Manchester sure loves a hidden, subterranean bar and luckily we’ve seen another arrive in the city, but this time underneath a smashed burger joint no less. 20 years on since Socio Rehab opened in the Northern Quarter, a brand new bar, known as Ego Death, has taken over the Manchester site.
Opening in partnership with Cressida Lawlor, previously working at London Cocktail Club and Sexy Fish, now her first bar ownership, Ego Death occupies a hidden basement space on Thomas Street. And to get in you will need to find it first…
Nestled behind an internal unmarked door within the newly-launched burger joint, Super Awesome Deluxe, a dimly-lit staircase leads you below ground to Ego Death. Sultry low-lit ambiance, candlelit cosy corners and exposed brick meet you as you enter Ego Death, perfect if you want to sip, dance or simply forget the world up above.
Taking inspiration from the back-streets of New York, a simple yet expertly crafted cocktail menu meets impeccable service, bourbon and champagne. The refined drinks list combines the elegance of classic cocktails with unique, elevated twists, creating an experience that’s “equal parts refined and rebellious”.
You can try the likes of The Samantha, a Champagne Cosmo, aptly named to celebrate Samantha Jones, Ego Death’s take on a Pornstar Martini featuring Grey Goose, melonade, apple and passionfruit clarified through vanilla ice cream, or the Pick me Up, a twist on an Espresso Martini made with Jägermeister, Kahlua, miso barley, coffee and chocolate milk. The backbar is stocked with an array of bourbon variations, plus Champagne by the glass of bottle – and top 50 classic cocktails available on request.
As for the name, ego death represents the act of dropping all issues and self awareness, basically it’s leaving your problems at the door. As you enter, no egos, no pretentious drinks.
Beau Myers, co-founder at Ego Death, said: “It’s been 20 years since we opened Socio Rehab so it seems pretty poignant to be opening another amazing cocktail bar. We changed the landscape of cocktail bar culture then and that’s something we’re trying to do again.”
Partnering with Cressida Lawlor to create Ego Death, Beau Myers describes the bar as “an underground escape throwing out the best classic cocktails, bourbon, and champagne from top level bartenders”. The new hidden bar in Manchester, Ego Death, is open from 5pm to 1am on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and 4pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Beau Myers added: “The night will start civilised and transition into an anything goes party vibe. An Ego Death is a spiritual experience where you’re reborn, shedding ego and issues. We’re hoping to offer a place where everyone can leave any issues at the door, cut loose and indulge.”
📍Ego Death, 12 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1DH. (door is located inside Super Awesome Deluxe)