Worker Bee: meet Ross Mackenzie, the Co-Founder & MD of Black Dog Ballroom and The Liars Club

Ross Mackenzie arrived in Manchester in 1988 to go to university, leaving after his second year to set up his first club night Most Excellent with Justin Robertson in 1990. He has been involved in the club, bar and hospitality business ever since, including the original launch of Sankeys in 1994 and his first solo venture, One Central Street, in 2002.

He now has six successful venues in his portfolio: Black Dog Ballroom (Northern Quarter and New Wakefield Street), Dog Bowl, The Liars Club, Cane & Grain and Crazy Pedro’s Part-Time Pizza Parlour. With partners Jobe Ferguson and Lyndon Higginson, Ross is working on a second Crazy Pedro’s in the Northern Quarter. The ambitious trio are also chasing sites further afield in the North.

What got you started in your field of work?

It was the Manchester music and club scene that attracted me to the city when choosing a university. Immersed in the Hacienda and nightlife, I set up Most Excellent to promote some of the DJs here. I’ve been involved in the bar, club and restaurant scene ever since; for the love of a good night out and the thrill of opening and filling new venues.

Who have been the biggest influences on your work?

My original hero, and later best mate, Tony Wilson, became my mentor. Teaching me a lot of things in how to run, and how not to run a venue in Manchester.

What is your proudest achievement so far?

I always love the excitement of opening new venues, but I’m most proud of the fact I’ve learnt to be a better businessman and we now employ nearly 200 people. Hopefully I inspire them to do a better job and make a difference.

What does your typical day involve?

There is no such thing. I try and get to the gym every morning, and then go in to the office where I catch up with my team and what’s happening that week in each venue. I visit each site at least once over the week, and I’m currently managing the new build of our next bar. I’m always looking for new sites. I’m lucky in that my job lets me travel and this is often the inspiration behind lots of ideas.

And how do you relax on your days off?

After more than 25 years living in the Northern Quarter, I’ve recently moved out to Saddleworth Moor, where I’m enjoying the change of pace. Lots of walking, and renovating my new home. I also like going to gigs and the theatre.

What is the best advice you have been given, or can give?

Tony Wilson said to me ‘whatever you do, do it to make Manchester a better place’.

If things hadn’t worked out, what else could you have seen yourself doing?

I wanted to be an architect, but didn’t have the patience to study for seven years. I only made it through two. Other than that, I would like to have designed cars, I love cars!

Tell us one thing about yourself people might be surprised to hear!

Most of my mates know me as a bit of a party animal, so they were surprised to hear I am trekking across the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia next month to raise money for Action Against Hunger.

Red or Blue?

Red. After a few years in Manchester, especially my time at Reform restaurant where I met a lot of the players and starting getting invited to matches.

Name your three favourite places in Manchester.

Old Trafford, I’m hoping to see the magic return this season and bring the spotlight back to United. The Northern Quarter, where I lived for many years and where I now own businesses. And The Royal Exchange Theatre, the fantastic way it has converted an important part of Manchester’s history into this cutting edge space that also puts on some great productions.

If you could change one thing about Manchester, what would it be?

Nothing, it’s my favourite city in the world!

And finally, what do you love most about Manchester?

The people, their friendliness and their warmth, and the creativity. Being just a small part of this world changing city that continues to lead in many fields makes me happy and proud.

Ross, and a host of other big names on the Manchester foodie scene, are aiming to raise £100k for Action Against Hunger this October. Donations can be made online here.

www.blackdogballroom.co.uk
www.theliarsclub.co.uk