Bloomin' Excited

So here we are again, another night before the week ahead has come round and most folk are feeling the benefits of the extra day off work for the Bank Holiday and enjoying the relaxed vibes. Not I...Oh no. For my weekend has been less 'long' and more 'long hours on site.' A building site to be precise. I can almost hear you asking what on earth someone who works in fashion was doing on a building site all weekend but it was for a good cause. Those of you who follow me on Twitter (@2dyefor_) will have noticed a few mentions these past few days regarding a new bar opening at the end of this week. Well I can finally say a bit more about it and give you a few preview shots - you lucky lot!

The reason I have been on site is because of OH. He's a self-employed architect and his company have been hired to design and create a new bar in Manchester and, true to form, he's created an incredible project which will look idyllic but needs all hands on deck to get those finishing touches living up to the mental image he has for it.

The bar is going to be called Bloom and is based right in the heart of Manchester on Hardman Square in Spinningfields and opens on 31st May. (3 days away.) There's a lovely article about it here on the Spinningfields website.

Pre-vines

OH and I are both real perfectionists so when he mentioned the live ivy outer walls needed concentrating on there was little else I could do than volunteer my weekend away to help the project along. So that's what I've been doing. All weekend I have been up and down ladders training ivy up the side of the bar so that the finished result is a living green box. And it looks ridiculously cool.

Vine training

Now that we've hit Monday night it's safe to say I am exhausted but there's no better reason for it than to help out a good cause. The actual bar will be owned and run by James Wrigley who already owns Fluid Bars and DockBar so he's a well established guy and will only be going from strength to strength. He's been a friend of mine for years so I was thrilled when he and OH teamed up on this latest piece and what they have created promises to be an urban oasis where you can spend time with friends, listen to good music and enjoy a few drinks and even some hot and cold meze style dishes.

Outdoor concept

The very pride-inducing board on site. OH's company.

What's so great about this bar is that, unlike most summer pop-ups, it has a fully covered indoor area and covered and uncovered outdoor seating areas. I think this is a great concept as we can all agree that Manchester's weather can hardly be counted on but this has all been taken into consideration so OH has created several spaces for anyone to enjoy whatever mood the weatherman happens to be in.

Interior coming along nicely

As mentioned it officially opens 31st May but a huge amount of us will be down there this Saturday (1st) along with some DJs and general first weekend revellers so drop in and say hi if you're in the area. Even if you aren't, make the trip. Trust me - it will be worth it.

In the mean time stay tuned for launch pics and follow the bar on Twitter for the latest updates and preview shots @BloomBarMCR

In The Doghouse

Last night I was lucky enough to be on the guest list for the new Black Dog Ballroom NWS launch night.

Following the huge success of their Northern Quarter premises the boys with the magic ingredients have opened a second site on New Wakefield Street (hence the NWS part of the bars title) and wow...did they go big!

In the unit where Pure Space used to be there is now a sprawling 3 floors of Black Dog goodness to lose yourself in - complete with obligatory pool tables, of course.

Perhaps my favourite part is the roof terrace. All glass ceilings and wooden flooring with an outdoor kitchen; this is the perfect mix of outdoors/indoors to enjoy a cold beer in. The glass doors all open to full capacity for those (rare) hot Mancunian days and I'm not sure I can think of a better place to enjoy the rays in the inner city.

Behind the small top floor bar is a large lit sign which just made me smile - 'Bruce's'. If you're not aware who Bruce is - you should be. He's The Black Dog this whole thing is named after. A Patterdale Terrier who can often be seen being walked in the Oldham Street area and if you're lucky is sometimes in the NQ site during the afternoon - complete with toys to play with. He's really a great dog and how many bars can you play with a dog in?! I love it!

Down a floor from the terrace are the pool tables and a large seating area - I'd guess perfect for a burger but I had no chance of getting a seat last night - the place was packed to the rafters; everyone enjoying themselves and with no plans of going anywhere else any time soon.

Down again and you have Underdog. This section is the most like the original bar - black tiled walls, lovely wooden floors, red leather booths and a nice sized dance floor. This is the one thing I always felt the NQ site was lacking; so it's good to know that when I'm really in the mood there's a space big enough for my shapes to be thrown in.

This place just oozes cool and if you haven't been yet get there - judging by last nights massive turn out I'd say it isn't long before there's a third Dog in the family and I, for one, can't wait.

And finally. The man himself...



Bruce overseeing some of the new site's construction process.



Meet Me On The Deck



The deck

Last night I was very flattered to be asked to attend the press launch of a new pop up bar in Manchester's Spinningfields.

Taking its inspiration from the 1950s Riviera, The Yacht Club is essentially a large decked area, sumptuous leather day beds, and a sleek bar - all under a huge white canopy. And oh so chic.



Inspiration

As it's Manchester you can image this 'month's worth of rain' we're due has well and truly arrived and watching it pour all yesterday afternoon I worried the evening might be a bit of a wash out.

How wrong could I be?

The place was packed; with folks from all over Manchester joining to have a good time, listen to some great disco beats and drink the best prosecco in town. (I'll admit I may have indulged a little too much in the bubbles...)





I was also concerned that with it being an outdoor bar I might be a little chilly but under the canopy are two seriously big heaters and they pump out warmth so well there needn't be a worry about a coat ruining your glamorous outfit underneath.



Inspiration

This place is seriously cool - situated in Hardman Square by the huge outdoor cinema screen. Is there a better way to watch every Thursday evening's screening? I can't think of any.

In the press pack were further drinks vouchers (oh, go on then) and a list of this summers events being held there. I'm particularly excited for the screening of Strictly Ballroom where guests are encouraged to dress accordingly - gold tassled dress at the ready!

In my press pack

As it was raining I didn't take my own shots so I must apologise as I just have the press ones. I will be back there very soon so will update with my own images to give you a closer look.

In the meantime why not meet me on the deck? I've my inner Bridget Bardot to channel at what I think may be my favourite bar of the summer...