Eats

Legendary Northern Quarter bar Hold Fast to reopen almost four years after shock closure

It will have a secret cinema room, retro video games, and a nautical-inspired interior.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 7th November 2023

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.

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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.

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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 Manchester
Hold Fast has announced its return to Manchester
Hold Fast in Manchester from the outside
Hold Fast in Manchester from the outside
People dancing in Hold Fast in Manchester's Northern Quarter
People 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.

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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!”

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Hold Fast will officially reopen in the Northern Quarter, Manchester on 29 November.

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Featured image: Supplied

Eats

Namaste Nepal – West Didsbury favourite reveals new look and even more phenomenal curry

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Namaste Nepal, one of the best restaurants in West Didsbury – if not all of south Manchester – has undergone a big refurbishment, with new menu dishes to boot.

The family-run business has become a local institution over the last 15 or so years, famed for its comforting, authentic Nepalese food. 

For the first time since it opened, Namaste Nepal has had a full-scale cosmetic transformation to become a modern – but still cosy and welcoming – neighbourhood restaurant. 

You’ll now find green suede, gold, and marble, in amongst the Nepalese artefacts on the shelves. 

Namaste Nepal is known for its menu of curries and street food which takes influences from India and China.

One of its hero dishes is its handmade Momocha dumplings, which are stuffed with lamb mince and topped with a classic peppery, spicy sauce.

There are platters of mixed shashlik, the meat slow-cooked in the tandoor oven; fiery traditional Chwela; and Kantipur Methi, where Tandoori chicken and minced lamb are mixed together. 

Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group

Curries range from the mouth-numbingly spicy (looking at you, vegetable naaga) to a crowd-pleasing Makhan Chara (aka butter chicken).

There’s plenty to keep vegetarians well-fed, from saag paneer to aloo gobi. 

Namaste Nepal has been spicing up our lives since 2005 and is well and truly standing the test of time. 

The restaurant is taking bookings for Christmas now. 

You can find Namaste Nepal at 164-166 Burton Road, West Didsbury.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Habas restaurant in Manchester announces shock closure – with huge closing-down discount

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Habas in Manchester has announced its closure

Habas, the Middle Eastern restaurant launched by the team behind El Gato Negro, has announced its shock closure.

The subterranean restaurant will be going out with a bang though, promising one last knees-up with a big discount.

Habas will be doing 25% off its entire food and drink menu this New Year’s Eve so that fans of the eatery can raise a glass to the Manchester restaurant.

They’re also hoping that Mancs will raise a glass to new beginnings, teasing a brand new concept.

Habas is located at Brown Street in Manchester city centre and has been serving up its Middle Eastern menu since 2021.

It comes from Mills Hill Developments Limited, the company also responsible for El Gato Negro and Canto, fronted by celebrated chef Simon Shaw.

Habas has stressed that its closure ‘is not forever’ as it announces details of its New Year’s Eve closing down party.

You can ring in the new year with a selection of mezze dishes, sharing platters and small plates, feasting on chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki, all 25% off on Sunday 31 December.

Food at Habas in Manchester
Food at Habas in Manchester
Inside Habas, Manchester
Inside Habas, Manchester
Food at Habas in Manchester
Food at Habas in Manchester

Drinks, too, like the cranberry elderflower martini, blackberry ginger smash and clementine daquiri will be with 25% off.

Simon Shaw, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.

“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks. We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah!

“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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