New neighbourhood bar to open in Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is to get a new neighbourhood bar this summer, another new opening as the hospitality industry starts to show some tentative signs of recovery.

Called Mecanica, the new venture will be a bar and small plates concept and will take over the former Quick Brown Fox unit on Swan Street, which has voluntarily surrendered its lease after reaching an amicable agreement with the landlord.

The new bar is from the team behind the unique Northern Quarter pay-per-minute cafe and workspace ClockWork, and is next to its sister site, co-living scheme Oppidan Life.

Mecanica has appointed Marc Benton, formerly of city centre mainstay La Bandera, to head up the nine-strong team. He will be complemented by Phil Aldridge and Isaac Jones from Michelin-starred Mana, as well as Jack Perry from the London Cocktail Club.

The menu will feature a range of deli and dessert boards, with vegan, vegetarian, meat, and pudding options all from local suppliers.

“Manchester is home to one of the fastest-growing and most interesting hospitality economies in the world,” said Gareth Harold, one of the owners of Mecanica.

 “We’re so proud to be able to add another fantastic venue into that mix with Mecanica, which we think will complement the great bars already found in the Northern Quarter.

 “It’s very fuss-free and deliberately lacking in any gimmicks. No themes and nothing served off a shovel!

“We just wanted to bring a cosy, consistently good neighbourhood bar into the area – with expert staff serving brilliant cocktails, wines, beers and spirits and a small selection of food done really well.

 “This, coupled with friendly, warm service and sensible prices, will hopefully resonate with Manchester. We are here for the long term and are really looking forward to making a contribution to the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.

“The hospitality sector has been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, and as we begin to come out the other side, we’re excited to be growing our offering beyond ClockWork and Oppidan and helping to get the city back buzzing again.

“We have absolute faith in Manchester as a destination for food and drink, and it’s no surprise to see the local industry bouncing back.

“It’s a very supportive community here, especially in the Northern Quarter – everyone cheers one another on.

“It’s part of what makes being a hospitality operator in the city so special.”

Mecanica will open to the public on Friday 28th August.