New food and entertainment space coming to Barbirolli Square

This May, the founders of Assembly Underground in Leeds are launching a brand-new food and entertainment space, Society in Barbirolli Square, Manchester.

The all new 8,000 sq ft hub will feature five independently-owned kitchens, a cocktail bar and specialist taproom by Hebden Bridge-based craft brewery Vocation. 

Confirmed traders for the launch include Slap & Pickle diner serving a menu of burgers, vegan burgers and loaded fries; pan-Asian specialists Manzoku Street Food; and Falafel Guys who will bring their signature falafel wraps and shawarma to Manchester for the first time. 

Completing the line-up, founders of local restaurant Elnecot will launch their new concept Dokes Pizzeria at Society, serving fresh stone-baked pizzas.

Welcoming guests from 10am every day, the high-ceilinged space will have room for 350 guests and be filled with nooks, banquettes and long tables designed to allow visitors to dine, drink and socialise throughout the day. 

As the lights go down, the space will transition into a bustling evening destination, inviting in local workers and residents to gather for a drink at the cocktail bar or freshly brewed pints from Vocation’s taproom.

When it comes to music, there will be a rotating line-up of resident DJs spearheaded by Manchester party favourites, Regal Disco, a smattering of Manchester special guest DJs, as well as Pete from London indie darling, On The Corner Records and curated daily playlists.

The team will also run a schedule of events at Society including food and drink collaborations between traders from the kitchens, live music events and takeovers and collaborations with celebrated local chefs including our very own Michael Clay of Elnecot.

Society says it will offer a platform to local independent businesses who would not ordinarily be given the opportunity to trade from a city centre location. 

Artist Victoria Topping has also been commissioned to create her signature technicolour installation for the space, drawing inspiration from the musical arts as well as Manchester’s rich culture and reputation for being a hub for creative arts.

“We’re very excited to finally open the doors to this iconic venue and look forward to welcoming guests throughout the day, evenings and weekends at Society,” said co-founder Nick Gregory.

“We’ve got an incredible line up that will showcase local food operators as well as our 2021 events programme that will be dedicated to highlighting independent artists from Manchester’s thriving music scene. 

“It’s so important to us to create a destination that showcases the very best of Manchester, and Society will be just that.”

Society in Barbirolli Square will open in May 2021.