Manchester is getting a new dive bar with a hidden basement speakeasy

A new dive bar is coming to the city centre, with a speakeasy that’s tucked away in the basement of the venue.

Set on Bow Lane, just off Cross Street, Salt Dog Slims will open with edgy interior, accompanied by creative cocktails and steins, plus an American diner-inspired food menu.

The award-winning, independent hospitality group GSG Hospitality confirmed its expansion across the North West earlier this year after having operated in both Birmingham and London and opening and establishing eight different brands in Liverpool. 

Manchester seemed like the natural next step for GSG Hospitality, and the group says they have been excited to open a new venture in the city for a number of years.

Salt Dog Slims will cater for 120 people on the ground floor, while the venue’s basement speakeasy will cater for a further 80 people.

GSG Hospitality is known for creating unique venues, with each having their own identities.

Salt Dog Slims will be no different when it comes to its interior, food and drink offering, say owners.

Having been working tirelessly on the build of the group’s latest venue, GSG Hospitality has completed a full rip out and installed a new kitchen and bar, with plush new booths being fitted this week.

A focus on soft furnishings will follow before the venue is ready to launch.

Salt Dog Slims will open first in just a few month’s time, with the hidden speakeasy following before Christmas. The pictures in this piece show the Liverpool branch, since the Manchester one is not yet ready.

“We set our sights on opening a venue in Manchester a while ago and we’re very excited to be opening the doors to Salt Dog Slims very soon,” said Matt Farrell, director of Salt Dog Slims.

“Despite the challenges that COVID has created, we’ve pushed on with the build of the venue and behind the scenes we’ve been working on our interesting cocktails and new food menu for when we open.”

John Ennis, director of Salt Dog Slim’s, added: “Salt Dog Slims is famous for providing steins, brines and good times and we’re really looking forward to bringing that same energy to Manchester and welcoming our guests for the first time in the coming months.”

Salt Dog Slim’s Manchester is recruiting for various positions including management, bartenders, chefs and more. CVs and cover letters can be sent to [email protected].