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.
Jame Stewart and Sam Koropisz outside new bar Disorder. Credit: Edward Jones
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.
“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
Eats
A much-loved Manc drinking spot is handing out FREE spritzes to Sounds of the City gig-goers
Danny Jones
Popular Manchester city centre drinking spot, Society, is handing out free spritzes to gig-goers heading to this year’s Sounds of the City festival.
The annual series of live music events returned at the start of the month, with Castlefield Bowl once again being turned into one of the best amphitheatres in the country – not that we’re biased, or anything.
And since we’re in a month packed with outdoor gigs (pretty sure there’s some local band on at Heaton Park), what better drink to help you get a bit loose before the party starts than a refreshing spritz in the sunshiiine?
Better yet, if you fancy copping a complimentary one, Society beer and food hall are handing out freebies for those going to Sounds of the City 2025.
As you can see, the deal is simple: turn up to the beautiful Society beer garden or equally lovely indoor space and show your ticket to the bar staff to get your hands on a free spritzer.
Now, there is a catch, as they’re only promising 100 free drinks in total across all seven concerts this July, and three of them have already been – which could be a blessing or a curse – and they’re available on a first come first serve basis from 4pm on each event date.
However, we’ll admit we were a little late to the news on this occasion, so there’s a chance plenty of others haven’t heard about the offer either, meaning you could still be able to sort yourself a free Sarti or Aperol Spritz (only 50 of each available).
Salivating.Sounds of the City is just a short walk from Society.Credit: The Manc Eats/Audio North
With 2025 season openers, Elbow, having kicked things off in true Manc style, as well as The Charlatans and Shed Seven having already played, the word may have gotten out, but it’s still worth a crack. Besides, Society is still a brilliant summery drinking spot regardless.
The deal is available across all remaining concert dates:
Wed, 9 July – The Black Keys, with support from Miles Kane
Thurs, 10 July – Bloc Party, with support from The Royston Club
Fri, 11 July – Rizzle Kicks, with support from Maverick Sabre and Abbie McCarthy
Sat, 12th July – Basement Jaxx, with support from Mike Skinner (DJ Set) and Storm Mollison
Oh, and if you’re wondering what SOTC 2025 has been like so far, the neighbouring balconies have been full as always, Castlefield Hotel has been packed, and we got Guy Garvey to wave at a train driver…
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Society (supplied)
Eats
The UK’s best kebab is coming to Manchester as legendary shawarma bar announces Deansgate site
Clementine Hall
A brand-new shawarma bar is set to open its doors in Manchester this summer.
If you’re ever across the Pennines over in sunny Leeds, then you will have most likely heard of SQEW – a modern Lebanese-inspired eatery that has established itself as a cult-favourite amongst locals.
And it’s not just those Yorkshire folk who think it’s great, SQEW has recently been scooping up the accolades including most recently, Deliveroo’s Best Kebab of 2025.
The rumour mill has been turning for quite some time now but luckily for us they are in fact true, SQEW will be bringing its bold, elevated take on the kebab to 75 Deansgate, taking over the former Rola Wala site.
Images: The Manc Group
From humble beginnings to national recognition, SQEW was founded in 2015 by passionate chef and founder Mitch Renshaw, who wanted to give the often-overlooked kebab the love it truly deserves.
What began as a single idea serving slow-cooked meats and house-made sauces quickly boomed into a local sensation, eventually landing a permanent home in 2021 on Leeds’ Boar Lane.
Customers can expect a menu rooted in Lebanese flavours with a modern twist, all served with good old fashioned northern hospitality.
Image: The Manc Group
Speaking about the expansion, Mitch Renshaw, Owner and Founder of SQEW, said: “Were absolutely thrilled to announce our move over the pennies. We’ve been searching for the perfect site since 2023, and when we came across 75 Deansgate we jumped at it. We have a few surprises up our sleeves for Manchester and can’t wait to reveal more.
Having spent the last few weeks in Manchester, I’m brimming ear to ear, the people, the culture, the operators, we just can’t wait to be part of it.”
The new site will feature an all-day shawarma bar concept with seating, takeaway, and delivery options – so you can get your SQEW fix however way you want it.
We’ll keep you updated with more details in the coming weeks, but you keep an eye on SQEW’s socials for more sneak peeks.
Daisy Jackson -
13th December 2022 
