New ‘Deep South Dive Bar’ that gives away free pizza is heading to the Northern Quarter

A new ‘Deep South’ inspired dive bar that’s been a favourite in Leeds for nearly 20 years is coming to Manchester. Mean-Eyed Cat will be opening in the Northern Quarter, and here’s the best bit - it gives out no-strings-attached free pizza to customers.

Punters get the free snack - a mini four-slice number - with every drink between 5pm and 9pm every day. Toppings have a ‘deep south vibe’, say owners and include cheeseburger, chipotle fajita and buffalo cauliflower.

Drinks wise, there are apparently several ‘Johnny Cash-themed drinks’, including the ‘I Walk The Lime’, inspired by the key lime pie dessert, and made with with lime vodka, apple juice, sugar syrup, cream, lime curd and a sprinkling of lime zest.

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There’s also the ‘Ting of Fire’, made with vodka, watermelon liqueur and Ting grapefruit soda.

It’ll be moving into the unit left vacant by high-end Thai barbecue restaurant and bar District, at 60 Oldham Street. Run by chef Ben Humphrys, the futuristic dining spot quickly received rave reviews and a listing in the Michelin Guide but sadly closed in October last year.

As well as Mean-Eyed Cat upstairs, there will be a sister bar in the basement called Tiki Hideaway, a ‘Hawaian-themed rum shack’.

Grant Dexter, Managing Director at Escapism Bars, said: “With many hospitality firms and venues feeling the pinch due to the energy crisis and cost of living, it’s exciting to be able to open these awesome venue, which includes not one but two incredible bars, in this popular area in Manchester which spans the NQ and Ancoats.

“We opened The Mean-Eyed Cat in Leeds back in 2004 and it has stood the test of time, attracting