Northern Quarter bar bows out after less than a year - but has already been replaced

A new bar is preparing to open in the Northern Quarter this week, after Quick Brown Fox shut down less than a year after opening.

The site, on the corner of Swan Street and Oldham Street, will now be home to Mecanica which will serve small plates and deli boards alongside cocktails and wines.

Mecanica will be stepping into the unit left vacant by Quick Brown Fox, which surrendered its lease during lockdown after only opening last autumn.

The new bar will be operated by ClockWork (formerly known as Ziferblat), the pay-per-minute cafe and workspace, and says it will take inspiration from Manchester's industrial heritage.

Local suppliers including beloved chocolate shop Slattery's will be used throughout.

Co-owner Gareth Harold said: "It’s very fuss-free and deliberately lacking in any gimmicks. No themes and nothing served off a shovel!

"We just wanted to bring a cosy, consistently good neighbourhood bar into the area – with expert staff serving brilliant cocktails, wines, beers and spirits and a small selection of food done really well.

It's taken up the unit on the corner of Swan Street and Oldham Street (Publicity Picture)

"This, coupled with friendly, warm service and sensible prices, will hopefully resonate with Manchester. We are here for the long term and are really looking forward to making a contribution to the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.

"The hospitality sector has been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, and as we begin to come out the other side, we’re excited to be growing our offering beyond ClockWork and Oppidan and helping to get the city back buzzing again.

"We have absolute faith in Manchester as a destination for food and drink, and it’s no surprise to see the local industry bouncing back. It’s a very supportive community here, especially in the Northern Quarter – everyone cheers one another on. It’s part of what makes being a hospitality operator in the city so special."

Heading up the team will be Marc Benton, formerly of Spanish restaurant La Bandera, as well as Phil Aldridge and Isaac Jones from Michelin-starred Mana, and Jack Perry from the world-famous London Cocktail Club.

Mecanica is set to open on Friday August 28.