The team behind Ramona and Firehouse is opening a new two-level food, drink and music destination in the Northern Quarter this September. Created by Want Studios, Dahlia will bring together open-fire cooking, Latin American-inspired drinks and late-night entertainment under one roof.
Location and concept
Located on Lever Street as part of The Hive, x+why's new workspace, hospitality and cultural destination, Dahlia marks the 58th launch for founders Andy Windsor, Andy Marshall and Liam McCue, who have worked together for over 20 years.
At its heart is Barbacoa Cósmica, described as the Northern Quarter's first open-fire grill kitchen. Inspired by campfire and barbecue traditions of Latin America and the southern US, the menu draws influences from San Diego to Jalisco and Mexico City to Oaxaca.
Dining experience
Diners can sit at the kitchen counter and watch chefs cook over fire, with freshly made tortillas, charbreads and sharing plates served directly from the grill. Will Taplin, original chef behind Ramona and The Firehouse, said: "Barbacoa Cósmica is the result of everything we have experienced and loved during our travels across Latin America. It is generous, energetic and completely driven by flavour."
The Latin influence continues into Bar Más Bonita, meaning 'most beautiful bar', inspired by neighbourhood liquor stores across Latin America. Its central Liquorita will specialise in tequila, mezcal, rum and other Latin spirits, with a cocktail menu designed to complement the open-fire kitchen's smoke and spice.
Late-night evolution
In the evening, Dahlia transforms into 'Dahlia Stereo', an intimate late-night space across two levels, developed with DJs, sound engineers and acoustic specialists for a music-first experience. After 9pm, selectors from Manchester and beyond will perform, with Gilles Peterson, Quantic, Gia Fu, DJ Die and Joey T already confirmed for September.
Andy Windsor, previously Marketing Director at Mission Mars, said: "Dahlia brings together everything we have learned across more than two decades of hospitality: outstanding people, brilliant products and an atmosphere people will want to return to."
