New £350k underground bar in Manchester to create 20 jobs

The entrepreneurs behind Manchester’s old split-level JW Johnsons venue are set to create 20 jobs with the launch of an underground bar on Deansgate.

Tim Bacon, Dave Hinds and Lee Lynch will establish Red Door in the 2,800 sq ft space located below The Botanist, which now occupies the ground-floor unit that was once home to JW Johnsons.

The site will be given a £350k makeover and, once open, will have room for 250 revellers.

Tim and Dave trace their professional relationship back to the early 1990s when they founded JW Johnsons, which was quickly followed by their other leisure businesses, Via Vita and Life Café.

Along with their business partner Jeremy Roberts, the two sought to revive Manchester city centre’s dining scene. In 1999, they sold their venues to hospitality firm Whitbread and Dave moved on to focus on his property interests, while Tim and Jeremy founded restaurant and bar operator Living Ventures.

Managing director Lee, who is a partner in Red Door, has worked with Tim and Dave since 1998.

He commented: “Following the huge success of our venues in Chester and Liverpool, we are delighted to bring Red Door to Manchester, our intention is to make it one of the best bars around, with highly trained bartenders and live music.

“It will hopefully make a significant contribution to the return of a positive and thriving bar scene at that end of Deansgate.”

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