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One of Manchester’s historic buildings is going to be given a new lease of life after it has lay dormant for over two years. The former Red’s True Barbecue spot on the corner of Turner Street, on Albert Square facing towards Manchester Town Hall, is to reopen soon as a new bar and restaurant - although its name is still up for discussion. Tokyo Industries, who are behind the likes of famed Manchester venues Deaf Institute, Gorilla, BLVD and Factory 251, acquired the Grade II-listed site six years ago as part of rescue efforts to save the American BBQ concept from administration. At the time, the brand had saved eight Red’s True Barbecue venues. The Lloyd Street site first opened in 2014 and became known for its huge portions of slow-cooked meats and unique specials, including a doughnut burger. Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here But the Manchester site officially closed its doors at the beginning of 2023 following a series of difficulties faced by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. The venue has not reopened since. Before it was Reds, the building was home to the Livebait seafood restaurant, which was open from 2006 to 2011. Built between 1867 and 1868, Lloyd House was granted listed status in 1974. The building was once the former headquarters of the Manchester Shipping Offices and Packing Company, in around 1887. Tokyo Industries have announced that the Albert Square venue will be reopening very soon as a new Irish bar , aiming to embrace an ‘Irish American feel’. Aaron Mellor, founder of the brand, said the venue would feature amazing food and great live entertainment, alongside the ‘finest Guinness’. It will also serve all-day traditional Ulster Fry breakfasts, as well as Sunday roasts boasting the likes of Guinness gravy. Posting on LinkedIn, Aaron admitted that the venue’s name had not yet been decided - with the team behind the bar having ‘come up with about 300 names and suffering choice fatigue’. Suggested names have so far included Dirty O’Sullivans, The Perfect Pint, The Dublin Docker, and Reds True Irish, which would serve as a perfect ode to its former namesake. The Hare & Harp, The Craic Den and Oscar Wildes have also been mentioned as favourite potential names, as well as House of Guinness, which is the same name as the recent Netflix series which was filmed across Greater Manchester and revolves around the family behind the Guinness brewing company in 19th-century Ireland and New York. Commenting on Aaron’s post, some people shared their love for the names. “'The Craic Den' is genius," one person commented. Another wrote: “Reds True Irish has to win - a themed donut burger as a nod to the old site on the menu too.” One other said: “Oscar Wildes a must.” Adding their own suggestions, one wrote: "If it’s Irish themed in Manchester then what about: “What's the story” With reference to the Irish greeting that means "What's up?", "How are you?", or "What's going on?". And of course it pays homage to the legends of Manchester Oasis." Another said: "Actually thinking where it is Shamrock Supernova or Craic & Glory Sure you’ll see the connection to Manchester." Aaron said the new venue is set to open sometime this week, with a confirmed name to be revealed at the same time. Join our Manchester Food and Drink WhatsApp group HERE
