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
Drake-backed Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening in the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
The cult LA-born fried chicken brand backed by Drake is expanding in Manchester once again, this time with a brand-new site at the Trafford Centre.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open its latest location inside the huge shopping centre, bringing its signature Nashville-style heat to The Orient food hall.
Already causing a stir with its first Manchester site at the Printworks, the fast-growing US chain has built a reputation for long queues and a chicken spice level so extreme you have to sign a waiver to eat it (The Reaper is not for the faint of heart).
And now hoardings have appeared at the bottom of The Orient at The Trafford Centre, joining Five Guys, Shake Shack, and Slim Chickens.
The new Trafford Centre restaurant is expected to follow the same winning formula, serving up its famous hot chicken tenders and sliders, available in seven spice levels and served on a slice of bread to soak up all the spice levels.
Fans can also expect a menu packed with loaded fries, creamy mac and cheese, kale slaw, and indulgent top-loaded shakes, alongside refreshing slushers to cool things down after the heat kicks in.
Born in a Los Angeles car park back in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken has exploded in popularity in recent years, with Drake becoming a high-profile investor as the brand rapidly expanded across the US and into the UK.
The Trafford Centre opening marks another major step in the brand’s UK growth, following successful launches in London, Birmingham, and Manchester city centre, and signals that the fried chicken heavyweight is only just getting started.
If the scenes at previous openings are anything to go by, Mancunians can expect queues, hype, and plenty of spice when the doors finally open.
Popular Manchester brunch spot Bruncho teases what’s to come with new Northern Quarter cafe
Daisy Jackson
Bruncho has shared a glimpse of what’s to come when it officially opens the doors to its new Northern Quarter cafe.
The brunch spot has had queues down the street since launching on Deansgate, with enough popularity to warrant it opening a second location.
Bruncho is moving into the old Feel Good Club, a huge unit in Hilton House that’s been left empty since the cafe’s shock closure.
And as the clock ticks down to Bruncho’s launch into the Northern Quarter, they’ve shared an exclusive look inside at their very big plans.
The team have now confirmed that the new venue will have a salad bar and vegetarian buffet, as well as coffee raves with DJs at select hours.
New CGIs of the space also show a drastic change from the site’s days as Feel Good Club, filling the giant cafe with wooden tables, hanging pendant lights, plants, and soft textures.
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.
A glimpse inside Bruncho Northern QuarterBruncho will have a vegetarian buffet when it opens in the Northern QuarterHow Bruncho Northern Quarter will look
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.
“We’re excited to bring something fresh to the neighbourhood, with the opening scheduled for June 2026.”
Georgina Pellant -
3rd April 2023 
