Independent hospitality group has secured a venue for a new restaurant and underground speakeasy

Graffiti Spirits Group/GSG Hospitality, the independent hospitality group behind many of Liverpool’s most vibrant new bars including Duke Street Food and Drink Market, Bold Street Coffee, Maluco, Slim’s on Bold Street, Santa Chupitos, Super Megabite, 81 Ltd and Salt Dog Slims, has revealed that it will be expanding the brand into Manchester.

GSG has acquired a venue near King Street, which it is planning to open as Salt Dog Slims in early 2021.

Introducing Salt Dogs and our new underground, exclusive speakeasy to the people of Manchester and beyond

Salt Dog Slims, which opened in Liverpool’s buzzing Seel Street back in 2012, is a lively bar specialising in steins, bespoke cocktails and American style chilli dogs. Liverpool's Salt Dog Slims is also home to a hidden speakeasy bar; 81 Ltd, tucked away above Salt Dog Slims and is only accessible to those with a secret code.

The new Manchester venue will also feature a special underground bar that will be open to guests ‘by appointment only’.

2019 10 01 Duke Street Matt Farrell And John Ennis
GSG's Matt Farrell and John Ennis

Graffiti Spirits Group is currently undergoing an exciting rebrand with the parent group renamed GSG Hospitality. This is to make way for a number of new sub brands of GSG in the impending months.

Matt Farrell, co-founder of GSG Hospitality, said: “Despite the current lockdown and recent Tier 3 restrictions in both Liverpool and Manchester, we’re determined to stay positive. We’ve been considering expansion into other northern cities for a while now and we’ve finally found a venue that is perfect for us and the concept it’ll be home to.

“Salt Dog Slims is a much-loved bar for its music, drinks and unique atmosphere and we’re looking forward to bringing it to Manchester.”

John Ennis, co-founder of GSG Hospitality, added: “The new venue is right in the heart of Manchester and in the centre of the city’s buzzing nightlife. We can’t wait to open the venue in early 2021 and welcome familiar guests whilst also introducing Salt Dogs and our new underground, exclusive speakeasy to the people of Manchester and beyond."

They haven’t revealed the exact location yet, although have told us it’s ‘a stone's throw from Albert Square’ (but apparently not the former 1761 restaurant/Lily’s bar site, so they’re keeping us guessing for now.....)


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