This NQ bar has a new look, a heated terrace and a top new food menu

Dive burst onto the Manchester food and drink scene in 2015, quickly establishing itself alongside some of the biggest owner operated bars in the city centre.

The tongue-in-cheek brand name was formed to signify its location as a local neighbourhood bar and eatery in a basement – but it was evident from the start that it was going to be far from the usual connotations of a ‘dive bar’, with its amazing interior designed by Bernard Carroll.

Fast forward five years, and Dive has become Dive Bar & Grill, having undergone a £250k refit.

Gone are the Dive-esque bare wood cladded walls and the graffiti wall toilets, and in comes a cool New York style neighborhood eatery, styled with a new colour scheme and cool commissioned street art adorning the focal walls.

A new lighting scheme has been installed and the layout tweaked in order to enhance the feel of the space, bringing warmth and vibrancy.

Outside, at street level they have constructed a terrace which benefits from a fully retractable canopy and heating system – offering a fantastic setting for al fresco dining and drinking.

The space comes complete with its own bar serving cocktails and beer on draught.

The terrace is complemented by comfortable furniture tailor made for an upmarket dining experience, enabling them to deliver food outdoors as well as in the main restaurant.

The team have also secured a Nespresso professional partnership, offering a variety of coffees and cocktails.

In addition, Dive Bar & Grill have also stepped things up with a brand new food offering.

Diners will now find a grill menu with food cooked fresh on the charcoal grill, taking influence from some of New York’s prime steakhouses, whilst bringing a European flair to the flavours and presentation.

Menu highlights include Maryland crab cakes for starters, a tomahawk steak to share on the mains, and a delicious salted caramel and passionfruit cheesecake to finish. There is also a large variety of freshly made pastry and desserts.

New head chef Archie Dixon has joined the team with a background working at many top restaurants around the Manchester and Cheshire areas, previously working with Steven Smith of Freemasons at Wiswell, Mike Shaw at the White Hart Lydgate and, most recently, Aiden Byrne at The Church Green, Lymm.

“For me, as a chef who loves food, I believe that ultimately what matters is that everything tastes incredible,” says Archie.

“My aim is that all dishes taste great, leaving people  wanting to come back for more.

“My favourite dish on the menu is the watermelon starter, as it is simple but stunning, the sweetness of the melon with the charred flavour when finished on the charcoal grill, with tangy feta and slightly salted black olive.’’

The team at Dive Bar & Grill are combining their experience in providing great nights out, coupled with the incredible new outdoor space and enhanced venue upgrades and the all-new grill menu to bring a new dimension to this area of the city.

Now, they say, this is a venue that finally transcends the NQ or Deansgate debate. Simply put, Dive Bar & Grill is the ultimate destination venue in the city centre of Manchester.

“We aim to offer a modern eatery serving high-quality food, with an informal and vibrant atmosphere,” says Dive’s Joanne Barlow.

“The new dynamic of the terrace area is an exciting addition to both the venue and to the city itself.

“The venue is now a significant destination venue in Manchester city centre – not such a Dive, after all.”

Dive Bar & Grill is open now. Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Deposits may be required at peak times. 

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