Confirmed: iconic Manchester bar to become boutique hotel

The sale of Manchester institution Dry Bar has been completed and it has been confirmed that it’s to become a hotel.

It has been bought by a multinational hotel chain looking to expand its existing UK operations and portfolio.

It’s a change of tune for the bar Tony Wilson intended to rival the rocking institutions of Barcelona and Los Angeles.

Dry Bar opened in 1989 and became an Oldham Street institution for over 25 years, gaining a reputation as a place for Hacienda pre-drinks, gig nights of its own, and, of course, the place which famously barred both Shaun Ryder and Liam Gallagher.

In the 90s, it became known as a local celebrity haunt where you could rub shoulders with the likes of New Order on a night out.

The décor was styled on the yellow and black stripes of The Hacienda and a mirror behind the bar apparantely had bullet holes in it.  It was here record contracts were signed, a place infamous for pre-drinks in the Britpop era.

It was put on the market last summer for £4 million and closed its doors for the last time in July.

The sale includes planning permission for a 69-bed boutique hotel to be developed across the four floors, which will offer a total occupancy of 148 beds.

The sale was handled by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co. The identity of the new owner has yet to be revealed.

So when we say it’s going to become a boutique hotel, we’re not twisting your melon. It’s true – and it’s set to take shape over the coming months.