First look: Joshua Brooks to reopen this week for all-day drinking and dining

Clubbing institution Joshua Brooks will reopen its doors to drinkers, diners and ravers this Friday 23rd July, playing host to techno heavyweight Darius Syrossian, followed by legendary House DJ Mark Knight on Saturday 24th July. 

Proudly taking over an extensive corner plot on Princess Street, this clubbing mecca is currently undergoing a £200,000 revamp courtesy of new owners Jorge Meehan and Brian Murphy.

This entrepreneurial pair are renowned in the industry for owning and operating shindigs such as Wile Out Festival, Southern Sunset Festival, Social Avenue, Milton Keynes Reggae Festival, Acropolis and many more.

Now, they’re turning their expert attention to breathing new life into Joshua Brooks, bringing this historic venue back to its former glory with an extensive ‘back to brick’ refit. 

The venue will officially reopen tomorrow, Thursday July 22nd 2021, for an exclusive press launch party with headliners Darius Syrossian alongside home-grown DJs Mason Collective, a dynamic trio rising through the underground music scene with their signature high energy grooves and explosive DJ sets. 

The new-look Joshua Brooks will be a one-stop-party shop for musically minded Mancunians, combining drinking, dining and dancing from dusk until dawn.

By day, the revamped bar will be a home-from-home for the city’s workers, featuring comfortable seating, exposed brickwork and all of the nostalgic charm for which the venue was known. 

There is also the addition of an on-site food kitchen courtesy of Cubanitos.

Well known at festivals across the country, this camper van turned food kitchen concept will be permanently parked up in Joshua Brooks, offering tantalising Cuban street food from 12 pm-11 pm every day. 

Expect traditional Cuban sandwiches, tongue-tingling Picante Burgers, artisan Hot Dogs, Ropa Vieja, a flavoursome Cuban beef stew, and sides of Dirty Rice, Slaw and Empanadas.

Dessert lovers can indulge in the Pina Colada Panna Cotta with Dark Rum and Charred Pineapple or a palette cleansing Mojito Sorbet. A small plate menu will also launch in early August, featuring authentic, traditional Cuban dishes but with a modern-day twist. 

As the lights go down, early evening drinkers can treat themselves at the bar to expertly crafted Cuban-themed cocktails or one of the many draught beers on offer that includes Camden Hells, Goose IPA and Manchester’s own Union Lager.

The new outdoor terrace provides the perfect place for enjoying al fresco drinks and watching the world go by. 

Once refreshed, it will be time to go deep into the hallowed underbelly of this famous venue, where the basement will play host to a handpicked selection of the world’s finest Techno, House and Funk DJs.

Reviving the spirit of Manchester’s original basement party every weekend from 11 pm-4am will be Phase One DJs including Manchester heavyweights Mason Collective, drag Queen DJ and producer Jodie Harsh, D&B and Jungle DJ Kahn, Global Fire Record label owner Guy J, French House and Disco DJ Jeremy Underground and many more. 

“We are so excited to reopen the doors to Joshua Brooks,” says Jorge.

“When we found out it was no longer returning as a club, we felt compelled to take the project on so Manchester did not lose yet another clubbing institution. 

“We have so much love for the space after running events there for over seven years, and we are so proud to be able to open up once again with the new additions of the kitchen, the terrace and, of course, some of the world’s finest DJ’s.” 

Thursday 22nd will play host to an exclusive VIP and press preview party featuring musical maestros Mason Collective and Darius Syrossian, who will resurrect the spirit of Manchester’s most famous musical mecca for an ultimate revival rave with many more to come. 

Tickets cost from £8. To purchase tickets for upcoming events at Joshua Brooks,  visit JBsLaunchWeekend