The brand new bar with live music, two stages, £2 cocktails and a hearty ‘Irish-American menu’

Mother Mary’s, Manchester’s brand-new independent music venue and Irish bar is set to take over the former site of Font Bar site this June.

What’s planned for Mother Mary’s?

The venture, which is being headed up by nightlife veterans Greg Dwyer, Joseph Finegan and Chris Sharp will see a complete refit with brand new bars, a bespoke KV2 sound system and a stunning lighting system that will illuminate two epic stages, breathing new life back into the iconic space.

The two stages which will be split across both floors are set to be the backdrop of everything Mother Mary’s is about – live bands and wonderful performances whilst providing a platform for new and upcoming DJs and performers.

What’s on the menu at Mother Mary’s?

The venue is set to serve an impressive food menu which will be headed up by Chef Andrew James with his ‘Blackbird’ concept which will set up residency in Mary’s kitchen.

His team have a vast wealth of experience taking over venues and kitchens across the city, recently starting their own venue in suburb of the moment, Stockport.

The menu will feature all-day breakfasts, brunch, hearty Irish favoruites and a show-stopping Sunday roast. Irish and American classics will make up a large part of the menu with plans to make Mother Mary’s breakfast and its trophy Sunday roast one of the best in the city.

And cocktails?

A dedicated cocktail menu will also be launched alongside a selection of some of Manchester’s best beers, wines, cities and craft ales.

The menu will also pay homage to the history of the sites former resident serving a £2 cocktail called ‘The Font’ with the ingredients and inspiration to change every three months.

Live music and stand up comedy

Mother Mary’s is also set to host a weekly event schedule including local and touring bands, curated entertainment, a jam-packed brunch every Saturday split across two floors, a Mother Mary’s open stage every Monday, stand-up comedy and some of the very best selectors from the city who will soundtrack what Mother Mary’s are hoping will be an outstanding backdrop.

Inspired by Ireland and the USA

The bar takes inspiration from both Ireland and the USA with both directors visiting multiple times over the past two years in an attempt to bring back some incredible ideas for their new venture, in an attempt to make Mary’s feel comfortably authentic.

Both Greg and Joe have included learnings of their professional past into the venue with the aim of creating a place that people can see as a ‘home’.

Chris is owner and operator of legendary live music venue Bristol’s The Fleece and brings with him invaluable experience and expertise in launching a venture like this.

Greg Dwyer, owner of Mother Mary’s

Greg Dwyer, owner of Mother Mary’s said: “Mother Mary’s is all about providing a space for grassroots live music.

“I started going out around here, I was in here all the time and I was even fortunate enough to play records here a long time ago, so this is an unbelievable opportunity and to do it with two good friends that I’ve met along the way is incredible. We will be taking good care of the former Font site.

“The three of us have a wealth of experience and a bunch of ideas to make this a sustainable live music venue.

“Our tagline for Mother Mary’s is strangely familiar: we are a home away from home. The old Font Bar is there, it’s familiar but strangely different. We went to great lengths to achieve this including several trips to the USA and Ireland with the aim of creating something instantly recognisable and most importantly, comfortable! We can’t wait to welcome guests, old and new as we open the doors to Mother Mary’s next month.”

Joseph Finegan

Joseph Finegan said: “The Font Bar has been a staple on the Manchester bar scene for almost 20 years so to come into such an establishment was a daunting feat. We knew people would be coming in and saying I used to come here 15 years ago, what have they done to the place? We had to consider how to make quality changes that would matter to the customer. Mother Mary’s as a concept has a number of moving parts but still keeps the heritage of the bar utilising old antique furniture and paying homage to former traditions. We are super excited for launch in June and to bring our vision to life”

Greg, Joe and Chris have over 25 year’s experience in hospitality combined both working in live music and concert promoting. Greg has toured with some of the world’s biggest bands and delivered events across a multitude of Manchester’s nightclubs and live music venues.

Joe is instantly recognisable on the Manchester music scene having worked with Gorilla, The Deaf Institute and South on some of their largest events, Chris is an undeniable figure in touring music and a great asset for Manchester to welcome in to it’s scene . Working with each other on several projects over the years this was a considered but natural move.

Mother Mary’s will be open 7 days a week from 10am until late.

You can find them at Mother Mary’s, 7-9 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP