New ‘creative neighbourhood’ could make a march on the likes of Freight Island
Diecast, the new bar, party venue and ‘creative neighbourhood’ opened in Piccadilly East last night, offering a glimpse into an enormous space that could come to rival Freight Island.
The 250,000-square foot venue, in a former diecasting factory dating back to the Victorian era, celebrated the opening of its first phase; Diecast Ex Machina.
The venue is an impressive blend of the industrial and the elegant
This saw the venue’s bar and restaurant, Leno, open its doors and give a glimpse into the vast space from the team behind the popular Ramona and Firehouse.
The venue is an impressive blend of the industrial and the elegant, with leather banquettes and marble top tables laid out underneath exposed air ducts and skyscraping ceilings.
The characterful bar runs through the centre of Leno, with a steel walkway decorated with unfurling plants lending the room a quirky quality.
Despite its enormous size the venue feels somehow secluded, tucked away into a space between Ducie St and Store St, less than five minutes’ walk from Piccadilly station.
Boasting the largest selection of frozen daquiris and a long list of craft beers, the venue also prides itself on its ‘neo-pan’ pizzas - made Neapolitan style but then pan-fried, resulting (this writer can confirm) in sweet, fluffy crusts ideal for dipping.
There are also reconditioned 'rum caravans' in the beer garden, which will be available for parties of up to 40 people.
While the vast factory space at the back is yet to open - the completion of which will presumably comprise Phase Two - the venue represents another boost to this end of town.
When the remaining space does open, it will no doubt prove healthy competition for the nearby Freight Island, the all-purpose venue that has enjoyed something of a monopoly on this side of Piccadilly.
There is currently no confirmed date for phase two, but you can be sure that when this vast party venue fully opens its doors it will be attracting revellers from all over the city centre.
Diecast are on Confidential Guides
