• BEER GARDEN TRANSFORMATION: Local street artist Hammo joins forces with Society

BEER GARDEN TRANSFORMATION: Local street artist Hammo joins forces with Society

17 June 2024 by Rhiannon Ingle

Beer garden season is in full swing and, to celebrate the festivities in style, one of Manchester city centre’s most popular summer hotspots has joined forces with renowned local street artist Nick 'Hammo' Hamilton to revamp their waterside beer garden just in time for summer.

Anyone who likes a bit of alfresco drinking can now recline in Society's newly-renovated outdoor space perfect for sipping a cold one and soaking in the sun thanks to its spacious, waterside beer garden and dining area with a natural sun trap and view of the fountain.

You'll be able to feast your eyes on the Barbirolli Square go-to boozer's large planters which have now been turned into an exhibition of public art with a brand new, vibrant collection of specially commissioned artwork that has been designed and hand painted by Hammo. 

Inspired by the surrounding environment, the new installation reflects the Rochdale Canal, showcasing its aquatic flora, willow trees, and local wildlife.

Keeping the local environment in mind too, theoutside space has also been rewilded to create a space that encourages biodiversity in the area and a multisensory experience. A bright and beautiful new collection of blooms have been planted by local florist Amelia Ellerby of Florence in Flowers, all to reflect the diversity of the city including its unpredictable weather - with hardy plants favoured to withstand rain and shine including a mix of Fuchsia, Osteospermum and other beautiful, scented and trailing flowers specifically chosen for their bee-friendly properties to support local wildlife. 

Nick Gregory, co-founder of Society, said: With over 40 beers to choose from at Society we felt that our beer garden should be the best possible place to enjoy them all this summer. Working with & supporting local artists is important to us and we love what Hammo has done with our planters.  

"His vibrant and original artwork has given our outdoor space a new lease of life. Complimented by the fantastic work of Amelia at Florence in Flowers, the space has been transformed. Roll on the summer!”

Nick 'Hammo' Hamilton added: "It’s been a pleasure to bring a new splash of colour to such a great space. Society is a brand that feels very independent and creative in spirit and I wanted the designs to reflect that, alongside the waterside location that’s full of wildlife and greenery. 

"I hope everyone likes it as much as I have enjoyed creating it."

And that's not all as a brand-new summer collection of cocktails has been designed for the season and Society’s huge and impressive menu of incredible craft beers served up by Vocation brewery will include some of their latest summer brews, which rotate on a week by week basis.

It's also a brilliant spot to watch the Euros, with all England games screened with full sound and for free.

And you needn't worry about drinking on an empty stomach as Society’s relaxed dining and drinking experience is perfect for groups both large and small, with guests able to order food individually from any of the five independent street food hubs located in the food hall; Neapolitan pizza experts Noi Quattro, Korean Fried Chicken champs Yoki Social Table, Indian street food heroes Chaat Cart, sushi superstars Manzoku, or burger and fries legends Slap and Pickle.

Find out more here.

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