Inside One Eight Six as Manchester cocktail bar finally reopens two years after devastating New Year’s Eve fire

One Eight Six, the Manchester cocktail bar that was destroyed in a blaze on New Year’s Eve, is finally ready to reopen.

The stunning subterranean bar and live music venue has been closed since the very early hours of 2022, when a fire broke out shortly after the midnight countdown.

Terrifying CCTV footage at the time showed balloons across the ceiling catching fire and around 170 people fleeing the blaze.

It’s since been confirmed that the cause of the fire was real pine Christmas trees that were fastened to the ceiling, set alight by celebratory sparklers inside the bar.

Ever since that fateful night, One Eight Six has been quiet – until now.

The popular Deansgate bar is finally ready to quite literally rise from the ashes, having undergone an extensive refurbishment.

Its interior was completely destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire, but has been reborn better than ever before.

Customers will again enter the bar through a barbershop at street level, with in incredible twisting neon light feature hanging from the ceiling.

Then after heading down the stairs you’ll find yourself in an art deco speakeasy, with the stage set for live music until the early hours.

Huge curved velvet booths in shades of pink and red will provide guests with a luxurious night out setting.

One Eight Six has installed opulent black marble floors and glowing light arches too – not to mention a giant ‘One Eight Six’ sign in mirrors.

Walls and pillars have been covered in even more mirrors to reflect the huge mirror ball and stage lights.

Founder Dean Mac said: “After nearly two years, we are finally allowed to be back on our feet giving the people of Manchester what they have been waiting so patiently for.

“Thank you again for sticking with us and supporting our journey this far. This new chapter of ONE EIGHT SIX will be better than ever. Same vibe. Same location. Just a whole lot sexier…”

It’s all looking pretty luxurious – just like before.

One Eight Six will officially open its doors this weekend on Deansgate, with bookings live here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group