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Inside One Eight Six as Manchester cocktail bar finally reopens two years after devastating New Year’s Eve fire

It's quite literally risen from the ashes...

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th December 2023
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One Eight Six, the Manchester cocktail bar that was destroyed in a blaze on New Year’s Eve, is finally ready to reopen.

The stunning subterranean bar and live music venue has been closed since the very early hours of 2022, when a fire broke out shortly after the midnight countdown.

Terrifying CCTV footage at the time showed balloons across the ceiling catching fire and around 170 people fleeing the blaze.

It’s since been confirmed that the cause of the fire was real pine Christmas trees that were fastened to the ceiling, set alight by celebratory sparklers inside the bar.

Ever since that fateful night, One Eight Six has been quiet – until now.

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The popular Deansgate bar is finally ready to quite literally rise from the ashes, having undergone an extensive refurbishment.

Its interior was completely destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire, but has been reborn better than ever before.

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Customers will again enter the bar through a barbershop at street level, with in incredible twisting neon light feature hanging from the ceiling.

The stage is set for more late-night live music at One Eight Six in Manchester.
The stage is set for more late-night live music at One Eight Six in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Customers enter One Eight six through a barbershop on Deansgate.
Customers enter One Eight six through a barbershop on Deansgate. Credit: The Manc Group
One Eight Six's original interior was destroyed in the New Year's Eve fire
One Eight Six’s original interior was destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire. Credit: The Manc Group

Then after heading down the stairs you’ll find yourself in an art deco speakeasy, with the stage set for live music until the early hours.

Huge curved velvet booths in shades of pink and red will provide guests with a luxurious night out setting.

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One Eight Six has installed opulent black marble floors and glowing light arches too – not to mention a giant ‘One Eight Six’ sign in mirrors.

Walls and pillars have been covered in even more mirrors to reflect the huge mirror ball and stage lights.

Founder Dean Mac said: “After nearly two years, we are finally allowed to be back on our feet giving the people of Manchester what they have been waiting so patiently for.

“Thank you again for sticking with us and supporting our journey this far. This new chapter of ONE EIGHT SIX will be better than ever. Same vibe. Same location. Just a whole lot sexier…”

It’s all looking pretty luxurious – just like before.

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One Eight Six will officially open its doors this weekend on Deansgate, with bookings live here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant unveils big refurb

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb
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Much-loved Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five has just unveiled a beautiful refurbishment at one of its Manchester sites, along with a new menu of fresh, handmade pasta. 

Gone is the famous yellow colour palette of this Italian eatery as they swap in a sophisticated and regal turquoise blue at their Liverpool Road restaurant.

This establishment is known for its impressive shop-window pasta making stations where you can see your food prepared live in-store and while walking past outside the venue.

They’re continuing their foodie legacy serving carby creations, like a flaming cheese wheel pasta where staff blowtorch the cheese to ensure it’s as melty as possible. 

One of the biggest menu highlights at Italiana Fifty-Five is the cappellacci, which comes in two equally gorgeous forms and much like its English translation, emulates tiny hats.

These cute little plates come in two delicious stuffed pairings – the burrata, combined with a tangy tomato and beef filling, and a salmon with cream sauce and fresh lemon for a match made in heaven.

Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group

How can you think of anything more ideal than a table full of hearty and home-comforting meals than one that also features an array of beautiful sides?

Usual delights like the burrata on a bed of rocket, tomato and finished off with a balsamic vinegar glaze are a great addition to your already faultless food.

Cheesy garlic pizza bread is quintessential when dining in an Italian restaurant, and Italiana 55’s lovely flavour-packed favourite is a go-to when ordering here.

The Liverpool Road restaurant also has a tonnata pizza which uses toppings that are an exact ingredient breakdown of the Mediterranean sauce, which it shares its name with.

In photos: Italiana Fifty-Five has undergone a refurb. Credit: The Manc Group

What better way to wolf down some incredible Italian feasts than with some perfectly paired alcoholic offerings like the classic Aperol spritz, trusted espresso martinis and a selection of fine wines.

Their menu is staying as tasty as ever with their delicious pizzas and pastas, with the new fresh pasta menu available at their restaurants on Liverpool Road and in Didsbury. 

Find out more and book a table HERE. 

Read more: This Manchester suburb has just been named one of the UK’s ‘happiest’ places to live in 2024

Featured Image: The Manc Group

Eats

Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Gail's will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village's name wrong
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Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.

The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.

Gail’s put big red temporary signs in the windows of the old bank it’s moving in to – and managed to spell Prestwich wrong.

The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.

More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.

And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.

In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.

“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.

“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”

The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.

Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.

With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.

Gail's will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village's name wrong
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrong
Huge bakery chain Gail's confirms move to Prestwich - but spells village's name wrong in signage
Huge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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