One of Manchester’s most popular beer bars has confirmed its closure, leaving locals ‘gutted’.
Rumours have been swirling about the future of The Brink, which never reopened after lockdown, for months.
The subterranean drinking den on Bridge Street has now confirmed what many suspected – the bar won’t be returning.
In a post shared across social media, the team said they were ‘really sad’ about the closure.
The bar was famed for its selection of local real ale, only pouring beers that had been brewed within 25 miles of the bar itself.
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The Brink was hidden off street level on Bridge Street. Credit: Facebook, The Brink MCR
It also had renowned street artist Qubek paint a mural of bees on the stairs down to the venue.
The Brink has been largely silent on social media since the pandemic shuttered hospitality back in March 2020.
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Their last update was in June of that year, shortly before the first lockdown ended, where they wrote: “As we’ve heard this arvo, boozers are set to reopen. We don’t feel we can do what WE do, while social distancing is the guidance. Y’know us – Sociable and jovial AR.
“When we feel it’s safe for customers and staff, we’ll be back. Make no mistake. Until then, stay safe. BrinkSquad.”
But The Brink has now broken its silence, saying: “We know there’s been a bit of chatter recently, but we wanted to say hello and for this to come from us.
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“Now that we’re allowed to discuss matters, The Brink won’t be returning and we’re really sad about that.”
They went on to encourage their followers to share memories of the bar, writing: “We wanted to close our chapter remembering the beer we supped, the friends we made and the mischief caused ’neath 65 Bridge Street.
“We’re going to share some pics before the accounts close for good, so please join in with yours.
“Fancy a drink? I remember a place called The Brink.
“Stay jovial as fuck. BRINKSQUAD.”
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Hundreds have responded over the weekend lamenting the loss of the ‘perfect’ little bar, which first opened in 2016.
One person wrote: “Really sad to see The Brink close, easily my favourite pub in Manchester…OK who am I kidding my favourite pub full stop. All the best for the future guys.”
Another commented: “We loved The Brink, thanks for many many good nights. Good luck with whatever the future brings.”
Someone else shared: “Loved the warm welcome, good ale and the Manchester eggs I used to stash in my handbag for the end of the night.”
A fan of The Brink said: “I’m gutted about this. Was easily the best place for me in Manchester. Staff were always awesome. Steve was an amazing knowledgeable guy on the subject of beer.”
Over on Instagram, someone said: “My best memory of your place ( apart from the beer ) 2 mates and I me way more pissed than them emerged from the gas lamp walked across the road. . Somehow I convinced door staff I was fine ( my mates were ) I was leathered. Having conned their trust to gain entry I proceeded to fall from top to bottom of your stairs. Bonus was , got to spend the night in a great bar, drinking great ale!!!”
Another wrote: “A welcome break was a Thursday pie and a pint for lunch in the Brink. Sorry Covid killed a lovely venue off and hope you are all doing new enjoyable things that keep the wolf from the door. Bloody good job I left that job during lockdown wouldn’t be the same going back 🙂 Stay well guys.”
Featured image: Facebook, The Brink MCR
News
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
No trams to run on three major Greater Manchester lines this Easter bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
People are being urged to ‘plan ahead’ as no trams are set to run on three major Greater Manchester Metrolink lines this weekend.
As part of a continuing £150 million investment in the Metrolink network across the region, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that more than 1km of track will be replaced on the Altrincham line, and work will also take place between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield to prepare for full track replacement later in the year.
As a result, there will be no trams on the Altrincham, Eccles, and Trafford Park lines this Easter bank holiday weekend all day from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.
On top of these line closures, there is also set to be disruption across other parts of the network too, as on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines, trams will run to Firswood only, and services on the Rochdale line will terminate at Exchange Square.
To keep people moving over the four-day weekend, replacement buses will run between all the affected stops, TfGM has confirmed.
Anyone using a replacement bus, however, will still need a valid Metrolink ticket or a one-day Bee bus ticket to travel, and customers will be able to use all existing options to buy these, as they will not be able to buy a ticket or pay for the fare on the replacement buses themselves.
No trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines this Easter bank holiday weekend / Credit: TfGM
Replacement buses are said to be calling at ‘all affected stops’ along the lines, so customers are being told not to worry about that.
Speaking ahead of the improvement works being carried out this weekend, Ian Davies, who is the Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said: “The first main upgrades of the year get under way over the Easter weekend, as our £150m programme to improve our network continues.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers while we carry out this essential work to ensure our tram network remains reliable, resilient and safe for years to come.”
TfGM has assured that staff will be out and on-hand across the network this weekend, but is urging anyone travelling to plan for their journeys ahead of time to make sure they go as smoothly as possible.
Looking ahead to the rest of the month, no trams will run between Piccadilly Gardens and Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April while the track is repaired, and a further weekend closure for track repairs on the Ashton line will take place on Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April.
Find out more and plan ahead on the Bee Network’s dedicated webpage here.
Daisy Jackson -
21st March 2022 
