Tom Ogden, of Blossoms fame, and his wife Katie are preparing to open the doors to Bohemian Arts Club, a new cocktail bar in Stockport.
The stunning speakeasy has taken shape in a formerly derelict three-storey building on Coopers Brow, transforming a run-down space into a luxury and intimate venue.
While the ground floor is occupied by a new Bohemian hair salon for stylist Katie, the top two floors have been given a stylish makeover, all soft terracotta walls and marble window frames.
Set to open this weekend, the couple’s personalities and tastes are stamped all over Bohemian Arts Club, from the mirror-tiled doors and ceilings to the heart-shaped chairs hand-made by Katie’s mum and dad.
Even the concise 12-strong cocktail menu has been inspired by the people and places who are special to Tom and Katie, like the ‘Feral’, which is a tribute to Katie’s dad, and ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’, named after their dog.
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The couple met and married in Stockport, so it was a natural choice for their first bar together.
Katie told The Manc: “We’ve been so inspired by all these cool little speakeasies we’ve been to across the world. We love all those bars hidden away down a little alleyway or a secret door.
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“For us, we’ve lived in Stockport all of our lives, and for me it felt like a gap in the market to have a really nice cocktail with a decor that matched.”
Speaking of this weekend’s opening, Tom added: “We feel excited… slash relieved. It’s been a long two years. You go from being really excited and dreaming up this idea, visiting all these other bars for inspiration – and then your life becomes an episode of Grand Designs for ages.
“I’ll be excited to get back to writing songs again after this!”
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The entire space, hidden up a small flight off stairs off the historic cobbled streets of Underbanks, has been designed by Katie. There are marble surfaces, tainted mirrors, plush fabrics and dim lighting.
Alongside the core dozen cocktails is a selection of classics, plus wines and beers, all delivered via table service.
Cocktails at Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc GroupTom and Katie Ogden outside Bohemian Arts Club in Stockport. Credit: The Manc GroupA selection of Bohemian Arts Club cocktails. Credit: The Manc Group
Tom added: “Katie and I met and married in Stockport, it’s where everything started for the band, it’s our home town; the place means a lot to us.
“There’s something special in the air at The Underbanks; the shops, restaurants and bars opening here have a certain charm about them, as do the people visiting.
“When we found this spot we knew it was perfect for the vision we had in mind and we can’t wait to welcome in guests to our own little gem in the heart of the town that holds such a special place in our hearts.”
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Bohemian Arts Club opens on Saturday 27 May. It will be open 5pm-11.30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4pm-1.30am on Fridays, 2pm-1.30am on Saturdays, and 2pm-11.30pm on Sundays.
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.
The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.
Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterInside The Pev
Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”
The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.
The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.
The Manchester restaurants and bars shortlisted for the MFDF Awards 2026
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards – better known as the MFDF Awards – have revealed the shortlist of local restaurants, bars, cafes, chefs, and more that are up for the city’s ultimate accolade.
Dozens of outstanding local businesses are nominated across 17 categories, covering everything from food trucks to Michelin Star chefs.
The winners will be revealed at the MFDF Awards ceremony on Monday 25 January, which this year will be held at Medlock Square’s City Hall for the first time.
Sponsored once again by Therme Manchester, the MFDF Awards celebrate the outstanding talent in Manchester’s hospitality scene.
Categories have been chosen to showcase new openings, talented chefs and producers, neighbourhood favourites, top restaurants, great pubs, and plenty more.
The shortlist has been selected from a list of submissions by the MFDF Awards judging panel, made up of leading food and drink critics, writers and industry experts.
As well as the public vote, judges will mystery shop venues in a number of categories and will score venues based on their experiences. The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on 11 January 2027 when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores and the winner of each category will be chosen.
The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website HERE.
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the MFDF Awards, said: “We’re proud to reveal this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists and shine a spotlight on the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene.
“The awards celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and diversity that make our region a world-class food and drink destination. We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the nominees by voting for your favourites, visiting the shortlisted venues and showing your support for our brilliant hospitality industry.
“We’re also looking forward to bringing the industry together on 25 January 2027 for a fantastic night of celebration and to crown this year’s winners.”
The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, sponsored by Therme Manchester, is being decided through a separate judging process. The award celebrates initiatives making a positive difference to communities across Greater Manchester, from tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability to improving access to healthy food and bringing communities together.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement will also be presented on the night to recognise an outstanding contribution to Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry, with no public shortlist for the category.
The Manchester restaurants and bars on the MFDF 2026 shortlist
1. Affordable Eats Venue of the Year (Sponsored by Therme Manchester)
Sips n Dips in LevenshulmeNoodle Alley in ChinatownCredit: The Manc Group
Al Madina – 76 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5AL
Noodle Alley – 56A Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FH
Sips & Dips – 994 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WN
Que Huong Viet – 76–78 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EB
Kabana – 52 Back Turner Street, Manchester M4 1FR
Bahn Mi 782 – 782 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DR
Zaytoni’s – 12 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JQ
Cafe San Juan – 27 St Petersgate, Stockport, Manchester SK1 1EB
Previous winner – Double Zero
2. Takeaway of the Year
Kool Runnings – 118 Chorlton Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M15 4AN
Rita’s Reign – Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LY
Chicken Run – 6 Yarburgh St, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 7FJ
Viet Deli – 22 Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 5BQ
Levenshulme Bakery – 842 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3AW
The Post Box Shawarma – 543 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PP
Daisy Jackson -
22nd May 2023 
