Two of Manchester's most renowned Head Bartenders to create drinks menu at new neighbourhood cocktail bar

Two former head bartenders at some of Manchester’s most famous venues are joining forces to create a drinks menu at a newly-launched neighbourhood cocktail bar in Ancoats.

Fronted by Liam Manton and Amy Harrison, Finders Keepers will open in Islington Marina just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August. Liam, who co-founded Didsbury Gin with Mark Smallwood, was awarded an OBE earlier this year for services to the community in Greater Manchester during Covid-19.

The venue promises to serve ‘high-quality crafted cocktails’ in an intimate, relaxed setting offering unique views out over the marina. The bar will feature a terrazzo bar countertop alongside marble top tables and bespoke banquet seating and bar stools for up to 50 people inside. There will also be outdoor space for around 25 people.

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Perhaps most exciting for the venue, however, will be the creation of a seasonal menu from some of the best minds in Manchester’s bar scene right now.

Jonny Moncur, who was head bartender at Speak In Code for several years and was recently shortlisted for Bartender of the Year at this year's Manchester Bar Awards, will work alongside Jack Daniels, former Head Bartender of Wood Restaurant, to craft and curate the drinks menu, which will rotate quarterly.

“We’re passionate about world class drinks and being Ancoats residents for many years we wanted to create a place to enjoy amazing cocktails with great hospitality,” founders Liam and Amy said in a joint statement.

“Finders Keepers is the perfect addition to the buzzing Manchester cocktail scene and more importantly, the marina, complimenting our neighbours’ offerings. We