New hangout claims it will be ‘the happiest place in Manchester’
Bluu bar, on the corner of Manchester’s historic Old Smithfield Market, is currently undergoing a £500k transformation and will reopen in late November as Foundry Project, a new 'all day drinking and dining' venue.
Manchester’s Foundry Project will be the third in the UK after the success of sites in Harrogate (pictured) and Edinburgh.
Foundry Project will be bringing their legendary pub quizzes to Manchester, hosted by a gang of local drag queens
The new venue will be divided into ‘zones’, from 'laid-back' hangout at the front, to a more 'intimate vibe' in the restaurant area, and a late night basement bar hideaway.
The interior has been laid out with ‘breakfast through dinner vibes' (so many vibes) in mind to encourage an easy flow between dining and drinking, chatting and dancing, brunching and lunching or just loafing with a coffee.
The stripped back interior has been inspired by Manchester’s industrious past (course it has), making use of exposed beams and polished concrete, warmed up with plush leather booths, richly coloured feature tiles and copper ceiling features.
The bar area will house an impressive Estrella beer tank centrepiece around which they’ll also serve craft beers, wines and inventive cocktails.
As well as the classics, Foundry Project’s cocktail list includes an eccentric collection of sixteen house creations inspired by travels across the globe from the 'tropical vibes' (another one?) of “Fill A Watermelon with Rum” to the sophisticated “Gin Fashionista” with Hayman’s Sloe Gin, brown sugar and rose water.
Burgers will be the house speciality (naturally) and the menu will include classic cheeseburgers, lamb and feta burgers, crispy chicken and even a veggie bhaji burger. They will also offer slow proved pizzas with signature Foundry Project toppings like spiced lamb and aubergine; peri peri king prawn, as well as some classic options including pepperoni and nduja.
A snacking menu includes tacos, nachos, wings and halloumi fries with healthier options such as super salads for balance. Weekend breakfast/brunch options will range from traditional porridge to ‘Hangover Pizza’ and Turkish eggs.
Foundry Project will be bringing their legendary pub quizzes to Manchester, hosted by a gang of local drag queens. The soundtrack will be provided by a regular flow of local DJs and special guests, plus live music.
Manchester’s Foundry Project will open on Thomas Street on the 23rd November.
