Slammed as 'sexist' and 'regressive' - but Hooters staff say they feel 'empowered' ahead of 'exciting' Salford Quays launch

It is one of the most controversial bar openings to hit Greater Manchester. Huge opposition built up against plans for a Hooters at Salford Quays, where scantily-clad waitresses would don the American brand's famous uniform.

Dozens sent objections to the council while high-profile critics included Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, the city's mayor Paul Dennett and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Groups including the Women's Equality Party, Womanchester and Male Allies Challenging Sexism also lined up against the proposal.

Yet despite the backlash surrounding a business critics described as 'regressive', 'sexist' and 'like something from the 1970s', the plans were given the green light by Salford City Council. Now, the manager of the only existing Hooters in the country has told Nottinghamshire Live of her excitement about the chain's expansion - insisting women who work at the restaurant are 'empowered'.

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The Nottingham branch is currently the only Hooters in the country and is one of the city's most popular restaurants. It makes it as popular destination for both hen and stag nights, while the bar is often packed for sporting events, including Nottingham Forest's recent success in the Championship play-off final.

Ahead of new openings in both Salford and Liverpool, Nottingham restaurant manager Olivia Wright said: "It takes away the novelty slightly that it won't be the only one but even if another opens, then you all fall under the same umbrella. We are all very connected so it's good to see it expanding as there is always room for a new restaurant with more people involved. It's exciting."

Olivia says she was drawn to working in the