The original team behind Ramona and The Firehouse will open the two-floor restaurant, bar and music venue this September...
A new Latin American-inspired barbecue restaurant, bar and late-night venue is set to open in Manchester’s Northern Quarter this September.
Dahlia is the latest project from WANT Studios, the creative hospitality studio run by Andy Marshall, Andy Windsor, Liam McCue and Adelaide Winter.
The WANT Studios team were the original creatives behind Manchester venues including Ramona and The Firehouse. Their new two-floor venue will bring together open-fire cooking, Latin American-inspired drinks and a bespoke sound system.
At the centre of Dahlia will be Barbacoa Cósmica (translated as ‘cosmic barbecue’), described as the Northern Quarter’s first open-fire grill kitchen.
Its menu is inspired by the campfire and barbecue cooking of Latin America and the southern states of the US, drawing on recipes and techniques encountered during the team’s travels through San Diego, Jalisco, Mexico City and Oaxaca.
Guests will be able to sit at the kitchen counter while chefs prepare fire-cooked plates, fresh tortillas and char-breads to order.
“If it’s on the menu, it’s because we love it — and we hope you do too,” said executive chef Will Taplin, who previously worked across Ramona and The Firehouse.
Alongside the kitchen will be Bar Más Bonita, a central ‘liquorita’ bar specialising in tequila, rum, mezcal and other Latin American spirits.
The term liquorita comes from Spanish street slang for a liquor store, with the drinks menu taking inspiration from Latin America and the Deep South while retaining what the team describes as a distinctly Manchester identity.
Dahlia Stereo will provide the venue’s late-night programme, with DJs taking over after 9pm in an intimate space spread across two floors.
The music programme is being curated by Jonjo Williams, of Maribou State, and Hit & Run founder Rich Reason, with Radio 1 and Talkin’ Loud legend Gilles Peterson, Quantic, Gia Fu, DJ Die, Jamz Supernova and Joey T confirmed for dates in September.
The venue’s capacity will be kept below 250 people.
“We want to create an intimate club environment, so we are keeping capacity below 250,” said Williams. “Designed by the best DJs, for the best DJs.”
The bespoke sound system has been handmade by West Cork’s Hatchett Sound, while its technical and acoustic design has been led by Jonny ‘Oppo’ of Neuron Audio.
“We’ve been doing this for years,” said Oppo. “Manchester venues or restaurants have never had this level of sound installation. It’s truly exciting for the city.”
The wider creative principle behind the venue is being called Dahlia a Mano, meaning ‘Dahlia by hand’.
Much of the space has been produced by the WANT Studios team and specialist makers, including its sound system, open-fire grill, upholstery and artwork. The team is also planning to bottle a range of its own Latin spirits.
Dahlia will hold a media and industry preview on 3 September, followed by a two-week test period from 4 to 18 September.
During the test period, followers of Dahlia’s Instagram account will be able to receive 50% off their food bill from Monday to Friday when booking through the venue’s website.
Dahlia Stereo will host Gilles Peterson on 10 September, with further details of the official opening weekend set to be announced.
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