A late night Japanese izakaya bar is opening on this Manchester backstreet

Manchester will soon be getting its very own Japanese izakaya basement bar.

Called MOSU, the 70 cover restaurant is due to open underneath Barton Arcade after a £2m renovation of what was Be At One bar, previously Circle Club.

Taking inspiration from Japan’s many alley bars and basements, it is due to open this Spring with an open kitchen, sushi counter and robata grill.

Essentially a Japanese pub or tavern, izakaya is popular for casual drinks and dining and is considered one of Japan’s quintessential experiences.

It originates from sake shops that allowed customers to sit on the premises to drink and literally translates to ‘stay sake shop,’ but also caters to diners.

Its sushi counter will feature daily imports from Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market alongside fresh British seafood, whilst meat, veg and seafood will be grilled on Japanese binchotan coals.

This very pure high carbon charcoal is considered the finest going and is also popular with the team at Tokyo Ramen. Completely odourless, its far-infrared radiation makes it perfect for grilling as foods are quickly sealed, enhancing their natural flavour.

In honour of Izakaya’s sake pedigree, MOSU’s drinks menu is looking to take on both Yuzu and The Sparrows with “the most exquisite sake menu” in Manchester.

Those not keen on sake can choose from a range of beers, wines and cocktails.

Vincent Braine of The Milton Club and Hassan Marius Kamara from Victoria Warehouse are behind the new opening. The pair previously opened Dive bar together in 2015.

They hope to bring a true taste of late-night Tokyo to the city, with MOSU open until 4am and its last diners seated at midnight.

When bookings go live they will run from Thursday to Sunday, starting from 4pm. If you can’t wait, you can sign up on their website now to be the first to hear news from MOSU on its opening date.