PHEW, what a relief. Just when we thought we were going a whole week without a new Ancoats arrival one drops in our mailbox – and it’s a belter.
Blossom Street Social is an ambitious offshoot of award-winning wine merchants hanging ditch, due to open in the Smiths Yard development early in the New Year. The name reflects their pioneering ambition to offer wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, food and music under one cool roof. Very Ancoats in its aim of neighbourhood solidarity.
HD founder Ben Stephenson (above) aims to challenge the normal wine merchant model to create a wine retail, entertainment and social space that works from morning to night.
Ben’s co-designer is his architect father Roger Stephenson, who is also currently working on the Halle St Peters extension just across from the Social. The space takes its cue from the hangingditch design including the famous ‘Wall of Wine’ at their base in the shadow of Manchester Cathedral.
The wine list will focus on quality offerings at everyday prices as well as a selection of fine wines dispensed by the glass from a Coravin system. Alternatively there’ll also be craft keg and cocktails. Coffee will be supplied by local roastery partner Grindsmith. Food will include deli plates from high-end food suppliers including Harvey & Brockless, Brindisa and Trove Bakery. The kitchen has been designed to enable guest chefs and Manchester’s street food heroes to take charge of the catering for regular events.
Music is a new focus. The hanging ditch release promises “amazing acoustics to ensure the right ambience and environment for soulful lyrics and bossanova beats during the week and acoustic music at the weekend.”
Ben told us: “Finally! Having looked at sites all over Manchester, we’ve decided there’s no better place than Ancoats to open our new concept. We’re hugely excited to expand on the success of hangingditch and can’t wait to welcome our new neighbours.”
Blossom Street Social, Unit 4 Smiths Yard, 51 Blossom Street, Manchester, M4 6AJ.