Manchester City Council has shut down an illegal nightclub that was concealed as a restaurant and takeaway.
Officers observed the shutters on the premises being raised and lowered to allow people – often appearing intoxicated – to enter.
Queens Lounge, also known as Tasty’s Restaurant, had been attracting complaints from neighbours, who reported significant noise and anti-social behaviour taking place.
Evidence gathered by Council staff, GMP and via members of the public confirmed that the restaurant was indeed a front for late-night activity.
The basement space of the Oldham Road property was being used as an unlicensed nightclub and bar, complete with large quantities of alcohol and even a receipt book.
Licensing and Out of Hours Officers carried out observations, noticing people coming and going throughout the night on 6 November 2022, when officers heard music coming through the door of the venue.
They also saw two women, who appeared to be intoxicated, entering the premises through the shutters at approximately 3am.
Similar activity was noticed on other occasions too.
The closed sign at Tasty’s Restaurant, which was operating illegally as a nightclub. Credit: Manchester City Council
Residents in the area reported arguing and fighting around Tasty’s, loud bass music coming from inside, and litter including Nitrous Oxide canisters being left in the alleyway behind.
On 25 March, Manchester City Council officers and GMP visited and found alcohol clearly intended for sale.
As a result of all the evidence of serious nuisance, disorder and criminal conduct, the Council moved to impose a Closure Order on the premises.
On Friday 16 June, the order was granted after a hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, ordering Tasty’s to close immediately until 15 September 2023.
All persons are banned from entering the premises, other than Rubina Jamal Malik (owner of the premises leasehold), Manzoor Malik, and members of the emergency services, Council officers, or contractors working on behalf of the Council.
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Residents surrounding this premises have for too long had to tolerate an unacceptable level of disturbance and disruption.
“The constant nuisance and anti-social behaviour which took place causes significant harm and diminishes the overall wellbeing and amenity of the surrounding community.
“The wealth of evidence uncovered through our investigation proved beyond doubt this venue was operating as an illegal bar and club.
“This closure order will now give the Council an opportunity to work with the owner of the business, and the owner of the building, to find a long-term solution to this issue.
“I am grateful for the diligence shown by our officers and legal team in securing this closure order, and I’d reiterate to our residents that we remain committed to tackling any kind of disturbance that negatively impacts our communities.”
Featured image: Manchester City Council
News
Police thank Manchester public as Oasis homecoming gigs pass with ‘no major issues’
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being thanked for their part in making sure Oasis’ homecoming gigs passed by ‘safely and successfully’.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that at least 44 arrests were made during the duration of the Oasis’ five nostalgia-drenched dates at Heaton Park, which saw more than 300,000 fans flock to witness the Manchester band’s massive return to our city. – with the overall event passing by with ‘no major issues’.
Just five arrests were made last night (Sunday 20 July) on Oasis‘ final stop off in the city, before the Gallaghers head on down to London and take to the Wembley Stadium stage.
GMP said officers ‘took action where needed’ to arrest four men and a woman on suspicion of a range of offences – including the racially-aggravated assault of a steward.
The police have thanked the Manchester public after Oasis’ homecoming gigs pass by with ‘no major issues’ / Credit: GMP
Over the duration of the five concerts, a total of 10 unauthorised drones were seized after restrictions were put in place, including one which was spotted at the Sunday gig.
There was also an isolated incident at ‘Gallagher Hill’, where some disruption occurred – including bottles being thrown – but police say this was ‘quickly resolved’ and did not escalate into anything major.
“These concerts have been months in the making for us and our partners to ensure that hundreds of thousands of fans who have come to Manchester can safely enjoy these iconic homecoming shows,” commented Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, who was the Lead Police Commander for the Oasis event.
The final shows of Oasis’ iconic homecoming in Manchester have passed safely and successfully with no major issues and just five arrests on Sunday (20 July) night. Officers have engaged with concert goers, and minimised disruption for local community.https://t.co/iXkUjuXW8Kpic.twitter.com/V2TdhcIBRH
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 20, 2025
“We’ve now seen all five Oasis events pass without any major issues and I’m pleased that the overwhelming majority of people attending have enjoyed themselves and behaved sensibly and responsibly.
“I want to thank all security staff and partners who have done a fine job in making this a memorable experience for all.
“This has been a huge event, with 300,000 fans coming to Heaton Park and many others visiting Manchester to experience the atmosphere.
“So I’d [also] like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience as we maintained a safe and steady flow of people entering and leaving the event with minimal disruption over the last few weeks.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Ancoats bar Sammy’s closes after ‘online smear campaign’
Daisy Jackson
A popular late-night bar in Ancoats has announced its official closure after several months of silence.
Sammy’s Bar, which was styled as a retro 70’s diner and stayed open into the early hours, has said the bar ‘is officially no longer’.
In a statement shared on the bar’s Instagram stories, founder Sammy Shonn said that there was been an ‘online smear campaign’ and has decided to sell the bar ‘for my own mental wellbeing’.
The account, and the bar itself, will now be transferred to new owners.
Sammy’s opened in 2019 and was a popular, hidden-bar-style spot for late-night cocktails and DJs.
Their full statement reads: “It’s with regret that I inform you Sammy’s is officially no longer.
“Whilst I vehemently maintain my total innocence against all of the hurtful allegations made against me and my character in a recent online smear campaign, for my own mental wellbeing, I’ve made the difficult decision to sell the bar, along with all its associated assets, including this social media account.
“Thank you to everyone for your custom, your love and your support since 2019.
“Together we created something special. I am now transferring this account to the new owners, who I am sure will post something shortly regarding their plans.”
Daisy Jackson -
19th June 2023 
