Bohemia opens at Castlefield

Way back when Mick Hucknall was a fantasy for desperate housewives and Manchester was known as 'Madchester', there was a slice of the Mediterranean in the city. When Castlefield was in its mid-nineties heyday, Barca was the place to go.

Many will remember it fondly as a drinking destination on sun-fuelled afternoons. Barca came to a sad demise, leaving a prime, waterside bar location empty for years.

So we're pleased to see that this spot has finally been brought back to life. A group of seasoned bar operators have come together to open Bohemia Bar & Grill in the site where Barca once stood. 

They promise that Bohemia will bring 'some of the old, and a lot of the new to Castlefield, in a bar that goes against the grain.'

The bar and restaurant aims to re-establish the holiday vibe that Barca created on its infamous plaza, with laid back music, cocktails and a summery food menu.

The unexpected sunshine means that the timing of the opening couldn't be better. The owners tell us that Bohemia is already attracting a daytime eating and drinking crowd, and that the private rooms are in demand.

We wandered down there on a sunny day and can report that the white wine was flowing and the bar was brimming at the seams.

The next phase for Bohemia includes a private dining area, a private bar, a private club room with balcony which is under construction and a full open grill, a la ‘gaucho’. We'll bring you a full report in a few weeks after the official opening of the restaurant.

Bohemia is offering Confidential readers 50% off food throughout May. To get your voucher, please click here.