One of Manchester’s best-loved small venues is having to close its doors while essential work takes place along the railway arches where it’s based.
Gorilla has said it’s ‘really disappointed’ to have to shut its doors for a period of six weeks, forcing operators to reschedule upcoming gigs and events.
The venue has issued an apology to fans, bands and revellers ahead of the closure, which has begun this week.
Network Rail, the landlord for the building, is carrying out ‘unavoidable’ work in the area.
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The intimate gig space is based in one of the railway arches along Whitworth Street West, close to Oxford Road train station.
Its tiny stage has been graced by the likes of Everything Everything, Blossoms, Foals, and even Kylie Minogue.
Gorilla said in a statement: “HELLO! We have recently been informed by Network Rail, the landlord for our building, that essential work that needs to be carried out for six weeks from 18th July in our music hall. This means we are unable to proceed with any events during this time.
“We have spent a lot of time trying to reschedule shows, working with bands & promoters to reduce the amount of disruption to peoples calendars.
“Live music & parties are what make Gorilla. We are really disappointed to close even for a short amount time, but in order to maintain the building and ensure Gorilla can keep hosting and bringing incredible events in the future then this work is unavoidable.
“To all the fans, bands and party goers who have had plans disrupted by this – we really are sorry.
“If you have bought a ticket for an event during this closing period then you will be contacted by your ticket agent with updated plans for your event.
“Our front bar and restaurant will still be open for breakfast, bevs and boogying and we are excited to see you all for the above through the summer!
“Love you all loads, Gorilla xx”
Several scheduled gigs have now been moved to other venues, including Band on the Wall and Factory.
Featured image: Gorilla
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A Japanese fine dining restaurant is opening in the former Randall & Aubin site
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A new Japanese fine dining restaurant will open on Bridge Street in Manchester this October, bringing a theatrical ‘multi-sensory’ dining experience to the city.
Giving diners the chance to dine from specially created 7 and 11-course tasting menus or opt for a traditional ‘chef’s choice’ experience at its six-seat Omakase counter, bosses say it will offer a contemporary interpretation of Japanese dishes currently not seen outside of London.
Called MUSU, which translates as ‘infinite possibilities,’ the restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Patron Michael Shaw, who has worked at top eateries including Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and Richard Neat’s eponymous restaurant in Canne.
Image: Supplied
Shaw has spent the last 18 months honing his passion for Japanese cuisine in preparation to open MUSU and will bring on Head Sushi Chef Andre Aguiar, who has trained under renowned Japanese sushi master YugoKato, to head up the kitchen.
When MUSU it opens its doors on Bridge Street on 6 October, diners will be treated to a new tasting menu concept that promises to deliver a ‘multi-sensory dining experience.’
Its menu is divided into three sections – Sentaku, Kaiseki and Omakase – giving diners the choice between ordering dishes a la carte style, opting for a set seven or eleven-course tasting menu, or entrusting the chef to create their ‘perfect menu.’
Served to guests at the six-seat Omakase counter, the latter is presided over by Head Sushi Chef Andre Aguiar.
Drinks-wise, diners can look forward to a mixture of classic cocktails, Japanese sakes and whiskies, as well as a specially chosen list of wines handpicked by house sommelier Ivan Milchev.
As for the new high-end Japanese restaurant’s design, MUSU’s multi-million-pound interiors will boast bespoke Italian furniture, subtle mood lighting and bespoke Geisha-inspired walls, with a bar made from Dekton stone, banana leaf patterned brass and onyx.
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2022 
