Mother Mary’s, Manchester’s brand-new independent music venue and Irish bar is set to take over the former Font Bar site next month.
The exciting new step, which is being headed up by nightlife veterans Greg Dwyer, Joseph Finegan and Chris Sharp, will see a complete refit complete with brand new bars, bespoke KV2 sound system and a stunning lighting system that will illuminate two epic stages, breathing new life back into the iconic space.
The two stages which will be split across both floors are set to be the backdrop of everything Mother Mary’s is about - live bands and wonderful performances whilst providing a platform for new and upcoming DJ’s and performers.
And it's not just booze and beats as the venue is set to serve an impressive food menu which will be headed up by Chef Andrew James with his ‘Blackbird’ concept which will set up residency in Mary’s kitchen.
The menu will feature all-day breakfasts, brunch, hearty Irish favorites and a show-stopping Sunday roast. Irish and American classics will make up a large part of the menu with plans to make Mother Mary’s breakfast and its trophy Sunday roast one of the best in the city.
A dedicated cocktail menu will also be launched alongside a selection of some of Manchester’s best beers, wines, cities and craft ales. The menu will also pay homage to the history of the sites former resident serving a cheap and cheerful £2 cocktail called ‘The Font’ with the ingredients and inspiration to change every three months.
Greg Dwyer, owner of Mother Mary’s said: "Mother Mary’s is all about providing a space for grassroots live music. I started going out around here, I was in here all the time and I was even fortunate enough to play records here a long time ago, so this is an unbelievable opportunity and to do it with two good friends that I’ve met along the way is incredible. We will be taking good care of the former Font site.
"The three of us have a wealth of experience and a bunch of ideas to make this a sustainable live music venue. Our tagline for Mother Mary’s is strangely familiar: we are a home away from home. The old Font Bar is there, it’s familiar but strangely different. We went to great lengths to achieve this including several trips to the USA and Ireland with the aim of creating something instantly recognisable and most importantly, comfortable! We can’t wait to welcome guests, old and new as we open the doors to Mother Mary’s next month."
Joseph Finegan added: "The Font Bar has been a staple on the Manchester bar scene for almost 20 years so to come into such an establishment was a daunting feat. We knew people would be coming in and saying I used to come here 15 years ago, what have they done to the place?
"We had to consider how to make quality changes that would matter to the customer. Mother Mary’s as a concept has a number of moving parts but still keeps the heritage of the bar utilising old antique furniture and paying homage to former traditions. We are super excited for launch in June and to bring our vision to life."