One Eight Six in Manchester city centre has posted an emotional statement following the huge blaze inside its venue on New Year’s Eve.
A fire broke out at the Deansgate basement bar shortly after the midnight countdown.
Terrifying CCTV footage obtained by the Manchester Evening News showed the moment balloons across the ceiling caught fire.
The footage shows how quickly the blaze took hold, with people scrambling for safety.
Screams and loud popping noises can be heard.
CCTV from when the fire took hold at One Eight Six.
Around 170 people were evacuated from One Eight Six, and two men were treated for smoke inhalation.
The bar’s co-founder Dean Mac has now released a public statement, saying it has taken ‘five long, emotional days’ to address the fire – which they say has destroyed the main bar and live music venue.
He wrote: “We cannot put into words how deeply excruciatingly painful this is to be writing, but the fire that broke out just after midnight on NYE has completely destroyed the main room and the majority of the contents within.”
One Eight Six
The statement also thanks their staff and the emergency services who reacted so quickly to save people’s lives.
One Eight Six say they will reopen ‘as soon as we possibly can’.
They are urging anyone affected by the incident and seeking professional support to reach out.
One Eight Six was only open for three months before the pandemic started and forced it to close for a year.
People have been responding with messages of support for the venue.
Love Island star Scott Thomas wrote: “The comeback will be beautiful.”
Actor and model Gemma Pell posted: “Ugh this is emotional! Sending you all so much love, light and strength at this difficult time. Bring on the come back”
The full statement from One Eight Six
“It has taken 5 long, emotional days to write this…
“The ONE EIGHT SIX concept and venue on Deansgate took us 2 years to create and build. Just three months after launch night, we were told we had to close our doors for 12 months due to a global pandemic.
“Once we were allowed to re-open, we could have only dreamt of what ONE EIGHT SIX was going to become and how our loyal customers were going to love the brand as much as we did.
“We have built the most dedicated and professional family of staff and we were all so incredibly excited to be celebrating New Years Eve with you, especially after such a successful Christmas period.
“We cannot put into words how deeply excruciatingly painful this is to be writing, but the fire that broke out just after midnight on NYE has completely destroyed the main room and the majority of the contents within.
“We will be forever grateful to all our brave staff and the emergency services that saved peoples lives that night, and no matter what material items are gone, everyone is safe.
“If any of our customers that night still have belongings inside the venue, please send the ONE EIGHT SIX Instagram account a description of what they are, along with pictures of the items and our team will be in touch shortly to try and retrieve them and get them back to you.
“We also ask that anyone present that evening who is in need of free professional mental or emotional support, please get in touch.
“If any of you have any doubts, we WILL come back from this and we WILL be re-opening again as soon as we possibly can.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your constant support.
“DM / ONE EIGHT SIX x”
Featured image: One Eight Six
News
Boxing great Ricky Hatton found dead at home, aged 46
Daisy Jackson
Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Tameside at the age of 46.
The Stockport-born boxing legend, often known as The Hitman, had just recently announced he was returning to the ring.
Ricky Hatton was set to come out of retirement for his first competitive fight in 13 long years this December.
A police cordon is around his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.
Greater Manchester Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.
A GMP spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Ricky Hatton was one of the sport’s best-loved boxers and one of the greatest sportspeople to come out of Greater Manchester.
Hatton, who held an MBE, had been working as a promoter and trainer since retiring from the sport.
His illustrious boxing career spanned from 1997 to 2012, during which time he held multiple world championships.
Tributes are pouring in, with boxing magazine Boxing News writing: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.
“A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it.
“He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Ricky.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.
A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it.
Amir Khan posted: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.
“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.
“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Sacha Lord shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton. A gentle giant and absolute legend.”
Fellow pro boxer Anthony Fowler wrote: “Feel sick. RIP RICKY HATTON.”
And podcaster James English shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton.
“A true champion inside and outside the ring, Ricky’s grit, passion and courage will never be forgotten.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who admired him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Ricky. Thank you for the memories.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, Aeropixels Photography
News
Kalvin Phillips is reportedly set to be reintegrated into the Manchester City squad
Danny Jones
Long-exiled Manchester City player Kalvin Phillips is reportedly on the verge of being reintegrated into Pep Guardiola’s squad this season.
The ex-Leeds United star, who signed for the Blues back in 2022, has still only made just 16 appearances for the club, but could now be eyeing up a potential renaissance.
Man City have made plenty of signings this year, but with a number of outgoings and several injuries in key positions, it looks like there could be an avenue for the one-time England international to fight his way back into the team.
As per Telegraph Sport‘s Mike McGrath, Kalvin Phillips is set to be reintroduced to City’s 25-man Premier League selection; the question is, can he make it into a first-team XI?
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Kalvin Phillips has chance to resurrect career at the Etihad Stadium after failed loan spells with Ipswich and West Ham
According to McGrath, Phillips will be “given a chance to resurrect his career at the Etihad Stadium” with the meat and potatoes of the 2025/26 campaign still yet to get properly underway.
Now 29, the Yorkshireman is well and truly within the crucial ‘prime’ years as an athlete, and after such an extended period on the sidelines, he’ll be more motivated than anyone to get his career back on track.
The central defensive midfielder – who was formerly considered a key cog in the middle of the park for Leeds – has spent two loan spells away from the Etihad, but neither really worked out for the undeniably talented footballer.
Having joined West Ham for the latter portion of the 23/24 term and spending the last 12 months on loan at struggling Ipswich Town, his time at both clubs was pretty forgettable, punctuated by little more than a couple of unfortunate red cards and more time on the bench.
Speaking to Sky Sports fairly recently, he confessed that the last couple of years have been very difficult and was visibly emotional discussing his struggles since moving to Man City.
It’s also worth noting that Guardiola himself has admitted to feeling “so bad” for Kalvin Phillips’ situation – perhaps why he now looks like he could be given a second chance.
CDM-wise, Rodri and Nico González are considered the go-to options, but Stockport-born Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovačić have also been used in the role.
Once again, although Man City face somewhat of an injury crisis ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend, any prolonged absences could at least see an opportunity arise for the forgotten man.
What do you make of Kalvin Phillips’ chances of being restored to the Manchester City squad and maybe even putting himself back into national team contention ahead of the World Cup?
Daisy Jackson -
6th January 2022 
