Legendary dive bar arrives in Northern Quarter with 'no-catch' free pizza and hidden rum shack

Offer any Mancunian something for free and you’ll be greeted with a healthy dose of scepticism. It’s not that they’re not interested, they’re probably just wary there’s a catch.

However, a brand new bar in the Northern Quarter is about to change all that. Mean-Eyed Cat has been a stalwart of the Leeds bar scene for almost 20 years, and this week it’s hoping to recreate some of that magic here in Manchester.

Part of the Escapism Bar Group family, which was founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Phil and Mel Harrison, and spanning a number of popular Leeds venues including Call Lane Social and Brooklyn bar, it's one of Manchester's most hotly-anticipated bar openings.

READ MORE: Two Greater Manchester restaurants named in Michelin Guide just months after opening

READ MORE: Popular city centre bar to undergo HUGE revamp with colour changing bar, birdcage booths and giant iPhone camera

Billed as a ‘Deep South’-inspired bar, it takes over the unit left vacant by high-end Thai barbecue restaurant and bar District at 60 Oldham Street. Formerly run by chef Ben Humphreys, the futuristic dining spot quickly received rave reviews and a listing in the Michelin Guide, but sadly closed in October last year.

Mean-Eyed Cat has some big boots to fill, but a sneak peek at the new bar earlier this week suggests it will become a go-to watering hole - and pizza spot - for the city’s independent quarter. Downstairs, it even has a sister bar, Tiki Hideaway, a Hawaiian-inspired rum shack - but more on that later.

Walk into Mean-Eyed Cat and you’re immediately hit with a strong rock n’ roll vibe, as well as clear nods to legendary American country music star Johnny Cash. From colourful murals and infamous mug shots of the singer, to