Eats

Legendary Manchester bar Sandinista shuts down after more than a decade

A big sad one.

Daisy Jackson - 14th October 2025

Sandinista, a staple on the Manchester bar scene, has quietly closed its doors.

The bar, just off St Ann’s Square, has been a popular watering hole for more than 13 years, famed for its music playing til the early hours and Latin food menu.

For more than a decade, Sandinista has been a no-frills, unpretentious, laid-back spot for Manchester locals to grab a pint and a shot of tequila or three.

They also served completely silly cocktails, like pints of booze served on fire.

And its in-house kitchen, El Gordos, served a menu of ‘Latin scran for Gringos’ which includes tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and snacks like Cancun cracking, croquettas, and patatas bravas.

The bar now appears to have quietly shut its doors for good, sharing videos of a closing party earlier this week.

They’ve shared no farewell statements (but they weren’t exactly active on social media anyway) and padlocked the doors.

The bar has been sharing Instagram stories of people bidding it farewell, and a member of staff confirmed its closure to the Manchester Evening News.

One person shared: Sandinista. lots of good memories and friends met over the years. Our very own central perk. There really won’t ever be a place in town like it.”

Sandinista Manchester is part of the same group that operates a bar of the same name across in Leeds.

Sandinista described itself as being ‘inspired by a love for music, food, drinks and Latin culture’.

They also said on their website: “Inspired and named after The Clash’s fourth album, Sandinista play an eclectic mix that covers rock, indie, funk, soul, reggae, 80’s and more until 3am, 7 days a week.

“Sandinista’s revolutionary theme is influenced by the political movement in Nicaragua and the Central American flavour is carried throughout the Latin inspired food and drink menu as well as the décor.”

Featured image: The Manc Group