News
‘We ran out of road’ – Manchester’s hidden late-night piano bar Sonata announces closure
'Venues are facing near-impossible challenges in the current climate'
Daisy Jackson -
29th January 2024 
Sonata, a late-night piano and jazz bar tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Manchester, has announced its immediate closure.
The hidden gem live music venue opened just 18 months ago in the summer of 2022, brought to life by Dale Bassett, a former theatrical and musical entertainer who used to perform on the London scene.
It was built in a basement unit just off Cross Street, down the alleyway that runs beside Mr Thomas’s Chop House.
With an entrance that was marked with a glowing sign and a lightbulb, it felt like a real local secret.
And despite building up a loyal following through its New York-style live music nights, Sonata has announced that it has shut down with immediate effect.
The charming venue said that it has done ‘absolutely everything’ to try and stay afloat in the current economic climate.
They also thanked the community that has grown around the venue since its opening.
Sonata’s full statement reads: “With a very heavy heart, we’re sorry to announce that Sonata has had to close its doors for the last time.
“Venues are facing near-impossible challenges in the current climate. We’ve done absolutely everything we could to keep going but, in the end, we ran out of road.
“Customers with bookings: we’ll be in touch regarding deposits in due course.
“Thank you to our loyal supporters, our fantastic artists and our incredible team for being part of the wonderful community we’ve built together over the past 18 months.”
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Featured image: The Manc Group
