Manchester’s waterside cocktail bar Finders Keepers, is celebrating its first birthday in style by bringing an authentic taste of Madrid to New Islington Marina through a fiesta of takeovers from two of Madrid’s most famous drink brands and venues.
From Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th August, the bar will first become a haven for the most popular beer in Spain, Mahou. Founded in Madrid in 1890, Mahou is Spain’s quintessential beer and the brand will be flying straight out of the capital to serve crisp and refreshing schooners to New Islington residents.
Be transported to the cobbled streets of Madrid while sitting by the water, relaxing and snacking on Spanish crisps, all while enjoying Schooners of Mahou for just £4.50 (or £4.00 during its Hours of Happiness*). The bar interiors will also be changed to bring a Spanish feel with vintage artwork and Mahou branding that will spill onto the street.
That’s not all! On Sunday 25th August, the second takeover will spring into action as Finders Keepers will be home to the world-class mixologists from Salmon Guru Madrid for one day only. For those that aren’t in the know, this is a BIG deal and a Manchester-first collaboration, giving guests the opportunity to try drinks, mixes, and creations from bartenders who are officially at the top of their game.
Founded in 2017 by legendary bartender Diego Cabrera, Salmon Guru quickly gained global recognition and is currently named as the 16th Best Bar in the World. The World’s 50 Best Bars list is the ultimate accolade in the mixology industry and only six bars in the UK make the cut – with five located in London and one in Edinburgh. So unless a trek outside the city is in order, Sunday 25th August will be the only chance to sample cocktails of this calibre in Manchester, and tables are likely to be booked up fast.
Staying true to its ethos that ‘salmon go against the stream’, guests will be able to try four of it’s creations including the infamous Ultramarino; combining No3 Gin, mezcal, sherry wine and rhubarb syrup served with a crispy parmesan chip garnish, plus the Tropical Vieux Carre; combining Highland Park, cognac, red vermouth, mango and hops.
Finders Keepers, with 62 covers, is offering two-hour bookable slots for up to four people** at 4 pm and 6 pm for this takeover, which you can book here with just a £10 deposit per person. Fortunately, there are 30 outside tables available on a first-come, first-serve, walk-in basis, giving another opportunity to experience the playful concoctions and bold flavours of Salmon Guru.
Liam Manton and Amy Harrison the founders of Finders Keepers explained: “We wanted to bring something truly unique to Manchester. Hosting Mahou and Salmon Guru for our first birthday is a fantastic way to celebrate and offer something special to the neighbourhood. Our Madrid to the Marina takeover is about doing something crazy and fun that the community will love, with brands we know they’ll really like.”
Founded in August 2023 by Liam Manton and Amy Harrison, Finders Keepers sets out to elevate Manchester’s mixology scene and bring a new concept to the popular suburb of New Islington. The takeovers not only celebrate their first successful year but also underscore their commitment to bringing internationally acclaimed bar experiences to Manchester.
Mahou will take over Finders Keepers from Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th August with walk-in tables only, followed by Salmon Guru’s takeover on Sunday 25th August with limited bookings.
Click here to reserve your table for bookings up to four or email events@barfinderskeepers.com for larger tables. To find out more, follow @barfinderskeepers on Instagram.
