Featuring a “What’s the Story” backdrop, the new outdoor bar is set to become a bit of an Oasis fan zone on Piccadilly Gardens in the coming weeksThe Manchester music-themed bar is now open on Piccadilly Gardens(Image: Darren Robinson)

A huge Manchester music-themed bar has now opened on Piccadilly Gardens – opening just in time for the huge run of Oasis’ reunion shows that will bring thousands of fans into the city centre.

The MCR Live Hub bar is being billed as the “go-to city centre hangout for all things music”, and marks the return of an outdoor bar at Piccadilly Gardens for the summer.

It boasts a pretty impressive entrance – with a large colourful “MANCHESTER” sign that is already proving a popular spot for selfies among visitors to the gardens.

And it’s set to become a bit of an Oasis fanzone in the next few days, with over 300,000 fans expected to flood into and through the city centre around the Heaton Park gigs.

Inside the MCR Live hub at Piccadilly Gardens(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

Enter through the MCR Live Hub archway, and there’s lots of picnic tables set up on the grassy raised area.

You can then head into a new wooden bar structure to order drinks, which bears the logo “What’s the Story” in a nod to the return of Oasis inside, as well as posters featuring a host of other Manc rock icons, including the Stone Roses and Joy Division.

It also features an outdoor stage, where live music and DJ sets will take place across the next couple of weeks, as well as street food vendors outside so you can grab food and drink to enjoy the music and the ongoing heatwave too.

The bar was formally opened last weekend, with civic dignitaries toasting the new entertainment space in the city.

What’s the Story? Inisde the MCR Live Hub(Image: Darren Robinson)

Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is already known the world over for our music and our fantastic music scene that draws people to the city from every corner of the globe.

“With 1.3m music tourists expected in Manchester this summer along with the historic homecoming Oasis dates in Heaton Park coming up next week, the economic impact on the city will be significant – with bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and hotels all set to benefit.

“We want everyone – Mancunians and visitors alike – to be able to enjoy this mammoth summer of live music so we’re going all out to celebrate the massive contribution that music makes to the city with a fantastic programme of music themed events and activities across the city for everyone to get involved in all summer long.”

Entry into the MCR Live hub on Piccadilly Gardens(Image: Darren Robinson)

John Lowery from MCR Live Hub said: “After months of hard work, we’re thrilled to be opening the doors to The Hub.

“We’re delighted to be part of MCR Live ’25 and our open-air venue in the heart of the city is the perfect spot to visit with friends and family this summer.”

The hub bar is part of a range of attractions being lined up across the city as part of “MCR Live 25” to tie in with the summer of big music events in and around the city.

When is the MCR Live Hub open?

The bar is now officially open. It will be in place at Piccadilly Gardens now across the summer, opening daily from 11am to 11pm.

How much is food and drink?Frites and Zouk indian grill at the MCR Live Hub(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

There’s a large bar area inside the hub, as well as a range of street food options.

Drinks prices are:-

Lager – £3.50 half pint/£6 pint

Piccadilly Pilsner – £3.50 half pint/£6 pint

Cloudwater Ales – £3.50 half pint/£6 pint

Neck Oil IPA – £4 half pint/£6.50 pint

Cocktails (full range) £10 each or 2 for £16 during “early doors” – daily from 3pm to 7pm Monday to Thursday

Soft drinks – fizzy drinks £2.50; bottled water £1.50; fresh juices £3

Food prices include:-

Zouk wraps – choose from chicken tikka, lamb kebab, paneer, all £10

Zouk samosa box £6, bhaji box £5

Frite – topped fries – choose from Indian/Japanese/Turkish for £10; French/Chinese for £7, or just fries for £5