Blackdog's Secret Lounge

Strictly Ballroom for the launch of Blackdog’s new secret lounge and it's absolutely jam packed with the great and good of Manchester.

As we arrive we’re handed a card to claim our two free drinks , very much appreciated. Veering round to the left of the stairs in Blackdog – located on the corner of Church Street and Tib Street.

Eager drinkers were queuing four deep at the bar to get to one of the 25 different cocktails that take a journey across New York covering Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. We decided to take in the culture and diversity of the Staten Island ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’ which the flat capped barman set on fire for an exciting edge.

Next up was a ‘Corpse Reviver’ complete with a drop of the green fairy, absinthe. It was sharp but still fresh... and highly alcoholic - Fantastic start to the evening it’s got to be said.

The NYC inspired cocktail menu has been created by Manchester’s ‘king of the cocktail’ Tom Sneesby, manager of fellow Northern Quarter hangout Socio Rehab. He was part of the North of England team ranked 4th in the world at the Cocktail World Cup in New Zealand so you know his ideas for Blackdog are sensational.

He has said that “the opportunity at Blackdog is unique as we have the chance to produce some of the finest drinks in the country with the freshest ingredients and the finest products”.

Whilst enjoying our drinks we made our way round the hideaway to take in the oak panelled walls and Chesterfield style leather seating, decorated in lavenders and purple for a luxurious but relaxed vibe – ‘the feel of an opulent gentleman’s club’. Because the Ballroom feels so tucked away it’s easy to sink into a booth and lose track of time... just whiling away the hours...

What really made the night was the appearance of Bruce – the mysterious namesake of the Blackdog Ballroom. The 14 week old Patterdale terrier has a job all of his own – to keep owners Ross Mackenzie (of Number One Club, Sankeys and Purple Pussycat fame) and Jobe Ferguson (behind the success of the Northern Quarter Restaurant and Bar) in check! Bruce’s friendly character attracted tons of fans and according to Jobe can “cheer up even the grumpiest souls. Winston Churchill’s infamous black moods, which he called his Black Dogs, would even be banished by Bruce!”

As the super stylish crowd boogied away to a varied mix of tunes with a bit of cool house thrown in, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ was projected onto the wall - an inspired touch

Further emanating the prohibition style of drinking and dancing were Kim and Philip from Dance Land who kept the energy up on the dance floor in the main bar. Chatting to them between numbers they revealed their appreciation of the venue and the whole speakeasy concept.

The Ballroom can be hired for events and parties, holding up to 60 people with its own bar and pool table and of course with entry policed by a keypad and code it couldn’t be more suited to a private party. Owner Ross was telling me they didn’t want it to become a pretentious members only room, more of an area where private parties can be held or where their mates can hang out!

Catching up with some of the regulars, Amber and Nadine they revealed how they feel at home in Blackdog Ballroom and that “having a password on the door to the Ballroom is a really good idea”. They were also keen to point out that with it being in the Northern Quarter there isn’t ever any “Deansgate Trash” frequenting the bar! I also discovered that I was talking to a ‘celebrity’ – Amber appeared on Jonathan Ross last week as one of Lady GaGa’s avid fans dressed in a fantastically theatrical outfit.

Barman Granville, who has worked at the Blackdog bar since it opened extolled its virtues saying “It’s non-pretentious and perfect for private functions”. He told me the favourite drink in the main bar is usually beer – San Miguel was the recommended choice and that through in the Ballroom he predicted Bourbon with ginger to be the most popular.

The only thing I didn’t get the chance to try was the food which I heard was great, cheap but delicious which, let’s face it is exactly what we all want.