18 months of the time, it was listed in the Michelin Guide, and was praised for its ‘industrial styling, a banging playlist and projections of a Bangkok of the future set the scene for on-view barbecue cooking’, noting its ‘re-invented Thai dishes with a classic heart’.
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