A brand new alcohol-free bar, just the second anywhere in central Manchester, has opened up in an unlikely spot over in the Northern Quarter.
Rather fittingly named Hinterland, NQ’s new zero-alcohol bar – the first of its kind to open in the bustling food and drink district – has found its home in the back or rather the basement of the Manchester Buddhist Centre on Turner Street.
Delivering an innovative space that provides a sophisticated and serene environment where the focus shifts from alcohol to authentic, meaningful social interactions, they’re stripping back the pretence of drinking to remind people that you don’t need a pint to feel comfortable engaging with one another.
Created by Stephen Jeffreys, who struggled with alcohol addiction for some time, he says that “Hinterland is about creating a space where people can develop meaningful friendships and have deep conversations without the need for booze”.
Taking cues from his own relationship with getting sober, the aim is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports not only those in recovery but also anyone who just fancies a good time without getting intoxicated.
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Reflecting on his personal journey to recovery, he was quick to note the scarcity of social options for those seeking to socialise without being surrounded by alcohol in the modern world.
“When I later on started struggling with depression and anxiety, I would resort to alcohol as an escape from these difficult emotions”, says Jeffreys. “Because alcohol was so socially accepted and ubiquitous, I didn’t realise how problematic my behaviour would end up being.”
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“We’ve noticed that it’s not just people with a problematic relationship with alcohol who want to skip the booze. There are lots of people who wish they could have a space to hang out with friends on a Friday night without having to get wasted. Hinterland is there for all of those people.”
Tucked away in a NQ back-alley, you’ll find a whole new approach to the bar experience. (Credit: Tom van Berkel)
Although you can still enjoy wines, beers and cocktails only in an alcohol-free form, the new Northern Quarter bar is also serving up teas, coffees, cakes and various social events to come in the near future.
Hinterland is also a community interest company (CIC), meaning all of their profits are donated directly to charities and causes they care about, meaning that are not only offering an outlet to those looking for something beyond drink but are helping support the sober movement and local community even further.
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They’re even hosting a launch party this Saturday (22 June) with “a night of conversation, drinks, and good vibes” to welcome in the new crowd, along with anyone hoping to cut out alcohol or that might be at the very least ‘sober-concious’. You can grab your tickets HERE.
Hinterland, Manchester’s newest alcohol-free bar, is open from 11am-11pm, Tuesday-Saturday and 11-5pm on Sundays – give a try.
Other alcohol-free bars like Kampus’ LoveFrom are pioneering the sober drinking scene in Manchester.
Featured Images — Hinterland/Tom van Berkel (supplied)
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A huge new Irish bar has opened in Manchester city centre (yes, another one)
Daisy Jackson
There’s another new Irish pub in Manchester city centre, this time on one of our busiest nightlife strips, Peter Street.
Katie O’Brien’s has officially thrown open the doors to its enormous two-storey venue, taking over and transforming the former Peaky Blinders bar.
Inside, there are three bars pouring both Guinness AND Murphys, a huge elevated stage on its own mezzanine level, which will host live musicians seven nights a week, and walls packed with decor transporting you to the Emerald Isle.
The makeover they’ve given this massive unit really is quite something, creating all sorts of cosy corners and snug areas where you can nurse a pint of stout.
Faux fireplaces, leather booth seating, and low ceilings all set the tone for a relaxed pint in the snugs.
Or if you want something a little livelier, head to the heart of the bar, where you can dance the night away to the live entertainment above your head.
Manchester’s Katie O’Brien’s is set to be their largest Irish bar yet, with existing locations all over the UK, including in Leeds and Sheffield.
Their rapid expansion has now brought them to the heart of Manchester, where they’ll be neighbouring bustling nightlife spots like Albert’s Schloss, Manahatta, and Impossible.
Katie O’Brien’s has opened on Peter StreetIt’s taken over the old Peaky Blinders barCosy snugs in Katie O’Brien’sIt serves both Murphy’s AND Guinness
The venue has taken over what was once the Peaky Blinders bar, which shut down back in March.
The previous occupier had themed its venue and menu around the hit gangster show, with cocktails named after characters.
They wrote at the time: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we unfortunately have to announce the closure of Peaky Blinders Manchester with immediate effect. On behalf of our entire team, we are truly thankful to every guest who has stepped through our doors since opening in 2018.
“We are devastated it has had to end this way, but grateful for the journey. Thank you so much for your continued support over the years. It’s been a blast, Manchester!”
Katie O’Brien’s is open now on Peter Street in Manchester.
One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots is opening its second location
Daisy Jackson
A brunch spot with queues down the street, and an edible Labubu French toast on the menu, is opening a second location this summer.
Bruncho has revealed plans to expand from its home on Deansgate and take on the Northern Quarter.
The all-day brunch cafe is set to move into the huge unit left empty by the shock closure of Feel Good Club.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its absolutely stacked French toasts.
It’s consistently packed out at its original location on Deansgate, and now it’s taking over a 4,378 sq ft unit in the Northern Quarter too, set to open this June.
Omer Umut Mutlu, owner of Bruncho, said: “Manchester has shown Bruncho so much love, and expanding into the Northern Quarter feels like the natural next step for us.
“Hilton House gives us the space to elevate what we do – more covers, more events, and a new home for the kind of food and atmosphere people will make the journey for.
The viral Labubu French toast at Bruncho in ManchesterA breakfast spread at Bruncho
“We’re excited to bring something fresh to the neighbourhood, with the opening scheduled for June 2026.”
Paul Shakeshaft, Head of Property Management at CERT, commented: “We’ve found the ideal tenant to join the Hilton House community. Bruncho provides a new focal point for the building and for the community.
“They’re a fantastic operator with big plans that bring the right fit and the right atmosphere to the building and neighbourhood.
“Signing Bruncho brings Hilton House back to full occupation, including a full refit in just seven months, underpinning our neighbourhood vision for our commercial properties, and their continued success and appeal far beyond their completion.”
Bruncho will open their second Manchester cafe in the Northern Quarter this June.
Danny Jones -
19th June 2024 
