Red Light, a new LGBTQ+ cocktail bar is set to open on Wednesday 3rd May, off Manchester’s most Instagram-worthy street at the Kampus garden neighbourhood.
Deana Ferguson, recent finalist at the Manchester Bar Awards, is behind the new spot and plans to serve innovative, house-made cocktails in the Victorian warehouse off Little David Street. Guests will be welcomed to the bar from the cobbled street which is set against a red-brick backdrop with cosy corners and queer art.
The reservations-only space incorporates the stunning original features of Minshull Warehouse, which have been restored as part of the Kampus neighbourhood (developed by Capital&Centric and HBD). Red Light will be a laid-back lounge with a soundtrack of disco beats for guests to enjoy while they sample a menu of refined drinks served by award-winning bartenders.
Belfast-born Ferguson has been part of Manchester’s hospitality scene for over eight years, most notably at Hawksmoor and Ducie Street Warehouse. She can’t wait to bring a premium cocktail experience close to Manchester’s famous Gay Village.
She said: “We’ve created a cool and edgy queer bar that couples’ incredible drinks with top-notch service, something that we know will compliment what’s already on offer in this area”
The bar’s name is a nod to the LGBT+ history of Kampus, with the canals and warehouses which were once at the heart of the cotton industry, became a hidden red-light district as businesses wound down.
“Red Light is an LGBTQ+ space but everyone is welcome. Our walls will be adorned with queer local artists, showcasing Manchester’s finest talent, and celebrating icons from history.”
“We have a selection of signature cocktails that I’ve been perfecting over the years. Red Light is dimly lit and intimate, the perfect date spot or somewhere to simply while away the night with some of the best drinks in town.”
Cocktails include ‘Red Light Calling’, Deana’s take on the modern classic, London Calling featuring home-made lychee soda and coconut fat-washed gin. There’s also ‘Artists Special #2’ which is an ode to her homeland featuring Jameson’s whiskey and oloroso sherry.
Opening on Wednesday 3rd May, Red Light will also boast a menu of natural wines as well as ales from local indie breweries such as Bury’s Brightside Brewery.
Adam Brady, from HBD, said: “So many people stop me and ask when Red Light’s opening and we can finally reveal the date. No pressure on Deana, but anticipation is really high for what she’s creating, and we can’t wait to step inside.”
“Red Light occupies an incredible spot at Kampus, tucked away just off the cobbled Little David Street where people will be able to sit out this summer. We’ve a packed summer season at Kampus this year and we’re so glad Red Light is joining the line-up – bringing a new hangout to a part of a town with such a strong LGBTQ+ heritage.”
You can book your table now online at www.redlightmcr.co.uk
