We grab a first look at the new look Solita Didsbury Village
We've talked a lot about how much Manchester loves activity bars. From luminescent putting at Junkyard Golf to the frankly terrifying axe-wielding Whistlepunks and the controversial live faux-prison experience at Alcotraz.
All have cocktail menus and plenty of beer to wet your whistle(punks), but not many have a menu that is quite up to par (one exception being Sixes cricket bar in the Corn Exchange that had our reviewer bowled over).
We’re hopefully going to create more of a neighbourhood feel where people will be able to come and have a drink as well as food
It's all a bit city-centric though. So it's good news that Solita Didsbury reopens today with a new lick of paint and a new games room concept - a first for Didsbury Village.
You'll have no beef with the menu
The well-known brand that is known for its 100% British Wagyu burgers closed for refurbishment in September this year, leaving its Northern Quarter sister venue to keep the ketchup, mustard and gravy flowing in the M1.
After a turbulent couple of years for the brand that was bought out back in March 2020 by Leeds-based caterers Shoot the Bull, Soilta Didsbury’s overhaul will be a welcome addition to the area.
Didsbury's party bar
The upper level of the popular burger joint has been transformed into a traditional games room and fitted out with shuffleboard, beer pong and table tennis.
Climb the spiral staircase to Didsbury’s newest party destination, and beer pong will set you back £20 an hour with a free pitcher of beer to get the game started, while shuffleboard and table tennis cost £10 per hour.
The room is perfect for parties and area manager Adam explains that they’ve already had a number of Christmas parties calling up to book in the next couple of weeks.
Go on, be a sport
As well as traditional bar games and burgers, it seems Solita is looking to entice an altogether sportier crowd.
“We’re hoping to have Sky Sports connected in the next couple of days, and we’re talking about hooking up Super Mario onto the projector too,” Adam says.
Sounds like the dream venue for a football team’s end of season do. But what of the food?
“The classics will still be on the menu, but there will be a lot more new items as well as seasonal cocktails." Continues Adam
“It’s what Solita has really been missing - we can’t wait to really dirty up the burgers.”
But it’s not just Wagyu on the menu in the new year. Adam tells us:
“In January we’ll be concentrating on some Veganuary specials, and following that we’re moving to a more seasonal rotation.
“We’re hopefully going to create more of a neighbourhood feel where people will be able to come and have a drink as well as food.”
Solita Didsbury opens Wednesday 8 December with 50% off food until Sunday 12 December and free games 4-7pm Wednesday 8 December - Sunday 12 December.
Solita Didsbury School Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RD
Read next: The best things to eat in Manchester in December
Read again: Bar Rumbug, The Salford Rum Company launches Christmas pop-up
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