New ‘dry’ bar: Umbrella Café on Dale Street

The Umbrella Café, Manchester’s first ‘dry’ bar, is set to open in early September. It will be based in Nexus Art Café on Dale Street, every Friday and Saturday night. Umbrella’s drinks will all be alcohol-free, and specialities will include fresh fruit juices and ‘mocktails’, such as the Virgin Apple Nojito. John Thomson, star of The Fast Show and Cold Feet, is the café’s patron. The Salford-born actor is now sober, following a much-publicised struggle with alcohol. However, Umbrella Café isn’t just for people in recovery, it’s also aimed at those whose religions preclude alcohol, and anyone simply wanting to take a break from booze. A number of music and comedy events will be taking place. See the Facebook page below, for more information.

From Fri 5 Sep, Nexus Art Café, 2 Dale Street, The Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1JW, Fri and Sat, 7.30pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com