Doug Waldron and Brett Collier, who own late-night bar The Liquor Store, known for its creative cocktails, Manchester-themed décor and cool tunes, have launched a brand new venue in Prestwich village.
Prestwich Social is now open, offering a colourful carousel of everything from breakfast and brunch to dinner and cocktails. Their new hybrid café bar will focus on all-day drinking and dining, using ethically sourced ingredients.
The 5100 sq ft, open plan, glass-fronted former Orange Tree premises, offers locals a new hang-out for after-work drinks, offering beautiful cocktails, craft beers and wines. The bright decor is sunflower yellow and Santorini blue, complimented by evergreen foliage and the occasional nod to Manchester’s past and present.
The food menu offering many locally sourced favourites from Bury Black Pudding and Grandad’s Sausages to a ‘really good burger’. Locals can start their day with breakfast and brunch dishes from 10am with the likes of the ubiquitous smashed avocado and eggs (£7.95) or shakshuka (£6.95) served until 2pm. There’s also an all-day menu including a fish finger sandwich or an Asian salad plus small plates like salt and pepper chicken, and big plates featuring pasta, burgers, grill dishes, Peri Peri Chicken and classic steaks.
“We’ve got a strong stance on the food being ethically sourced and local,” says Doug. “We want the story behind our suppliers, such as where the meat comes from. That’s important to us, and to the people of Prestwich.”
The bar will serve “unique drinks that we created ourselves, with lots of fresh herbs and floral creations” as well as a few city centre favourites from The Liquor Store founders. Choose from classics such as bellinis and daiquiris, or specials like ‘Blue Tuesday’, with Ciroc Red Berry Vodka, Blue Curacao, cherry and Ting; “Anti-Social Behaviour” with Captain Morgan Gold Rum, apricot brandy, Absinthe, peach cordial, pineapple juice, blood orange syrup and orange juice; or a cheeky nod to the former vendor, “The Orange Tree” with Tanqueray Sevilla Orange, prosecco, pink grapefruit, orange and lemon juice.
If you’re making a night of it, you could even share a ‘martini tree’ - that’s 12 branches holding espresso or pornstar martinis (£65)
Service should be spot-on, thanks to Doug’s background in hotels, restaurants and bars - plus a natural sense of hospitality instilled in him by his father, who trained at luxury London hotel, The Dorchester.
Prestwich was the obvious location for the new venture, says Doug; “Despite obstacles like government restrictions being extended, it’s been a really successful opening and we’re excited to be open. Locals seemed to enjoy the food and drink during the half-price soft opening period.
“My business partner Brett is from Prestwich, and we had been looking at the suburb for the last couple of years,” Doug explains. “We’ve joined community conferences and communicated with local residents before switching the lights on because being part of the fabric of the village is very important to us.
Brett admits he’s slightly nervous, but also very excited to open the doors. “I’ve always wanted to have my own dining concept in my hometown,” he says, “but now that Prestwich is arguably more happening than places like Didsbury and Chorlton, there’s a lot of expectation and pressure on us. With people working from home a lot more these days, why shouldn’t locals have a city centre quality venue on their doorstep.”
Prestwich Social is open seven days a week from 10am - 12am Sunday - Thursday and 10am - 1am Friday and Saturday.
For more information visit prestwichsocial.co.uk