Blossom Street Social, a neighbourhood wine bar in Ancoats, Manchester, has closed its doors after nearly seven years. The venue confirmed the news via Instagram, thanking staff and customers in a heartfelt message.
A Second Site for Hanging Ditch
The bar opened in 2019 and was brought to life by the award-winning wine merchants Hanging Ditch, who had a wine shop and bar near Manchester Cathedral until 2020. Founder Ben Stephenson reworked the concept of a wine bar, acting as a wine shop as well as an entertainment and social space. The wine list focused on top quality bottles at reasonable prices, with a selection dispensed by the glass through the Coravin system.
'Danced Our Last Dance'
In a sad update, the team confirmed they had 'danced our last dance'. Though they did not cite a specific reason for the closure, they reflected on the past six years. The statement read: "Blossom Street Social closes its doors after six and a half years at the heart of the Ancoats community. When we opened in 2019, just months before the world changed forever, we couldn't possibly have imagined the journey ahead."
More Than a Wine Bar
The statement continued: "Through lockdowns, uncertainty and everything that followed, we somehow managed to build something that became far more than a wine bar. Wine was always at the heart of what we did, but so were the conversations, the music, the art and the community that grew around it." The venue hosted tastings, exhibitions, launches, celebrations, social sessions and countless memorable nights. They watched first dates become engagements, engagements become marriages, and couples return with babies.
A Wall of Wine and Pop-Up Kitchens
As with their previous site on Victoria Street, they had a wall of wine as the focal point, but they also had a kitchen to accommodate guest chefs and street food vendors as part of a pop-up concept. There was also live music and DJs on regularly.
Heartfelt Thanks
The team added: "The truth is, we loved this place. We loved opening the doors every day and never quite knowing where the evening would lead." They thanked every customer, artist, DJ, supplier, collaborator and friend who became part of their story. A special thank you went to Tom, Luke, Kitty, Emily, Phoebe and Cameron for staying to the very end.
The announcement attracted hundreds of comments online. One follower wrote: "You were absolutely the best bar in Manchester by far, and we're going to miss it - not just the wine and cheeseboard but especially the amazing team." Another added: "This is absolutely devastating. Legitimately one of my favourite bars that's ever existed in Manchester."
