The founders of Leeds’s successful social hub, Assembly Underground, are getting ready to launch a brand-new food and entertainment space in Manchester's Barbirolli Square next month.
Taking over the long-vacated bar site next to the Bridgewater Hall, Society will be an all-day space for talented independent street food vendors with a bar serving craft beer, wine and cocktails and a packed programme of events and entertainment.
The new 8,000 sq ft hub will incorporate five independently-owned kitchens and specialist taproom by Hebden Bridge-based craft brewery Vocation. Confirmed traders for the launch include Slap & Pickle diner serving a menu of burgers, vegan burgers and loaded fries; pan-Asian specialists Manzoku Street Food, and Falafel Guys who will bring their signature falafel wraps and shawarma to Manchester for the first time. Society will also be where the founders of popular Ancoats’ restaurant Elnecot will launch their new concept Dokes Pizzeria, serving fresh stone-baked pizzas.
Open from 10am every day, the space will have room for 350 guests and be filled with nooks, banquettes and long tables designed to allow visitors to dine, drink and socialise wherever they choose. As the lights go down, the space will transition into a bustling evening destination for local workers, visitors and residents to gather for a drink at the cocktail bar or freshly brewed pints from Vocation’s taproom.
A rotating line-up of resident DJ’s spearheaded by Manchester party favourites, Regal Disco, will join special guest DJ’s, as well as Pete from London indie darling, On The Corner Records and curated daily playlists. The team are also planning a schedule of food and drink collaborations between traders from the kitchens, live music events and takeovers and collaborations with celebrated local chefs.
Society will also offer a platform to other local independent businesses who would not ordinarily be given the opportunity to trade from a city centre location. Artist Victoria Topping has also been commissioned to create her signature technicolour installation for the space, drawing inspiration from the musical arts as well as Manchester’s rich culture and reputation for being a hub for creative arts.
Nick Gregory, Director and co-founder of Society, said: “We’re very excited to finally open the doors to this iconic venue and look forward to welcoming guests throughout the day, evenings and weekends at Society. We’ve got an incredible line up that will showcase local food operators as well as our 2021 events programme that will be dedicated to highlighting independent artists from Manchester’s thriving music scene.
It’s so important to us to create a destination that showcases the very best of Manchester and Society will be just that.”
Society Manchester will open in May 2021,100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester, M2 3EY
Monday - Thursday and Sunday: 10am - 11pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am - 12am