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Inside Voyeur, a mysterious new post-punk 80s-inspired cocktail bar

'You can look, just don't get caught'

Daisy Jackson - 23rd April 2025

A brand new cocktail bar is set to open in Manchester this week, with dark and mysterious interiors, 80s inspiration, and a raunchy theme.

Voyeur is opening in the heart of the Northern Quarter, and here it’s all about modern drinks in a post-punk 80s setting.

The walls are decorated with beautiful voyeurism photography from the 80s, including artists like David Hockney, Nick Taggart, and Malerie Marder.

Even the menus celebrate the artistic side of voyeurism, with drinks presented within a book of photography.

Those drinks include creative twists on drinks dating back more than a century, from the Kaleidescope of Lies (a two-in one cocktail inspired by a pina colada, with a strawberry daiquiri foam top) to The Voyeur (made with coriander-infused tequila for a savoury punch).

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There’ll be monthly themed specials, kicking off with The Breakfast Club, where seasonal drinks take inspiration from Lucky Charms cereal, chai latte and an acai bowl.

Cocktails inspired by The Breakfast Club at Voyeur

Cocktails at Voyeur in the Northern Quarter — Cocktails inspired by The Breakfast Club at Voyeur

The dark space is lit by marble table lamps and a glittering green disco ball (and not much else), perfect for an evening spent sipping cocktails into the early hours.

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Between Thursdays and Sundays, Voyeur will have DJs spinning vinyls.

Voyeur is opening this week on Oldham Street and will be open from 5pm to 2am between Tuesday and Sunday.

Find out more HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Beloved Stockport bar Bask is rebranding as Greater Manchester’s latest Irish bar

Yes, one of the names synonymous with Stockport’s resurgent hospitality scene, Bask, is set to rebrand into yet another Irish bar following a flurry of openings across Greater Manchester.

The lively bar, breakfast and pub grub spot, also known for live music nights, matchday pints for Stockport County and various other events, has had a bit of a turbulent period over the past few months or so, but remains a much-loved local venue.

Bask were forced to issue a statement following an arrest back in February, and one of the founding members behind the venture also stepped away in August 2024.

Looking to close that door firmly behind them, the team – now headed up by native DJ and producer Jon Fitz (John Fitzpatricks) – are set to launch the all-new Fitzpatricks “very soon.”

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A post shared by Jon Fitz (@jonfitzmusic)

Fitz (a Stopfordian by birth) announced the latest iteration of the unit located just next to Stockport train station on social media late last month, writing: “It’s been a long time coming, and we’ve poured our hearts into this one — we’re aiming to open very very soon…”

As detailed in his most recent post, also shared on Bask’s existing accounts, this is tipped to be the start of “a bold new chapter.”

Detailing a distinct Irish-American theme, influenced by the “friendly bars of Boston to the lively streets of New York City, Fizpatricks brings that gritty charm and warm hospitality across the pond, fusing Irish roots with American spirit.

Fans of Bask’s roots in entertainment will also be glad to hear that lineups of live music will remain “every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — with the best of Irish, American and Country music.”

With co-creator Benji Taylor, who ultimately stepped away last year, having brought his music industry background to the business model, live entertainment has also been a big selling point of the bar and, thankfully, will remain so.

Bask Makes Way for a New Look

After 3 unforgettable years of cocktails, creativity, and community, it’s time for a bold new chapter. Bask, the bar that brought Stockport a unique blend of nightlife and culture, is evolving.

Bask turns into something new – coming soon.

☘️🇺🇸🇮🇪👀 pic.twitter.com/P62tYeMAQF
— Bask (@thisisbask) May 27, 2025

In terms of food, Fitzpatricks will be delivering everything from classic American comfort food to “healthy gym options” as part of their new bar and grill approach, along with a proper Sunday roast menu.

Perhaps most notably, much like Taylor’s influence over the course of his tenure, the new-look venue is set to further immerse itself in the local sports experience, promising plenty of cold pints for the punters heading to the match at Edgeley Park, as well as an exciting brand new ‘360 multi-screen experience’ and more.

Fitzpatricks even looks set to embark on an official partnership with Stockport County ahead of the 2025/26 League One season – a big coup, indeed.

Bask may be over, but there’ll always be the memories. In fact, we wagered it was the best night in Stockport, so here’s hoping Fitzpatricks can follow in its footsteps. We can’t wait to see what comes next and can’t wait to split another G or two.

Bask is not so quietly becoming the best night out in Stockport

Bask is no longer, but there’s a new kid on the ever-growing Irish bar block, although an opening date is yet to be confirmed.

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Featured Images — The Manc Eats/Jon Fitz (via Facebook)

Eats

There’s a new summer terrace in town with a weekend spritz happy hour

Daisy Jackson Embankment Kitchen terrace in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

Embankment Kitchen terrace in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

There’s a new summer terrace in Greater Manchester that’s the ideal spot to soak in some rays – and enjoy a few discounted spritzes while you’re there.

Over on Chapel Street – just across the river from Manchester Cathedral – you’ll find Embankment Kitchen, which has opened up its terrace for the season.

This stylish spot is part of the CitySuites aparthotel, and has a menu rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality.

It’s worth a visit all year round for their seasonally-focused, local-as-possible menus, but the summer terrace at Embankment Kitchen is a real added bonus in spring and summer.

And following that spell of absolutely glorious weather, they’re opening up two hours earlier every day too for maximum sun-soaking from 2pm.

At Embankment Kitchen you can tuck into a drinks and nibbles menu from 2pm until 5pm, and Happy Hour drinks deals from 4pm until 7pm.

That means two-for-one cocktails, plus discounted wines, prosecco and beers – an ideal post-work haunt.

Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

Small plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group — Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

It’s usually almost impossible to find a happy hour in Manchester at weekends, but these guys are doing two-for-£12 spritzes every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with flavours including Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello.

Drinks on the menu include signature cocktails that are inspired by the city’s industrial roots, like The Emmeline, Manchester Exchange (a take on an old fashioned), and the Atomic Zombie, as well as classic cocktails such as an espresso martini, limoncello negroni, amaretto sour, and strawberry daiquiri.

As for nibbles, tuck into treats like garlic bread, edamame beans with smoked salt, garlic and parmesan fries, salt and pepper tater tots, and halloumi fries.

Surrounded by lush plants and gigantic parasols, it’s hard to believe you’re just across the river in Salford when you’re soaking up the sun at Embankment Kitchen. To find out more, head HERE.

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Featured image: The Manc Group