Are you in need of some luck? Me and you both, my friend. If playing the lottery or having a bird take a dump on your head isn’t bringing you much in the way of fortune or luck, then perhaps rolling the dice to get a round of drinks free might be more up your street? Bringing this game of chance concept to Manchester this autumn is legendary Leeds venue, The Mean-Eyed Cat, a deep south dive bar which might see your luck change for the better.
The Mean-Eyed Cat has been a stalwart of the West Yorkshire city’s bar scene for almost 20 years but has now finally opened a Manchester venue on Oldham Street this September. Well known for its rebellious spirit, wild party games with free drinks and great cocktails, The Mean-Eyed Cat will also be dishing out no-catch free pizza and bringing serious party vibes. Drinkers can expect high energy vibes, great music and even free drinks – the dive bar is home to the much-loved Roll the Dice game – simply roll a six and get your round for free, every time!
The free pizzas are available with every drink, every day from 5pm – 9pm – no catch – and the toppings are delicious and add to the deep south vibe, with Cheeseburger, Chipotle Fajita and Buffalo Cauliflower on the menu. Meanwhile, the cocktails include several Johnny Cash-themed drinks, including I Walk The Lime, a Key Lime Pie inspired creamy classic with Absolut lime vodka, apple juice, sugar syrup, cream, lime curd and a sprinkling of lime zest and Ting of Fire a zesty, fruity, vodka number with watermelon liqueur and Ting grapefruit juice, creating an easily chug-able cocktail.
Guests will also find sister bar Tiki Hideaway downstairs in the venue, which was previously home to Asian fine-dining restaurant, District. The Hawaiian themed rum shack will have a fun and friendly atmosphere with chilled out Caribbean-inspired cocktails. The bar, which also has venues in Leeds and Liverpool, is famous for its Flaming Zombie which packs a punch.
Both The Mean-Eyed Cat and Tiki Hideaway are open until late in Leeds, and plan to have the same opening hours in the Manchester venue. The venues are owned by independent hospitality firm Escapism Bars, which has bars in Leeds and Liverpool, and also plans to open venues in Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield over the next two years.
Grant Dexter, Managing Director at Escapism Bars, said: “With many hospitality firms and venues feeling the pinch due to the energy crisis and cost of living, it’s exciting to be able to open these awesome venue, which includes not one but two incredible bars, in this popular area in Manchester which spans the NQ and Ancoats.
“We opened The Mean-Eyed Cat in Leeds back in 2004 and it has stood the test of time, attracting students, after work drinkers, party goers and anyone that likes to let their hair down. We can’t wait to see what Manchester’s legendary revellers make of the venues!”
The Mean-Eyed Cat and Tiki Hideaway will open at 60 Oldham Street, M4 1LE on September 28.