'Gutted that it has come to this': Much-loved Manchester bar suddenly closes

A pioneering Manchester bar has announced its closure just weeks after telling customers how 'tough' it was to operate in the current climate. Sober pop-up bar, Love From, announced over the weekend that it would be closing 'immediately' due to its 'financial situation'.

Earlier this month, the team behind the alcohol-free concept confirmed their residency at the Kampus neighbourhood in the city centre would be coming to a close at the end of August. However, on Friday, it was confirmed that Saturday (July 27) would be its last day.

Love From was created by podcast host Karl Considine and debuted with a pop-up space at the city's Kampus neighbourhood on Aytoun Street in October 2023. The bar has hosted cocktail masterclasses and art workshops designed to create a space for people to socialise without alcohol.

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Karl, who is an Alcohol Change UK (ACUK) Ambassador and has now been sober for more than two-and-a-half years, previously told the M.E.N: “We’re creating a space for people to connect in a setting that serves super tasty alcohol-alternative drinks coupled with hosting awesome events."

But, speaking in mid-July, the bar's founder said that while he had hoped to be in a position to open a permanent spot somewhere in Manchester, the climate for hospitality businesses was 'tough', and alcohol-free concepts still considered 'niche'.

Now, in an Instagram post from Friday night, Karl revealed the bar would be closing with immediate effect - although he reassured customers that it wasn't 'goodbye' but 'see you soon'.

The post, entitled 'we are closing', said: "A few weeks ago we announced