It’s a sight that’s familiar to a lot of us – mismatched velvet bar stools, foam panelled ceiling, metallic streamers behind a makeshift DJ booth. But all is not as it appears at this particular working men’s club.
That’s because, despite all appearances, this isn’t actually a pub – it’s an art installation.
UTOPIA is a new installation that’s opened in the heart of Manchester, and its creator – artist Trackie McLeod – has built an actual working pub inspired by the working men’s clubs he grew up in in Glasgow.
As well as being able to pop in for a free drink during Trackie’s Happy Hour each afternoon, with Trackie actually working a shift behind the bar, the working pub art installation will also feature an expansive day and night programme of live events celebrating the grassroots talent of the city.
UTOPIA is playfully exploring identity, class, and gentrification by building a working, flat-roof pub inside the Warehouse space at Aviva Studios by Factory International.
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The attention to detail in the space itself is a marvel, from the shiny linoleum floor to the wood panelled walls to the pie oven on the bar.
There’s even a dart board plastered in the faces of famous figures like Donald Trump, Margaret Thatcher, and Elon Musk.
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By day, it’s open as a pub, exhibition, and workshop space, showcasing new prints, sculpture and video by Trackie McLeod; before transforming into an intimate venue with free events selected by the Young Curators by night.
Inside UTOPIA, an art installation inspired by working men’s clubsArtist Trackie McLeod behind the bar at UTOPIA Credit: Kieran Irvine
The line-up of events and artists includes drag queen Bailey J Mills, round-table discussions with Rebecca Swarray aka DJ Mix-Stress, Dave Haslam and rebecca elizabeth shaw, a DJ set by Rainy Miller, plus live rap from mamba.exe, spoken word from sonic storyteller Sharari, and a Saturday night takeover by iconic queer venue The DBA.
If you want to pop in for a pint at UTOPIA, you’ll have to be quick – the installation is only at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, until Saturday 21 February.
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Artist Trackie McLeod says: ”I’m honoured to have been selected by the Young Curators to exhibit at Factory International. It’s an amazing opportunity, and Manchester and its people have always held a special place in my heart.
“I often say you can tell how friendly a city is by how you’re treated in a smoking area and in Manchester, like in Glasgow, someone will always offer you a lighter.
“The installation reflects on the loss of community spaces in Glasgow and Manchester due to gentrification and changing city life. UTOPIA aims to reintroduce a sense of togetherness at a time when much of our community exists online. It’s conceived as an inclusive, safe, multi-purpose space for everyone.
Details of UTOPIA. Credit: Kieran Irvine
“Through this work, with the help of the Young Curators I want to celebrate grassroots spaces and emerging talent. I hope the audience can use the space as a community hub for music, art, workshops, talks and of course a cheap pint.”
Young Curator Jack Clarke adds: “Trackie’s a kindred spirit, he doesn’t just get the vibe, he is the vibe. There’s a rebellious tenderness to his work that I’ve always gravitated toward, something that speaks to the mess and the joy and the stubborn resilience of nightlife, especially when it’s disappearing in real time.
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“Working with him is like throwing a spark into a room full of kindling, you don’t know exactly what’s gonna catch, but you know it’s going to burn bright.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International says: ”The Young Curators project is a truly exciting and radical part of Factory International’s artistic programme – handing decision-making over to a talented group of young creatives.
“UTOPIA builds on the successes of our previous public curation programmes and develops our commitment to thinking about artistic venues in new ways.
“We are particularly thrilled that this project results in a commission from such a significant up-and-coming talent as Trackie.”
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
Art & Culture
Tickets go live as opening date is announced for Manchester City’s new ‘immersive’ museum experience
Emily Sergeant
Tickets to visit Manchester City’s new ‘immersive’ museum experience have officially gone live ahead of the grand opening.
Set to open in the heart of the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at Manchester’s Etihad Campus next month, the Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across 10 distinctive spaces – with visitors invited to take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic environments from throughout the club’s history.
Fans will also be able to take part in interactive media experiences, like posing with all 48 major trophies won by the club’s first teams or trying their hand at football punditry.
The experience will combine the latest immersive technology with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history to do this.
Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are set to be embedded across the experience, so that even the most devoted Man City fans will have the chance to discover something new about the club they love.
By combining interactive environments, technology, and authentic artefacts, the experience is aiming to appeal to a wide audience – from lifelong Manchester City supporters, to families and those with a broader interest in football, culture, and the city of Manchester.
“The Museum Experience has been designed as a destination that goes beyond just the pitch,” commented Jeremy Maxton, who is the Director of Visitor Attractions at Manchester City Football Club.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of its new ‘immersive’ museum / Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
“Whether you’re a lifelong supporter, visiting Manchester for a weekend, or simply looking for a unique day out, we’ve created an experience that offers something for everyone.
“From the recreated environments and original memorabilia to the interactive elements, there are different ways into the Club’s history throughout the Museum.
“We’ve also built in space for new stories to be added over time, so the experience can continue to evolve. It’s been a huge project to bring together and we’re looking forward to people seeing it for themselves later this year.”
The Manchester City Museum Experience officially opens on 14 December, and you can now book tickets to visit from that date here.
Featured Image – Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
Daisy Jackson -
20th February 2026 
