The city centre bar closed after violent street brawl but has reopened with new owners
Joe Wilson (owner/DJ) , Ellie Johnson (owner) and Daniel Benson (general manager) at Hideout bar Manchester (Image: Manchester Evening News)
A team with many years experience running bars and events is looking to restore the reputation of a city centre venue where a brawl broke out. They took on the former Bar 11 site on Bridge Street and reopened it at the end of last year under the new name and brand called Hideout.
Last August, the bar’s previous owners saw their licensing hours cut from 5am to 3am after a brawl involving a baseball bat and metal bars. Councillors considered cancelling the bar’s licence following the incident, but instead decided to restrict its opening hours and alcohol sales.
The new owners, who took over the venue late last year are experienced hospitality professionals looking to restore the image and reputation of the Bridge Street bar. Ellie Johnson, a bar manager and designated premises supervisor (DPS) and Joe Wilson, an events manager and DJ have reopened the venue alongside Daniel Benson, who is the bar’s new general manager.
Hideout Bar on Bridge Street(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We’re were scouting out potential sites for a bar, saw this place had been involved in something and rang the tenant to see if they wanted out,” recalls Daniel.
‘I think we had a deal within three days. The aim is to change the bar’s reputation and turn things around.”
Since taking over last month, the team have rebranded the venue as Hideout, carried out a small refurbishment and held a series of successful events.
Hideout Bar on Bridge Street(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We’ve been open since December, we’re getting early crowds, had a successful new year, and seem to be getting a good reception. It’s a basement venue off the street out of public view, and only 125-capacity, so we’ve done some good DJ events, and the small capacity means people can get up close and personal.
“It’s fairly modern with new lighting and sound system. The DJ box is due to be replaced – we’re trying to make a substantial difference.”
In terms of what punters can expect from the recently revived venue, Daniel adds: “It’s a mixture of both club and bar, with early on events, and looking at early hours of the morning too. We’re accepting bookings for parties and birthdays, not just events though.
General manager Daniel Benson(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Our music events are generally house music, and commercial music – a bit of everything that everyone likes. We’re also trying to promote local talent and locally based DJs and give them a step up.”
Following the incident last July, the former owners has their late licensing reduced from 5am until 3am, but the new owners are trying to get this extended again so they can host more events.
“We are actively working with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the local licensing authority to ensure the venue is operated responsibly and in line with the licensing objectives. A key focus for us has been changing both the perception and the day-to-day reality of how the premises is managed.
Hideout bar on Bridge St in Manchester(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“As part of this reset, we are also seeking to extend the venue’s terminal hour to allow later trading, which is key to the long-term viability and success of the business. We are approaching this proactively and responsibly and are currently seeking advice and guidance from GMP and the licensing authority to identify an appropriate and sustainable way forward.
“They’ve asked us to put on some temporary events to show we can manage events up to that cut off time before we put a permanent application in.
“This also feels particularly relevant at a time when the hospitality industry is facing significant challenges and responsible operators are investing to do things the right way.
Hideout bar on Bridge St in Manchester(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We just need people to know we’re here and get them through the door. Trying to look for something positive because everything is negative at the moment or closing.
“We’re encouraging people to come down. We’ve tried to keep prices low and friendly door staff on, so people can have a cheap, affordable night out and giving DJs the chance to perform to people they wouldn’t have the chance to.”
Hideout Manchester is located at 65 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BQ.