Mulligans of Deansgate, Manchester’s most legendary and well-trodden Irish pub, have announced some exciting new expansion plans to make the boozer bigger and better than ever.
Comfortably one of if not the busiest bar in the city centre most weekends, Mulligans is an iconic part of the Manc drinking scene and stronghold for Irish folk, sports fans, fans of live music and more.
If there’s one thing you could ever count against the ever-popular pub it’s that the place is so packed out on any given day of the week that it can sometimes be a bit of a queue to get to the bar, so the news that they’re increasing the square footage to squeeze in more punters is music to ears.
There are few things that we love the sound of more than an even fuller pub sinking pints of the very best Guinness in Manchester and dancing along to classic Irish reels.
A sneak peek at the Mulligans expansion in progress. (Credit: Supplied)
As per an official press release, the expansion will see a brand-new upstairs area unveiled to the general public next month, “promising to enhance the Mulligans experience even more.”
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Building on the “exceptional craic, vibrant atmosphere, and the best Guinness outside of Ireland” (pretty much everyone seems to be in agreement on that front now), the new first floor will see the team go even further beyond live gigs, sports on the box and pulling pints.
The refurbished second-storey room will feature multiple levels, high ceilings for an entirely different feeling than the tight-knit spaces Mulligans fans are so familiar with, as well as options for private functions and even table service via a new QR code from the shiny new bar.
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To put things into perspective, the renovations are set to more than double the capacity, meaning this place is soon to be more booming than ever.
Staggering opening times of the new area over the launch weekend, the new upstairs will be open from 5pm till late on Friday’s grand opening, 2pm to the early hours the following Saturday and from noon until late on Sunday. The regular 11pm-12am times will resume the following week.
Speaking on the announcement, owner Pádraig Brady said: “We are super excited to unveil our new upstairs space at Mulligans.”
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This expansion not only allows us to host more guests but also provides an even more dynamic environment with additional live music and new premium services and spaces which will be available for hire. We look forward to our customers experiencing this new venue.”
Better still, to celebrate the launch weekend for the new upstairs, the first 250 guests through the door on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will receive exclusive Mulligans merchandise – and a complimentary pint of ‘the best Guinness outside of Ireland’, of course.
The grand opening takes place on Friday, 30 August and you better get in line early doors if you want a free glass of the black gold.
Popular street food market GRUB is back and taking over MediaCity docks this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s award-winning street food market GRUB has returned for a festive takeover with a lineup of tasty vendors.
GRUB, Manchester’s leading independent street food and events collective – which recently said goodbye to its former home over at the Red Bank Project in the Green Quarter – is teaming up with MediaCity to bring a brand-new festive feasting hub to the waterfront this winter.
GRUB On The Docks: Christmas Takeover will transform the On The Docks site into a cosy, seasonal hub for residents, workers, and visitors.
Taking place now across three long weekends from Wednesday to Saturday right up until 13 December, you can expect great food, winter drinks, festive entertainment, a selection of community-led experiences curated in true GRUB style, and even a mini Christmas market.
The MediaCity site is set to ‘come alive’ with a rotating street food lineup, Christmas specials, and festive moments throughout the takeover.
The core trader lineup includes CAFF, Above and Beyond, Baby Mayhem, and Wholesome Junkies.
Baby Mayhem will launch a brand-new dessert exclusive to MediaCity, while Wholesome Junkies bring the award-winning vegan cooking that has been featured on Netflix and on BBC’s Million Pound Menu, alongside plenty of other things to look forward to.
On top of that, the festive GRUB bar will serve a bespoke seasonal drinks menu throughout the full three-week run.
Wholesome JunkiesBaby Mayhem
“Partnering with GRUB is an exciting step as we continue to evolve the experiences on offer at MediaCity,” explained Joshua McAllister, who is the Senior Events Manager at MediaCity.
“With a focus on independent talent, great Manchester food tenants, seasonal drinks and relaxed festive moments, this collaboration reflects our aim to create vibrant, inclusive spaces. We are confident GRUB will bring a warm and enjoyable addition for everyone to discover this winter.”
GRUB’s takeover of the On The Docks site is set to be ‘just the start’ of a developing long-term partnership with MediaCity that will bring even more food, drink, and cultural experiences to the waterfront.
In 2026, GRUB will expand its programme with a refreshed calendar of events and activations, with more details coming soon.
Featured Image – MediaCity (Supplied)
Food & Drink
Inside The Head of Steam as huge new pub opens in Northern Quarter
Daisy Jackson
The Northern Quarter has a brand-new pub, as The Head of Steam moves into the city centre.
The craft beer brand has taken over what was formerly Cottonopolis (and then briefly the Lamb of Tartary), completely transforming the historic Grade II-listed space.
The Head of Steam has added a huge central bar into the building, surrounded by cosy booths and bar tables, plus six screens showing live sports.
There’s augmented reality darts and a photo booth, plus a VAST range of beers behind the bar, all packed into this 2,800 sq ft space in the heart of the city.
Expect 30 lines (24 keg and 6 cask) of beers, including The Head Of Steam’s own British-brewed range and an extensive selection of Belgian favourites.
And on the food menu, you’ll find USA-style smash burgers and a gigantic sharing platter of sides, from Salford street food favourite That Burger Place – previously named among the top burger joints in the UK.
To celebrate its launch – and to kick off its arrival into the city centre in style – The Head of Steam will be giving away 1,995 free pints.
Craft beer fans will have the chance of winning a free pint of the Head of Steam’s own IPA, Lager, or Gold.
That Burger Place platterThe mozzarella slabBeer and wine flight at The Head of SteamThe Head of Steam in the Northern Quarter
If beer’s not your thing, there’s also a cocktail menu, premium spirits range, and wine list – plus the option to order a beer or wine flight for the beer-curious.
The Head of Steam is set to open later this week, its 16th venue nationwide and second in Greater Manchester.
David Scott, Retail Director at The Head of Steam, said: “We’re incredibly proud to confirm our opening date in the Northern Quarter – it’s one of the most vibrant areas in Manchester and the perfect place to bring our craft beer community together.
“With some fantastic West Coast beers on offer, partnering with That Burger Place, a food brand who share that love for bold West Coast flavours, just made perfect sense.”
Ryan McDermott, Co-Owner of That Burger Place, added: “We’ve always loved The Head of Steam brand. I grew up in pubs as my parents ran several sites, so hospitality has always been in my blood.
“When the opportunity came to bring That Burger Place into The Head of Steam, it was a no-brainer. Working with the team feels like a perfect match, and we can’t wait to share our burgers with Manchester city centre for the first time.”
To sign up for a chance to claim a free pint when The Head Of Steam opens in the Northern Quarter on Friday 28 November, head HERE.
Danny Jones -
31st July 2024 
