renae

“This is not a listening bar.” renae’s tagline tells you everything there is to know about this Northern Quarter gem. Music focused, complete with record store, despite being run by prominent figures from Manchester’s hospitality and club scenes this place is all about leaving egos behind and having a good time. The fact you can do that while listening to quality sets from some of our hometown’s best local hero and emerging dance and electronic DJs is the secret sauce. The key to a story that started with big success and has only gained momentum and strength since. 

Cool but not pretentious, renae is a local labour of love in the truest sense, with a number of Manchester talents involved in different aspect of the bar. The interiors are striking yet understated, a nod to the area’s industrial past and an homage to its status as a destination for design fans. And the logo is like a lost descendant of legendary New York pop artist and activist Keith Haring’s iconic figures, often used to promote counter cultural spaces. As for the sound, this place runs Manchester’s only L-Acoustics Syva rig, fine-tuned and installed by Soundhaus, an independent audio team with a deservedly big reputation. 

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If all that sounds good, the drinks are even better. Highlights for us include a fig-based cocktail on a menu packed with great serves, and a beautiful bottle of semi-sparkling red. But you’ll also find less extravagant options, including a well priced house lager and guest taps which have all been chosen for their quality. With plans to expand into the upper floors — adding a ticketed venue to the existing free-entry party pad — and with regular collaborations, including a pop-up book shop, renae captures the real Northern Quarter spirit. Independent, forward-thinking, multi-faceted and fiercely proud of making sure everyone feels welcome.