04 Sep 2024
Spotlight on Brickhouse Social in Manchester
Tucked behind Oxford Road station, New Wakefield Street is the beating heart of Manchester’s student scene, packed full of hidden gems offering affordable drinks and an unrivalled atmosphere. Situated next to party institution The Font, Brickhouse Social is the relatively new kid on the block in the buzzing neighbourhood, offering an impressive entertainment space over three storeys. You may have first heard of the venue at the start of the pandemic, where it pledged to donate all profits from the sale of Corona lager to support the NHS. In a bid to attract every demographic with its social atmosphere, the venue houses everything from a live music lounge and underground club to a pool hall and tap room. Taking its inspiration from the multi-storey megabars across the pond in NYC, there are plenty of spots to socialise come rain or shine.
Open from late morning to the early hours, Brickhouse Social’s main selling point is its versatility. Whether you fancy a tipple with friends on the terrace, or a competitive round of post-work pool, the entertainment hub houses something for everyone. The basement is home to KABLE, a vibrant club and event space, which hosts regular nights with a range of up-and-coming DJs and live acts. From techno to disco, the intimate 400-capacity venue welcomes local performers from every genre. One level up, you’ll find the taproom where you can sample over eight beer taps on rotation, including its very own pilsner, alongside an impressive list of classic serves. The star of the show, however, is the rooftop terrace, ideal for soaking up that winter sun over a coffee – or a cocktail. Decorated in greenery and foliage, the hidden pergola promises a summery atmosphere all year round.
From stone baked slices to pints of pale
What’s the perfect pairing for a venue that’s all about the social experience? For its food offering, Brickhouse Social serves up slices from Barrel & Stone, authentic Italian thin crust pizza, baked and prepared onsite and topped with quality ingredients. Paying homage to the traditions of Napoli, the stone-baked pizzas are topped with exciting ingredients such as black truffle paste and spicy Calabrian ‘nduja sausage. To keep the venue as inclusive as possible, the Fior di Latte mozzarella can be swapped for vegan cheese, with gluten-free bases also available. Last year, the kitchen was also home to Huddersfield hospitality legends Icon Burger. Known for its contemporary creations, you could even get your hands on the iconic ‘420 burger’ for a limited time. The visually stunning burger is the first to include CBD, with the juicy patties topped with American cheese, onions, gherkins and an infused special sauce.
When it comes to the drinks, they’re equally extravagant – indulge in everything from a salted caramel float to a cotton candy colada. The numerous pool tables bring the pub atmosphere of your traditional local – you can even bag a free game when you buy a pint. If that wasn’t reason enough to make Brickhouse Social your new hangout, it also offers impressive discounts on drinks for students and those with an industry card.
The promise of a party every night of the week
A visit to Brickhouse Social can often be a full-day affair – start your day with a shot of caffeine on the terrace, before indulging in a quick game of pool over lunch. Spend your evening nursing a pint and a pizza in the taproom before finishing the night with a trip to KABLE, the underground club. It’s a truly multi-purpose venue, with all the spaces available to privately hire for any event – whether that’s a birthday party or a baby shower. There’s a whole host of weekly events, as the venue never fails to attract a huge crowd – no matter which night of the week. Come Monday, there’s a free open mic night on the rooftop, and every Tuesday you can enjoy a comedy night in the basement bar where Manchester’s resident comedians take to the stage for a night of belly laughs. Always one to commit to the festivities, Brickhouse Social is also hosting a fan-zone for the World Cup, where you can watch the game on one of the 10 big screens dotted around the venue.
Arguably the main event, however, is the bottomless brunch. Themed around the ultimate party decade, the 90s, the two-hour event will travel back in time with unlimited slices of pizza, bottomless fizz, beer and Spice Girl themed cocktails. When December rolls around, the event transforms into ‘The Brunch Before Christmas,’ with the ultimate festive singalong to all the Christmas classics. Expect two hours of pizza slices, bottomless fizz, and aptly named cocktails such as Santa’s Little Helper and Under The Mistletoe.