Hold Fast, one of the Manchester’s best-loved bars, has announced its return to the city YEARS after its shock closure.
The legendary underground drinking den closed its doors at the start of the pandemic in 2020 and never reopened them.
But it’s now confirmed its relaunching its nautical-themed basement bar in just a few weeks’ time.
Hold Fast is tucked away beneath an old bowler hat factory in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The nightlife hotspot takes its inspiration from the tales of Jules Verne, including Around The World in Eighty Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea.
But most of us will remember it for being one of the city’s best nights out, with resident DJs and open mic nights (with a free drink for those brave enough to hit the stage).
When Hold Fast relaunches, it will include a bespoke secret cinema room and a range of retro Sega video games.
Describing itself as a sailor’s drinking quarter, the bar will be dimly lit with ship lanterns and candles.
There’ll be a wide selection of craft beers and 15 cocktails on its drinks menu when it reopens.
Hold Fast has announced its return to ManchesterHold Fast in Manchester from the outsidePeople dancing in Hold Fast in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
The bar is being relaunched by Selina, which is also behind Wilson’s Social, The Corner Boy, Wilson’s Den and Creatures Comedy Club.
Since announcing the news on their social media pages, Mancs have been expressing their excitement about the return of Hold Fast.
One person commented: “I’m seriously so happy, thought it was gone forever!!”
Another wrote: “Omg omg omg! Me and my mate came here loads! Watching home alone 2 in the kino room.”
Someone else posted: “Great news!!! Great bar this…………. Please get the DJ with the long hair back!! He always played absolute TUNES! Hip hop, funk, breakbeat etc! Best DJ in town for the few years you were last open!”
And another said: “Yay! My favourite place in Manchester!”
Hold Fast will officially reopen in the Northern Quarter, Manchester on 29 November.
There’s a ‘not snobby’ cheese tasting evening coming to Manchester this autumn
Thomas Melia
An evening dedicated to celebrating all things cheese is coming to a Manchester city centre pub this autumn.
Leeds-based cheese company Homage2Fromage launched its cheese-focused company back in 2011 as a monthly service highlighting all the delicious dairy offerings.
Since this, Homage2Fromage has gone on to host incredible events and activities, including an all-you-can-eat cheese festival right here in Manchester back in 2023.
Now, the cheese fanatics return with a brand-new event titled ‘Extreme Cheese’, where it’s bringing lots of creamy and crumbly varieties to local Manchester city centre pub, The Wayfarer.
You can expect to sample eight dairy delights, with some expected to be ‘very strong’, as the company adds ‘fromage not for the faint-hearted’, so if you like your cheese strong, then this one’s for you.
Homage2Fromage host cheese tasting experiences across the country including Manchester / Credit: Supplied
This cheese provider offers tasting experiences up and down the country, including prime spots in the north like Halifax, Harrogate, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The newest cheese-inspired event is set to be no different, with an itinerary packed regarding all things cheese.
You can grab a drink on arrival, and as soon as you hear ‘CHEESE’ the tasting begins, followed by scoring and, most importantly, an informative chat where you learn all about this dreamy delicacy.
For those who are cheese aficionados, the company even lets you host your own cheese event and provides everything you could ever need – including that golden flavour-packed good stuff.
If you’d rather put your hosting skills to one side though, and just simply tuck into some of the best cheddar varieties there is, then you can do just that at this upcoming cheese testing evening this autumn.
Homage2Fromage is bringing an exclusive cheese tasting evening, ‘Extreme Cheese’, to Manchester city centre at The Wayfarer on 24 September, and you can find tickets HERE.
Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Eats
Cult Manchester food brand Brewski to launch new BBQ concept at MediaCity
Emily Sergeant
The creators of Manchester’s viral restaurants Brewski, American Pies, and Foldies are set to launch another new exciting concept.
Spanning 5,235 sq. ft and inspired by Brewski’s ongoing culinary tour of the US, the new concept at Quayside MediaCity will be called BIG TRAY BBQ and will be setting up shop at the bustling new food hall Kargo MKT this autumn, adding another exciting offering to the destination’s lineup of tasty food brands.
BIG TRAY BBQ is set to bring a counter-service smokehouse to Quayside, serving up BBQ by weight, alongside homemade sides and standout sauces, with inspiration from across the 52 states of the US and cutting-edge smoked meats and flavours.
With ‘smoke and spice’ set to be at the heart of the new concept, foodies can expect Brewski’s famous crowd-pleasing portions – but this time, with a twist.
New dishes to look forward to include 16-hour brisket, hot honey jalapeño cornbread, loaded trays of jerk chicken sausage, and smoked birria lamb shanks and ribs – with counter-side carving to give a true authentic experience.
“We’re delighted to be launching our latest concept BIG TRAY BBQ at Quayside later this year,” commented James Daly and Steven Stockton-King, who are the co-founders of Brewski.
“As a Manchester-based brand, it was important that our next chapter stayed true to our roots. We’re excited to bring something completely new to Quayside’s growing food scene and be part of what’s to come at the destination for the local community.”
Ben Hey, who is the Asset Director at Quayside, added: “We’re excited to welcome one of Manchester’s most loved food brands to Quayside.
“Their decision to open their new concept here is a real testament to the growth of the area and our exciting plans for the future. We know they’re going to bring something completely unique to our visitors, and we can’t wait to see the new concept thrive here at Quayside”.
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There is no confirmed opening date for BIG TRAY BBQ just yet, but what we do know is that it’ll be opening in the autumn, so keep your eyes peeled.
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2023 
