The venue has experienced ‘unforeseen circumstances’
10:38, 22 Dec 2025Updated 10:38, 22 Dec 2025
Vault 2 in Denton
A popular bar and bistro in Greater Manchester has been forced to ask customers to bring in their own alcohol ahead of Christmas due to a number of issues facing the venue.
Vault 2 took over the former Royal Bank of Scotland site on Ashton Road in Denton in April last year. Since opening, it has been hailed for its contemporary dishes and good vibes. Earlier this year, bosses unveiled ambitious plans to open a rooftop bar – which divided locals.
The owners of the bar, and the associated Lorenzo Italian restaurant, have now shared an important statement with customers ahead of the busy Christmas week after struggling with ‘temporary licence issues’. They said there had been a number of ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
In a post on social media, the venue owners wrote: “A quick and important update from Vault 2 & Lorenzo. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are currently experiencing a temporary licensing issue, which unfortunately means we cannot serve alcohol on the premises at present.
Earlier this year, plans were submitted to open a new rooftop bar above a popular bistro in Denton(Image: Vault 2)
“The good news? We are very much still open and welcoming you as normal for bookings, serving all food and soft drinks as usual. And let’s be honest… it’s Christmas. So if you fancy a festive bevvie (and who could blame you), you are more than welcome to bring your own alcohol. We’ll do our absolute best to provide the appropriate glassware and make you as comfortable as possible.”
In the update, the owners apologised for the situation and said that its licensing issues were purely down to a ‘technical hiccup’ and that it was working diligently to get the problems fixed as quickly as they can.
The post added: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and any confusion this may cause. This is a technical hiccup rather than anything more sinister, and we are working hard behind the scenes to get normal service resumed as soon as possible. Thank you, as always, for your patience, understanding, and continued support — it really does mean the world to us.”
The popular bar and bistro opened in the former Denton bank last year
The restaurant has since written about how, despite the issues, they managed to have an ‘absolutely rocking’ night of service on Sunday evening (December 21). They wrote: “High spirits all round as we roll with our bring-your-own bottle policy thanks to the ongoing licensing hiccups. Yeah, it’s an issue — but this side of Christmas we’re not letting it steal our sparkle.
“There’s enough to contend with keeping up with tiramisu, Christmas dos, and judging the worst Christmas jumpers we’ve ever seen. The sequins alone could power Denton. Festive fever has well and truly taken hold and as for us… we look more dishevelled by the hour — but smiling nonetheless.”
Vault 2 and Lorenzo are on 2 Ashton Road, Denton, M34 3AS.