After fifteen years spent serving its neighbours in the leafy suburbs, popular Chorlton cocktail bar and vegetarian kitchen Proof has been forced to close its doors.
A fixture in Chorlton since 2007, Proof Bar & Kitchen opened for its final swan song over the weekend -leaving its fans heartbroken as it gave them just one night’s notice to come in and say their goodbyes.
Sharing the news of its imminent closure with followers on its social media pages, Proof owners Carly and Andy Hick wrote: “2007-2023. We are opening tonight from 5pm for our swansong. If you can make it down, we’d love to say goodbye.
“Thank you so much for having us, Chorlton x”
A popular haunt amongst Chorlton locals for its vegetarian-led snack boards and weekend brunch menu, Proof was also known as one of the area’s longest-serving cocktail bars – even getting a mention in Difford’s Guide.
In a review published in 2009, the guide wrote: “Back in Sept ’07, when local bartender Andy Hick saw this former Indian then Thai restaurant he had a vision to turn it into an upscale cocktail lounge and the fact it was miles from the centre of Manchester amongst the chimney tops of Chorlton did not phaze him the slightest.
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“Two years on he has proven to be right and the locals which have turned regulars much appreciate his commitment.”
The post from Proof has since been liked hundreds of times online, with innumerable customers taking to the comments to share their reaction to the news.
One person wrote: “Our favourite bar in Chorlton. Wishing lots of luck to you Carly & Andy”
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Another person said: “You are such a big part of my history! Proof, I wouldn’t be who I am without you and Winederlust would not exist without THE Mr Andy Hick”
Image: Proof
Image: Proof
A third added: “So sad to hear this, all the very best in your future. Thank you for getting us through lockdown and beyond! You’ll be missed”
A fourth commented: “Please tell me there’s going to be a new Proof spot somewhere else? Need my fix. All the best whatever happens!”
A fifth said: “@proofchorlton you know how much a part of my 30’s you were!! Baby-showers, New Yrs, Hen Do’s, the works ❤️ Although, nothing will beat the night of KokoKanu & @carlyannahick“
Featured image – Google Maps
Eats
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Insomnia Cookies is giving away FREE cookies to anyone with these two names
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s late-night sweet treat spot Insomnia Cookies is dishing out freebies this week… but there’s a catch.
You have to be called one of two specific names to get one.
With the long bank holiday weekend upon us, those in-the-know will also have noticed that this Sunday isn’t just Easter Sunday, it also happens to be 4/20… and that means Insomnia Cookies is back with its ‘blazing’ £4.20 deal, giving you the chance to bag a box of four warm cookies while saving nearly £7 at the same time.
But even better still, if you happen to have either the first or middle name ‘Mary’ or ‘Jane’, then you can also get yourself a warm tasty cookie for free.
To mark both 4/20, and celebrate the launch of its newest strain of mouthwatering cookie, the Mary Jane, anyone called Mary or Jane can pop into either of Insomnia Cookies’ two Manchester city centre sites – Cross Street and University Green – show their valid ID with their name on, and walk alway with a cookie free of charge.
If you want to try the new Mary Jane cookie, then this limited-edition special is made up of a cookies n cream dough base, packed with rainbow sprinkles.
The freebie deal has been running all week, and you have up until 3am on Monday 21 April to take advantage of it.
Customers will be limited to one free cookie per day.
Insomnia Cookies is giving away free cookies to anyone with these two names / Credit: Insomnia Cookies UK
If you aren’t lucky enough to be called one of those two names though, then thankfully you can still make some great savings on a classic four-pack of cookies over the spring bank holiday weekend, and for every four-pack sold, £1 will be donated to Groundwork – a charity helping make Manchester greener for nature and for local people.
“We’re calling for Marys and Janes to join us to live the high life with free cookies all week,” commented Millie Ralston, Head of Marketing at Insomnia Cookies.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd April 2023 
