Prestwich Social recently opened its doors offering guests a carefully curated menu of food and cocktails. Those letting loose in the Manchester bar will be immersed in a bright colour palette of sunflower yellow and Santorini blue, complimented by evergreen foliage throughout and nods to the glamour of Manchester’s past and present.
The space is the perfect accompaniment to almost any day-drinking occasion, which is the bar’s main focus and music to my ears!
The people behind the new space are Doug Waldron and Brett Collier, who own late-night bar The Liquor Store, nestled in the heart of the city and known for its creative cocktails, Manchester themed décor and cool tunes.
The breakfast menu includes dishes the likes of Smashed Avocado and Eggs (£7.95) or Shakshuka (£6.95) served until 2pm, or enjoy an all-day menu including sandwiches (from £7.95) such as a Fish Finger Sandwich; salads (from £8.50) including the Asian Salad; small plates (from £5.50) like Salt and Pepper Chicken; and big plates including the Mediterranean Linguine.
As the day goes on, the bar will switch moods and become more about those pesky after-work drinks, with beautiful cocktails, craft beers and wines available to wake you up bleary eyed for your 9am shift.
Thanks to Doug’s background in hotels, restaurants and bars and a natural sense of hospitality instilled in him by his father, who trained at luxury London hotel The Dorchester, the service is looking to be spot on!
For co-owners Doug and Brett, Prestwich was the obvious location for the new venture.
“Despite obstacles like government restrictions being extended, it’s been a really successful opening and we’re really excited to be able to show off the space.”
“My business partner Brett is from Prestwich, and we had been looking at the suburb for the last couple of years,” Doug explains. “We’ve joined community conferences and communicated with local residents before switching the lights on because being part of the fabric of the village is very important to us.
“I’m slightly nervous but also very excited to open the doors,” says Brett. “I’ve always wanted to have my own dining concept in my hometown, but now that Prestwich is arguably more happening than places like Didsbury and Chorlton, there’s a lot of expectation and pressure on us. With people working from home a lot more these days, why shouldn’t locals have a city centre quality venue on their doorstep.”
The 5100 sq ft, open plan glass fronted former Orange Tree premises, in the busy village location, is perfect for “something colourful, bright and family friendly,” Doug believes, offering “brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and after work drinks.”
Prestwich Social is open from 10am until midnight in the week, and until 1am at weekends, “so not a mega late night, but well into the evening,” says Doug.
And from the sounds of it, people will likely want to hang around all day with a food menu offering many locally sourced favourites from cult-classic, Bury Black Pudding and Grandad’s Sausages.
“We’ve got a strong stance on the food being ethically sourced and local,” says Doug.
“We want the story behind our suppliers, such as where the meat comes from. That’s important to us, and to the people of Prestwich.”
As for cocktails (from £7.95), the bar has a blend of uniquely curated tipples with lots of fresh herbs and floral creations, and many city centre favourites from The Liquor Store founders, including its iconic martini tree, which includes 12 branches of boozy goodness, with arms wrapped around Espresso or Pornstar Martinis (£65).
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Prestwich Social is open seven days a week from 10am – 12am Sunday – Thursday and 10am – 1am Friday and Saturday.
