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.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Drinks prices for Manchester Oasis gigs announced – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised
Daisy Jackson
The prices of drinks at Heaton Park for the five huge Manchester Oasis shows have been released in advance.
With the Gallagher brothers reuniting on stage in their hometown for the first time this weekend (and then again next week), it’s a huge moment for our city.
Those lucky enough to snag tickets have already forked out a small fortune to witness this moment in history (still scarred from the dynamic pricing debacle).
And most of us were probably bracing to spend another small fortune on beers at the Oasis Manchester gigs.
But you might be pleasantly surprised at the drinks prices up at Heaton Park for Oasis Live ’25.
It’s now been confirmed that pints of lager and cider will be just £6.50.
Before you turn your nose up, remember that pints at our two arenas – the AO Arena and Co-op Live are now sitting around the £9 mark.
Prices for other drinks, like wine and spirits, we’ll have to wait until Friday to see.
Heaton Park will also be the home of the ‘largest beer garden’ and the longest bars in the city for the Oasis reunion.
With a major heatwave predicted for the first shows, fans are being encouraged to stay hydrated (on WATER, not beer, please).
Ticket-holders will be allowed to bring a sealed bottle of water up to 500ml in with you, but it must be collapsible plastic.
Solid plastic and metal containers will be rejected on safety grounds.
There’s a free water point on site where you can fill up your bottles again.
Oasis will perform at Heaton Park in Manchester on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Daisy Jackson -
7th November 2023 
