Manchester's 'world famous' Embassy Club, founded by comedy legend Bernard Manning, is set to close and be demolished to make way for a new health facility. The venue in Harpurhey will host its 'last ever comedy night' this week before final closure this spring.
The club was established by Manning and his father in a former billiard hall on Rochdale Road in 1959. It became renowned for cabaret and comedy nights, especially after Manning rose to fame on TV show The Comedians in the 1970s. The venue was a staple of the Northern club scene, attracting coach trips from across the country.
The building is being sold to Manchester Council, with current operators expected to leave by the end of the month. The club is now owned by Bernard Manning Jr, who took over after his father retired in 1999. Manning Sr died in 2007 aged 76.
A final comedy night on Friday, March 6, will feature northern comedians including Alex Mettrick, Andy Mitchell, Thornley Pogson, Marty Riley and Stuart Sharpe. Event organiser Comedy Bay described it as 'the comedy equivalent of the final night at The Hacienda'.
The council plans to demolish the building to build a large health centre, addressing Harpurhey's poor health profile. Councillor Pat Karney said the community is mobilising for a health festival on March 22. The club had faced uncertainty since 2014 and a previous planning application by a church in 2017.
