New Northern Quarter venue will double up as bar, book shop and record store

A brand-new music-led bar and venue is set to open in Manchester’s Northern Quarter this spring.

renae, which will open on Thomas Street, is described as a ‘multi-concept venue set to redefine community spaces’.

The project is a shared vision of two long-time friends who first met on a dance floor back in 2010. Opening in stages, renae begins its journey with the launch of its ground-floor neighbourhood music-led bar on Fri 28 Mar.

By day, the ‘laid-back yet stylish space’ will operate as a curated record and book shop, with an intimate bar serving craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails at ‘accessible prices’ late on into the evening.

DJ and digger Patrick Ryder from Manchester collective Talking Drums, formerly of Piccadilly Records, will be stocking the finest new releases from global boutique labels alongside a second-hand selection of crowd-pleasing classics, rarities and future favourites.

A regular book pop-up shop from 20k and dead sheep will showcase zines and books that champion indie publishers, stocking everything from art & design, music, photography and rare worldwide titles. The first of these pop-ups will take place on opening weekend, on Sat 29 & Sun 30 Mar.

Central to the venue will be a bespoke DJ booth and Manchester’s only L-Acoustics Syva sound system crafted by Manchester’s own sound designer Soundhaus. The music programme will span cosy performances, live gigs and club nights.

Later in 2025, renae will introduce its event and workshop space on the first floor. This adaptable area will host everything from yoga classes and rehearsals, to exhibitions, live gigs and club nights. The second floor will complete the vision with a creative workspace featuring hot desks, meeting rooms, and a podcast studio.

Co-founders Harris Mouridis and Brad Parkins are no strangers to Manchester’s nightlife and hospitality scenes. Harris is a respected figure in the city’s underground music culture, regularly playing records at independent institutions like Eastern Bloc, as well as further afield at renowned venues such as The Golden Lion in Todmorden and Michelberger in Berlin. His hospitality experience also includes some of the NQ’s most successful ventures,  including Common, Trof NQ, Evelyn’s, Daisy, and Public.

Brad, meanwhile, is behind Manchester staple The Whiskey Jar, where he’s curated and hosted nights featuring some of dance music’s finest including Ben Klock, Prosumer, Ryan Elliott, Mr G, Steffi, and more.

Commenting on the new venue, co-founders Harris Mouridis and Brad Parkins, said: “renae is about more than just music or hospitality – it’s about connection, culture, and creating a home for Manchester’s community to thrive. This is a project from the heart, built on years of friendship and a shared love of the scene. While music is at the core of everything we do, this isn’t a listening bar – it’s a space to experience music together, and a place for people to move and dance to it.”