Eats
New ‘love letter to Manchester’ Japanese tapas bar to open in prominent city centre location
It will spread over two floors, with Asian-inspired street food on one and live music on the other.
Daisy Jackson -
13th December 2022 
A new bar and restaurant is set to open in one of the city centre’s most prominent locations, taking over the old Walrus site on High Street.
Disorder promises to be ‘a love letter to Manchester’, featuring a mural of Ian Curtis and a menu of Asian fusion food with a local twist.
The Northern Quarter bar comes from two college friends from Stockport, James Stewart and Sam Koropisz.
The space will take its inspiration from Manchester itself and will spread over two floors.
Disorder’s ground floor will be a restaurant serving Asian-inspired street food and a huge range of lagers and sour beers from around the world – including Mikkler, Verdant, Schöfferhofer and Cloudwater.
Then on the lower floor it’ll be live music from bands, DJs, rap artists and bar, with a speakeasy dive bar feel.
The whole space will undergo a massive makeover from its past days, first as Walrus, then briefly as Man With The Fish.
Huge bifold doors will be added to the front, opening out onto High Street, while cosy Chesterfield sofas will provide space for lounging inside.
Akse-P19 will paint a mural on one wall that will feature the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis – the bar’s name is also inspired by the band, matching the first track on Unknown Pleasures.
The menu will feature items like Japanese sandos made with black pudding, and cocktails including an Asian-inspired Japanese slipper.
James, operations director, said: “I have over 10 years experience working in hospitality,
opening many bars for different people and I’m now realising my ambition of opening my own.
“Our love letter to Manchester pays homage to the past, but is in no way a retro or a theme bar and is
taking the bar scene in the city a step forward.
“Nowhere else will have our unique twist on Japanese tapas and we’re creating a lot of cocktails bespoke.
“We will have a number of unique beers and spirits on offer, something to cater for all tastes. Everyone who loves Manchester is welcome!”
Sam, partner in Disorder, added: “James and I bonded over our love of Manchester and discovering new bars. James and I discussed the idea of opening a bar as far back as 2017.
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“Since then, Disorder has been our passion and we’ve put so much thought and consideration into every element and ensuring it works together as a whole – we can’t wait to open our doors and invite the city in.
“It will be the perfect way to end dry January and celebrate with us at the end of January 2023.”
Disorder is currently recruiting for managers, bartenders and kitchen staff.
It’s set to open on High Street in late January 2023 – you can follow them on Instagram @disordermcr for updates.
Featured image: Edward Jones
