A huge new late-night bar, music venue and restaurant has just tentatively opened its doors on Manchester’s Oxford Road ahead of a swanky launch this Friday.
Split across three floors, a 600-capacity underground club will host a mixture of live gigs, panel sessions and club nights, with a special members-only viewing mezzanine and late-night bar open until 4am, seven nights a week.
Upstairs, a sleek restaurant and bar from the same team behind the city’s south American Peru Perdu restaurant will serve a globe-trotting menu of crowd-pleasing small plates alongside a long drinks list of inventive aperitifs, highballs and sundowners.
Image: The Manc Eats
Belvedere lemon and basil with yuzu sake, pistachio and lemon tonic. / Image: The Manc Eats
Duck leg with sweet and sour roast plum, hoisin and pickled cucumber salad. / Image: The Manc Eats
From the chinola picante, a spicy mix of scotch bonnet, passionfuit and vanilla, to a ‘frozen nuclear daiquiri’ made with overproof Wray & Nephew, chartreus verte and citrus, the restaurant’s bar menu is worth popping in for alone.
Highballs span the likes of Plantation pineapple rum with mint and kombucha, a refreshing Belvedere lemon and basil with yuzu sake, pistachio and lemon tonic, and the cafe torino – a mixture of Mr Black’s coffee amaro with sweet martini and soda.
Elsewhere on the drinks front, you’ll find a good selection of wines, beers and softs, as well as different spirit mixers to order.
As for the small plates, which span everything from fish and chips to steamed prawn and pork dumplings, there really is something for everyone here – although, we have to bemoan the fact that there are no chopsticks to eat the dumplings with.
Image: The Manc Eats
Smack bang in the heart of university land with a wealth of international students living above, the menu seeks to cater to global tastes. This makes it an ideal choice for fussy friends, as there’s no way anyone can look at the varied list of 30+ dishes and decide there’s nothing there for them.
Here, beautifully crispy Korean fried chicken sits side-by-side with garlic portobello mushrooms and ‘disco fries’ topped with saffron mayo, jalapenos and truffle.
Further choices include steak bavette with roast tomatoes and chimmichurri, green pea hummus, Thai fishcakes and a good range of sandwiches ideal for a quick but hearty lunch. Like we say, plenty of choice.
Pork and prawn dumplings. / Image: The Manc Eats
Charred baby gem with croutons and radish. / Image: The Manc Eats
The chinola picante, a spicy mix of Scotch bonnet, passionfruit and vanilla. / Image: The Manc Eats
The new venue is currently in its soft launch period with 50% off small plate until 6 July. It is also gearing up to launch a new breakfast menu, which will also be available for diners to enjoy at a discount from 11-17 July.
Membership is priced at £15 per month for under-30s, including perks like two free gigs per month, free guest passes and access to invitation-only parties, as well as entry to the 4am members-only bar and acess to the best views via the members’ mezzanine. Prices for over-30s start at £25.
Members will also get guestlist access to events, priority bookings and restaurant discounts – all whilst being part of the community with their say on key decisions within the club.
All of the Canvas venues will be fully open to the public from Friday 8 July, whilst later this summer, a plunge pool and sauna will be added to the expansive site.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
News
Rochdale AFC have retired late club legend Joe Thompson’s shirt number
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester club Rochdale AFC have officially retired the number 15 shirt in memory of late midfielder Joe Thompson.
The retired player turned pundit and charity champion, who had to battle three different bouts of cancer, died earlier this year following his final diagnosis of stage four lymphoma.
Sadly passing away at the age of just 36 on 18 April 2025, the Bath-born footballer – who built his life and career here in the North West – was recently honoured with a minute’s silence and charity match between Rochdale and his boyhood club Man United’s under-21s youth side.
Penning an official statement on their website, The Dale wrote: “With the blessing of Joe’s family, we can confirm that First Team squad number 15, the shirt Joe wore with pride during his time at the Club, will be retired in his memory.
“Joe made over 200 appearances across three stints for Dale and became synonymous with the number 15 in his time with us.”
Thompson tragically left behind two kids, Thailula-Lily and Athena Rae, along with his wife, Chantelle, who also helped raise thousands in vital funds for cancer research and treatment here in the UK during his multiple battles.
Rochdale go on to add: “The retirement of Joe’s former squad number is recognition of his impact, not just as a talented football player, but as an incredible person who had a positive impact on everyone who has been touched by his story.
“This is just the second time in our history that a shirt number has been retired, after the number 55 was retired in memory of young Dale fan Joshua McCormack in 2016, who also sadly lost his life to cancer.”
The ex-Man United youth, Rochdale servant and one-time Bury player sadly had to retire due to his recurring illness back in 2019.
His story, however sad, was an inspiring one.
Safe to say that both his final send-off as a professional and tribute match last week were equally emotional days, with the latter ending in a 1-1 draw and an inaugural trophy lifted in his name, with the Red Devils having recently named a new club award after him too.
The United academy graduate has raised more than £20,000 for charity by joining a walk with hundreds of fans, friends and ex-teammates from Old Trafford to Rochdale back in October last year and remained an influential fundraising figure until the very end.
His number may have been retired, but the memory and impact of Joe Thompson live on forever. You can still donate to his cause and pay your respects via the Joey T Foundation HERE.
Rest in peace, Joe.
💙 The Legacy of Joe Thompson Lives On 🙌
Last week we were proud to support the Team Thompson appeal and now the journey continues.💙
Plans are now in motion to create the Joey T Foundation, honouring Joe’s bravery and continuing his legacy by helping others facing cancer. 💪 pic.twitter.com/VZO7Kgq3PP
— Rochdale AFC Community Trust (@RAFCCommunity) August 5, 2025
The Warehouse Project 2025 – full calendar, lineups, tickets, stage times and more
Thomas Melia
The summer and festival season may be almost over, but the Manchester music calendar is still going strong with The Warehouse Project announcing its full 2025 lineup.
If there’s one thing Manchester has got you covered for, it’s live music, and this EDM favourite returns year in and year out to power you through the winter – trading your dark nights for DJ sets with vibrant strobes and lasers.
The Warehouse Project know how to deliver a series of absolutely incredible b2b sets, exclusive shows and more, with the 2025 calendar looking just as impressive as previous years.
This latest full calendar lineup covers you with some of the best music events from 12 September right through til 31 December – grab your mates and your diaries, it’s time to get your next rave booked in.
Everything you need to know about The Warehouse Project 2025
The Warehouse Project tickets
As mentioned, with events running until 31 December, there are plenty of tickets available; however, with growing popularity annually and some of the biggest acts performing, these will be in high demand.
You can find the full calendar online, highlighting what events are still on sale – yes, the majority sell out fast every year – and takes you directly to their website HERE.
WHP stages
There are three separate rooms, which range in capacity, sound and facilities:
Depot is the largest room, boasting a capacity of 10,000.
Concourse can accommodate a significant 2,500 concertgoers.
Archive still holds an impressive 1,900.
It’s also worth noting that the Concourse room will now operate a strict no phones rule this year. The venue has been flagging a number of ‘Concourse only’ shows over the last few weeks in an effort to soft-launch the new policy.
Limited to the mid-sized room only for now, they’re taking cues from the likes of popular Manc nightclub Amber’s, insisting that they “feel that club culture is best enjoyed in the moment with your friends, and your phone in your pocket.”
Amber’s is also relaunching their newly formatted ‘Room Two’.
For anyone at all frustrated about this news, at least take the news of new ‘proper flushable toilets’ being installed through 80% of the venue this year as a pretty decent silver lining.
Transport and how to get to The Warehouse Project
This iconic EDM music series moved from its Victoria Warehouse to another music hotspot, Depot Mayfield, back in 2019 and has seen some of the greatest artists and DJs grace these very four walls.
Just an eight-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly or a 20-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, it’s super easy to get to on foot or via public transport.
You can catch a train or multiple tram lines from Victoria and various other points around the city centre, which will drop you off at Manchester Piccadilly; better still, a tram journey will only set you back £1.90 and not much more for the train.
Friday, 12 September – DJ HEARTSTRING
Electronic duo DJ HEARTSTRING are swapping the cold city centre feels of Berlin for the equally chilly Manchester to kick off the WHP25 series.
Playing in the Concourse, they will also be joined by a handful of acts, including Peach, Niamh and Ireland-born but now Berlin-based act, Spray.
Saturday, 13 September – D.O.D
Dan O’ Donnell, more widely recognised by his stage name and acronym D.O.D, is playing a huge hometown show in the Concourse with more DJs and mixers yet to be announced.
The Bury-born talent has a roster of hits and remixes under his belt, including ‘So Much In Love’, ‘Azizam (D.O.D Remix)’ and ‘Somedays’, the latter a collaboration with previous Warehouse Project alumni Jazzy.
Friday, 19 September – ANOTR
You might get ‘Vertigo’ from this next duo, who are currently soaking up the Ibiza club scene before making their way to the prestigious Manchester event later this year.
Amsterdam-based duo ANOTR are gearing up to play in the Concourse with a selection of yet-to-be-announced acts, and we’re sure you’ll want to ‘Turn It Up’ when they visit.
It’s time to get ‘Jamming’ with gold-coast music producer Fisher and we’re sure you’ll be ‘Losing It’ as soon as you feel the ‘Atmosphere’ at Depot Mayfield on this night.
Ranked as one of the top 10 DJs in DJ Mag’s top 100 DJs of 2024 and surpassing over 18 million monthly listeners on Spotify, expect this to be a busy one.
Friday, 26 September – Worried About Henry
All three rooms are in use for this event, and if you were at Parklife this year, you know this drum and bass event organiser knows how to start a party.
There are over 30 acts playing out across the night, and although we can’t list them all, expect Andy C, Wilkinson, Sub Focus in Depot, Camo and Krooked b2b K Motionz in Concourse and Simula in Archive.
Saturday, 27 September – YOU&ME 10th Birthday
Can you feel the buzz? We certainly can, as legendary DJs Josh Baker and Max Dean are in residency for a landmark Warehouse Project birthday celebration.
This London name has been behind some of house and UK garage’s recent anthems like ‘If U Need It’ and ‘Cops & Robbers’ with his 2020 album ‘Spice Up My Life’ reaching No.7 on the Official Dance Charts.
Now, the record producer is teaming up with a specially selected DJ crew at Depot Mayfield, including Armand Van Helden, Bakey, Joy Orbison and local lad Ghoulish.
Saturday, 4 October – &ME
Techno giant has worked on numerous collaborations and solidified his place in the house music scene with remixes and originals like ‘Say What’, ‘Thandaza’ and ‘More Love – Rampa &ME Remix’.
Coming to the Concourse, he’ll be joined by two other notable music creators like ‘P*ssy Power’ hitmaker Desiree and ‘Intuition’ credited act Megatronic.
Friday, 10 October – Dom Dolla
We’ve been ‘Dreamin’ about this one for a while, and after his latest tune gaining a spot on the F1 The Movie soundtrack, ‘No Room For A Saint’, this dance act has definitely earned its stripes.
The Australian producer is set to play Depot Mayfield, which will mark his only UK headline show outside London in 2025, and he’s bringing a couple of house music acts along for the ride too.
Saturday 11 October – Defected & Glitterbox
Depot Mayfield and Concourse are getting new names for one night only, with the larger of the two becoming ‘Defected’ and the latter taking on its new title of ‘Glitterbox’ while Archive keeps its moniker.
The legend himself, MK, will be in attendance and after the success of his recent hit ‘Dior’ with Bolton act Chrystal, the Manchester crowd will be lapping him up.
Friday, 17 October – Jamie Jones presents Paradise
Well-established Welsh DJ Jamie Jones is fronting the bill on this event, with the rest of the lineup awaiting announcement.
One thing is for sure, if the talent on the night takes any homage or inspiration from Jones’ records like ‘Lose My Mind’ and ‘We Groovin’, this will be a night of dancefloor fillers across Depot Mayfield.
17.10 /// JAMIE JONES PRESENTS PARADISE – LINE UP REVEALED
Jamie Jones brings Paradise back to WHP this October. Jamie plays a special b2b with Joseph Capriati plus across the evening he will be joined by East End Dubs, Alisha, Ahmed Spins, Obskür and more.
‘Is U’ looking to get ‘Lippy’? Well, Overmono have just the set for you when they present their new show to you alongside a curated lineup of special guests at Depot Mayfield.
Fellow collaborator Joy Orbison will be popping up with chart-topping act Interplanetary Criminal in Concourse and a selection of artists in Archive, hosted by Virus.
Friday, 24 October – Confidence Man
Janet Planet and Sugar Bones are ready to take you on a ‘Holiday’ when they return to Manchester with their celebrated records and unmissable dance moves.
Also bringing the heat to Manchester on this night is Antony Szmierek, who’s trading ‘The Great Pyramid of Stockport‘ for Depot Mayfield with Archive hosted by city centre nightlife venue and bar, Yes.
Saturday, 25 October – Black Coffee
After working with notable artists like Drake, David Guetta and Alicia Keys, this caffeinated music creator is ready to power you through the night with a selection of hits from his stacked roster.
Although the support is to-be-announced, this lineup will be one you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
Wednesday, 29 October – Aitch
Moston rapper Aitch is touching down on home turf to play his huge hits out to Depot Mayfield with the release of his latest album 4 earlier this summer.
Collaborating with drum and bass heavyweight Bou on ‘Raving in the Studio’ has been great exposure too, with the Manc star receiving a warm welcome from dance music lovers.
Friday, 31 October – WHP25 Halloween – Warehouse Banger
Another one of The Warehouse Project’s biggest nights of the year, there will be lots of dance, house, drum and bass artists decorating the bill.
With no official lineup yet, expect this night to be spook-tacular.
Saturday, 1 November – Marlon Hoffstadt presents Party of the Year
‘It’s That Time’ and by that time we mean Marlon Hoffstadt’s self-proclaimed ‘Party of the Year’, which is bringing good vibes only to Depot Mayfield.
Artists include Biianco, Surf 2 Glory and Horsegiirl, who sat hoof-to-hoof with TV Royalty Danny Dyer at this year’s Brit Awards.
Friday, 7 November – Rossi.
‘Don’t Touch That Dial’ because the ‘Freak in the Sheets’ is heading to Manchester for a night dedicated to all things Rossi.
He has been on a roll this year appearing at various music festivals from Parklife to Glastonbury, and has even headlined this dance music event before in 2023. It’s safe to say that much like his track – ‘Little Man’, we’re ‘(Proud of You)’.
Friday, 21 November – Barry Can’t Swim – Earth’s Only Paradise
Probably one of our favourite electronic acts around right now, full stop.
All three rooms are open for Barry Can’t Swim, who ( in our not-so-biased opinion) might have one of the best DJ names of all time.
He’ll be bringing along a whole gathering of notable DJ figures like Jayda G, Chloé Caillet, and Prospa as he hosts his ‘Earth’s Only Paradise’ event.
Saturday 22 November – The Hacienda
Manchester has always been a city of clubgoers, and it’s lovely to see the musical history of the music capital of the North celebrated via a dedicated night to its most legendary club, The Hacienda.
Expect Depot Mayfield to be filled with all the greats from DJ Paulette, Groove Armada, Primal Scream and more.
Aussies are well and truly feeling the love from the Manc crowd this year, with a variety of acts making the over 20-hour flight to play their club classics, and now Sonny Fodera joins this list.
Fodera has worked with Calvin Harris, Jazzy, Becky Hill, Glass Animals, and Sinéad Harnett, just to name a few – so expect to hear a lot of recognisable tunes throughout the night.
Wednesday 31 December – New Year’s Eve
The lineup for this one is always a secretive one, but as you’re welcoming in the New Year, what better way to do it than attending a night soundtracked by dance and house anthems.
The Warehouse Project New Year’s Eve event is usually a big one, so expect tickets to this exclusive party to sell out pretty quickly.
Georgina Pellant -
5th July 2022 
