New subterranean bar Red Door to open underneath The Botanist, Deansgate

Leisure icon Tim Bacon has joined forces once again with Chester-based entrepreneur Dave Hinds and former Living Ventures bar expert, Lee Lynch, to bring Red Door to where it all started for them in Manchester more than twenty years ago – 78 Deansgate, underneath The Botanist.

The trio were in the vanguard of a revival of the dining scene in Manchester city centre. Dave moved on to concentrate on his property interests while Tim and Jeremy set up the hugely successful Living Ventures group, which has more than 30 restaurants in its portfolio, including Gusto, Alchemist, Australasia, Artisan and Manchester House.

Tim and Dave bought JW Johnsons out of receivership in 1993 and turned it into a thriving business which was frequented by anyone and everyone in Manchester and became something of an institution.

The bar and restaurant were on the ground floor but it was in the basement club that people from all walks of life (TV personalities, musicians, sports stars, journalists and office workers) met to share their love of good music and dancing.

This 2800 sq ft space under what is now The Botanist will undergo a major overhaul costing £350k and is set to open in June 2016 with a capacity of 250.

Managing director, Lee Lynch, who has worked with Tim and Dave since 1998 and is a partner in Red Door said: “Following the huge success of our venues in Chester and Liverpool, we are delighted to bring Red Door to Manchester. Our intention is to make it one of the best bars around, with highly trained bartenders and live music. It will hopefully make a significant contribution to the return of a positive and thriving bar scene at that end of Deansgate.”

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