There once was a time when there were only a handful of bars in the Northern Quarter – a few hidden gems sprouting out of the listed buildings left abandoned by the declining textiles trade. Now there are around two million bars, pubs and restaurants in the Northern Quarter and judging by the number of revellers prowling Thomas, Edge and Tib streets on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s no longer so hidden. Opening a week on Saturday (27 Apr 4 May) on Back Turner Street (it runs parallel to the bright lights of Thomas Street) is Montpellier’s Café & Bar. Located in an old knicker factory, Montpellier’s arrives with a more tactile approach to customer service: they strive to do the simple things very well, with good beers, fine wines (Mediterranean of course) and finely crafted cocktails. A food menu will follow in the next few weeks after the soft opening and promises to step away from the fads of American over-eating so popular with bars and restaurants around the NQ right now. The bar is split into two levels: a well-lit eatery upstairs, with roomy yet inclusive booths; and a welcoming basement area downstairs, which will show live sport without intruding on those wanting to have a quiet drink. The basement area also lends itself to live theatre, stand-up comedy and acoustic nights. A vibrant and friendly new bar designed by people who know how to keep the flow of customers and beverages alike (they’ve previously been involved in other NQ bars), Montpellier’s promises to be a welcome addition to the NQ’s burgeoning drinking scene – and now you can tell your friends that you found it first.
Opening Sat 4 May, Montpellier’s Café & Bar, 42 Back Turner Street, M4 1FR, www.facebook.com Tel: 0161 832 3146
- Words:
- John Stansfield
- Published on:
- Thu 18 Apr 2013
