Eats

The Footage pub is set to reopen under a new name following a £1 million transformation

The opening date has now been confirmed and it won't be the same pub you remember.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 4th October 2024

Not long after quietly closing its doors and being put on the market, beloved student pub and Manchester institution The Footage has officially been leased to a new operator and is now set for a truly transformative £1 million makeover – and a new name.

Well, sort of. Technically set to return to its old moniker, The Grosvenor, the bustling pub that sustained university students for years, previously served as a bingo hall and was once the largest cinema outside of London decades before that, the place is going back to its ‘Picture Palace’ roots, at least in namesake.

The Grade II-listed building which was first opened back in 1915 was listed on Rightmove for just £1 last month (no, not a typo) and has now been leased by an independent local operator on the cheap, but is now set to have huge investment pumped into as they prepare to turn it into something entirely new.

Promising to become a cutting-edge hybrid between hospitality and social space, the aim is to create “the ultimate adult escapism experience in central Manchester.”

the footage pub becoming the grosvenor oxford road manchester
Beloved Manchester boozer The Footage may be no more but The Grosvenor is being reborn. (Credit: Supplied)

Complete with the huge sports screens that were always a staple for the regular Footage crowd, as well as some outrageous new interiors such as a massive six by three-metre ball pool for adults to unleash their inner big kid, the vision is very different from just reopening as another newly refurbished pub.

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The spacious drinking and dining spot will feature 30 beer taps and a wide selection of sharing-focused food like buckets of wings, loaded pizzas, platters and big burgers, but will also serve as an entertainment hub, with pool tables, beer pong, darts and much more.

There’s even going to be a big whimsical carousel for people to take a turn on, because why the hell not?

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Now officially set to reopen at The Grosvenor on Saturday, 2nd November and stay open from noon until midnight (make that 2am on Fridays and Saturdays), the idea is you can spend all day here and even capture all your memories in the photo booth at the end of the night.

Be it a bottomless brunch, simple after-work drinks with friends, private events or just somewhere to watch the game, the space will offer something for everyone. There’s also going to be a FREE bar from 5-7pm at the launch party which will hosted by club night, ‘Edit presents’, so it’s a no-brainer really.

Better yet, they’re making sure to carry on The Footage dynasty and keep the aspects people loved so much intact, starting with those student deals and even offering the most eager of punters some early discounts, offers and even a freebie by signing up to the new website.

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Back to the original, as it were – only completely different and basically one big adult playground. (Credit: Supplied)

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Chris Tulloch, Managing Director and founder of Blind Tiger Inns – the company behind the transformation and existing Greater Manchester venues like The Station Hotel in Altrincham and The White Horse in Irlam, is understandably buzzing about the project.

“The Grosvenor is in the midst of an incredible transformation, and we’re creating something truly special for Manchester. Our vision is to blend the best aspects of a sports bar, social venue, and nightclub into one vibrant, unforgettable space where memories are made.

“As we breathe new life into this iconic building, we’re excited to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Manchester’s entertainment, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in to eat, drink and have fun in the adult playground.”

Located on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor St, The Grosvenor is striving to achieve the ‘ultimate hybrid hospitality and entertainment experience’ and provide an unrivalled experience on Manchester’s ever-evolving hospitality scene.

We’re very much looking forward to enjoying The Footage like never before and seeing what goes into £1m transformation when The Grosvenor opens to the Manchester public on Saturday, 2 November – and be sure to make the most of that free bar! We also happen to have a little competition for you…

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Featured Images — Supplied

Eats

New two-storey Latin BBQ restaurant, bar, and music venue Dahlia opens in the Northern Quarter

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo Dahlia in the Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter has welcomed a huge two-storey Latin BBQ restaurant, bar and music venue, brought to you by the same team behind Manchester’s beloved Firehouse and Ramona – you just know it’s going to be good with names like that.

Taking over the site formerly home to Pie & Ale, Dahlia has a few different concepts under one roof, but don’t let that confuse you too much.

Up first is Barbacoa Cósmica, an open-fire grill kitchen, with cooking inspired by Latin America and the southern states of America. As the Northern Quarter’s first open fire grill kitchen, guests will have the unique experience of being able to watch the chefs in action, from their kitchen counter seats.

The concept is the product of years of travelling across Latin America, exploring regional recipes and techniques, then condensed down to allow us to take a road trip from San Diego to Jalisco, Mexico City to Oaxaca, all from the comfort of our seats.

Dahlia is also be home to Bar Más Bonita, translating to ‘most beautiful bar’, a lively Liquorita serving up all sorts of Latin American specialties – think vibrant, handcrafted cocktails and salted rims with tequila, mezcal, rum and Latin spirits. 

In the evenings, the space will transform into Dahlia Stereo, an intimate two-storey music space powered by a bespoke Hatchett Sound system.

Every element of the venue has been carefully considered by sound engineers and acoustic specialists, including Jonny ‘Oppo’ of Neuron Audio, to ensure the best listening experience possible.  

Dahlia in the Northern Quarter
Dahlia in the Northern Quarter
Dahlia in the Northern Quarter
Dahlia in the Northern Quarter. Credit: The Manc Group

Jonny “Oppo” said: “We have been building and working with sound systems for years, but Manchester’s bars and restaurants have never had an installation at this level. Every detail of the room has been designed around how music should sound and feel. It is genuinely exciting for the city.”

In addition to this, the iconic Jonjo Williams of Maribou State and Rich Reason of Hit & Run, have carefully curated a music programme for September to give us a flavour of what’s to come, including sets from Gilles Peterson, Quantic, Gia Fu, DJ Die and Joey T.

With craft being central to the space, almost every element has been made by hand by the Dahlia team and its team of trusted independent artisans and specialist suppliers. From the artwork and upholstery, to the world class sound system and the team’s own bottled Latin spirits, it truly has all been carefully thought through.

To celebrate its launch, Dahlia is offering 50% off the food bill while the new team trains and gets up to speed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays in September, before 9pm, when you book a table and follow @dahliastereo on instagram.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Brilliant Saddleworth restaurant shares statement after devastating fire that brought village to a standstill

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Hot Duck in Uppermill has shared a statement after a fire

A brilliant restaurant in Saddleworth has been left ‘badly damaged’ after a huge blaze ripped through it yesterday afternoon.

Hot Duck in Uppermill, a modern Chinese establishment tucked above a takeaway, said that the fire on Sunday 6 September has been ‘devastating’.

Both Hot Duck and Hei Hei, which share a building on the village’s high street, will be closed for the foreseeable future.

But in a statement, Hot Duck said they will ‘do everything we can to come back stronger’.

They reassured customers that everyone is safe following the blaze.

Six fire engines from across Greater Manchester scrambled to the fire yesterday, with High Street closed while emergency services attended.

Locals were asked to avoid the area on Sunday evening.

Hot Duck said in a statement: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last 24 hours. As many of you know, our restaurant has suffered a devastating fire affecting our whole building.

Inside Hot Duck in Uppermill before the fire
Inside Hot Duck in Uppermill before the fire
Hot Duck's incredible dim sum
Hot Duck’s incredible dim sum

“Thankfully, everyone is safe, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful. We are still processing what comes next.

“It’s heartbreaking to see something we’ve worked so hard on over the years so badly damaged.

“The kindness, messages, calls, and offers of help mean more than we can put into words. To our customers, friends, neighbors, suppliers, and the wider community, thank you. Your support has given us hope at a time we really needed it.

“For now, the restaurant will remain closed while we begin the long process of rebuilding. It won’t be easy, but we will do everything we can to come back stronger. We’ll keep you updated. We will be back.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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