More Alchemists and Oast Houses Knutsford operator Living Ventures, have secured funding for a second Alchemist bar (possibly near to their Grill On New York Street unit) and two more Oast House pubs, one in Greater Manchester and one in LIverpool, with possibly a third in Alderley Edge. And if that wasn't enough, there are also plans for a new top end fine-dining restaurant, a new family friendly restaurant and another secret project, all to be based in Manchester city centre near to their existing Grill On The Alley, Australasia, Peppermint Bay, Oast House, Alchemist, and Olive Press locations. ~ 23 Dec

"I Met Her In A Bar Down On Old Tarrif Street..." The Northern Quarter has a new "Miami Beach style bar", opened on the 11th December in the unit vacated by Bar De Reve. Owned by the same people behind close neighbours, Lammars and The Crown & Anchor, Lola's will serve classic cocktails, all made with superior spirits and presented in fancy glassware with garnishes. With an eclectic mix of music, the bar has been designed with mood changing lighting, a white driftwood bar, hand painted sky ceiling and a beach veranda. ~ 11 Dec

The King's Singer Following his 'Pedals & Pumps' tour, during which he cycled from pub to pub promoting his solo album 'Acid County' and highlighting the plight of the English pub, former Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton has bought The Kings Arms in Salford with his Mancunian partner, Zena. Whilst the popular bar boasts a theatre upstairs, which plays host to Studio Salford, and will potentially host a new radio station, it's an interesting move from the man who has so publicly battled with alcoholism, as detailed in songs like 'Woman in the Wall', 'Liar's Bar', 'I May Be Ugly', 'The Slide', 'Look What I Found in My Beer' and, most notably, the hit single 'Old Red Eyes Is Back'. ~ 1 Dec

Other Manchester Bar News

Despite having their initial plans being turned down in December 2010, because of "too many bars in the Northern Quarter", a new application has been made for Terrace bar & restaurant, which will have entrances at both 43 Thomas Street (next to Fusion Studios) and 32 Edge Street (opposite Common). ~ 15 Dec

The old Bar 5 unit between Cross Street and St Annes Square, opposite Sandinista, is set to reopen in the New Year as Annie's Bar. ~ 13th Dec

The old Melodies Bar (or the Original Yates's Blob Shop as it is probably better known), opposite the Arndale Market on High Street is soon to reopen as a restaurant. ~ 13th Dec

After leaving their Piccadilly home, organisers of The Warehouse Project have dispelled rumours of a move to London by confirming their new venue, yet to be announced, will still be in Manchester. ~ 13th Dec

Milanese export Salvi's Mozzarella Bar have opened a late night deli at The Triangle on 9th December. Open until 11pm, it will serve up prosecco and premium quality spirits alongside fresh antipasti. ~ 9th Dec

Chorlton's North Star Delicatessen have opened a cafe on the 5th December in the beautiful premises vacated by An Outlet cafe in Carver's Warehouse, just off Piccadilly on Dale Street. ~ 5th Dec

The Northern Quarter has a new soul bar and seafood restaurant with Sole opening its doors on 3rd December 2011. The Turner Street establishment offers a downstairs cocktail and speciality beer bar. ~ 3rd Dec

~ Click here to add your manchester bar news ~