Hit underground bar One Eight Six, which had quietly closed in September, is to reopen, with one of its founder members back on board. An announcement was made on the Manchester bar’s official Instagram page confirming the news on New Year’s Eve.
And popular singer Dean Mac has announced he is to rejoin the new owners of the bar as its ‘Head of Vibes’. Dean had been the face of the brand when it had first launched in Manchester city centre in 2019 and was known for his lively band performances inside.
Announcing the news on Instagram with a grainy video of Dean performing and revellers at the bar, the One Eight Six post said: “As the proud new owners of ONE EIGHT SIX we’re bringing back the best of the good old days!
“Get ready for the return of the legendary party vibes – and yes, The Mac is back!”
Dean also posted a message on his Instagram stories saying: “I’m truly honoured to be invited back by the new owners of ONE EIGHT SIX to take the reins as Head of Vibes!”
He added: “We’re bringing back the nonstop energy and the unforgettable moments you’ve all been asking for. With the new ownership comes fresh rules, an elevated experience, and a renewed commitment to making every night unforgettable.”
He finished by saying: “Opening in 2025, I can’t wait to party with you all – stay tuned for what’s to come!”
The bar has had a chequered history at its location at 186 Deansgate which first opened in 2019. Only three months after launching it was forced to close for a year due to the Covid lockdowns.
How One Eight Six bar on Deansgate looked when it first launched in the city
(Image: Supplied)
Then at the end of 2021 the bar was nearly destroyed by fire after a disastrous New Year’s Eve event exactly three years ago today.
Sparklers raised in the air by revellers had set alight festive foliage attached to the roof – and it meant 170 revellers were evacuated in the early hours of New Year’s Day as firefighters descended on Deansgate to tackle the blaze.
It would take another two years to reopen, after a huge £1.7m refurb, in December 2023. But by June 2024, Dean Mac made a shock announcement that he was no longer involved with the bar.
He issued a statement on his Instagram saying at the time: “The time has come for me to part ways with ONE EIGHT SIX due to a conflict of interest. Here’s to the future.”
In September, the bar was suddenly closed up again, with all bookings cancelled. It was initially blamed on an electrical fault, but the bar failed to reopen without any further explanation – and owners did not respond to enquiries despite numerous attempts from the MEN.
Now, it appears One Eight Six can finally look forward to its next chapter.