It’s the original Manchester cocktail bar that made its name using dry ice to create smoking cocktails with a touch of magic.
Now, over a decade since its arrival on The Avenue, Spinningfields, The Alchemist is getting a makeover – to the tune of over half a million pounds, no less.
First launched here in Manchester in 2010, today The Alchemist has a string of bars not just within the city centre but across the UK.
It was the first in a flurry of adventurous Living Venture drinking dens to push the envelope when it came to Manchester’s booming cocktail culture, with the Spinningfields’ site acting as The Alchemist’s flagship venue.
Over a decade later, it’s finally getting an upgrade fit for the 2020s.
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The group intends to return to its trend-setting roots with an extensive refurbishment, promising a significant evolution in design that will “unveil the next phase and a new era for the brand concept story”.
A new, cosmic-inspired design taking inspiration from the universe, astrology and outer space is on the cards, as are new food and drink menus.
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These promise “a significant evolution in design for The Alchemist” in what appears to be a step away from the creative alchemy, and potion-style molecular mixology that has defined it for the past twelve years.
The renovation will also include the addition of two new private areas, designed for parties enjoying late-night cocktails.
The all-day dining and cocktail space will close on 28 February for the refurbishment to take place and reopen in late March with a brand new look, followed by a new menu offering in May that pledges to introduce a new kind of theatre as part of the drinking and dining experience.
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Whilst we’re not exactly sure what that will entail yet, as new menu details are currently being kept strictly under wraps, if The Alchemist knows how to do anything, well, they certainly know how to serve dishes with flair.
Speaking on the huge refurbishment, Simon Potts, CEO, said: “The Alchemist footprint has spread across the UK over the last few years, as we’ve taken our hospitality brand down to London and up to Scotland, but we’ve always remained a Manchester company, at heart.
“The Spinningfields venue is an institution and much loved by our teams and guests alike; we look forward to bringing our new design direction to the city in March.
“The refurbishment also marks a new phase of growth for the business as we put the recent challenges behind us and look forward to the renewed evolution and expansion of the brand.”
Feature image – TripAdvisor
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.