"No two visits are ever the same"

Manchester Food and Drink Festival is right around the corner, culminating as always in the annual MFDF Awards. As sponsors of this year's Bar of the Year award, DesignMyNight caught up with all of the award nominees to find out why they should get your vote. First up is King Street cocktail bar, Liquorice. 

James O'Gara of Liquorice tells us why this independent bar deserves your vote. Photo: Edward Tang

Name and occupation:

James O’Gara, AGM

Bar:

Liquorice, 50 Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 1AQ

Sum up your bar in three words: 

Intimate, relaxed, sophisticated.

Ok, now tell us a little bit more about it: 

We are a independently owned bar, with a dedicated team who thrive on delivering excellent service whilst also offering a wide range of cocktails, spirits and beers. We are constantly changing and developing everything in the bar; whether that’s the food, the cocktails, the spirits or the music. No two visits are ever the exact same. 

How long have you been open, and how has the bar changed in that time? 

We have been open for just over a year now. In the beginning we revolved a lot more around food, however in the past eight months we have developed our cocktail menu and back bar so now we are predominantly a cocktail bar over anything else. 

Photo: Edward Tang 

What aspect of your bar are you most proud of? 

Having the lads around us who want to work here, who want to take part in events like this, who want to get better do more training and learn every aspect of the bar they can. 

What do you think makes your bar unique? 

We are a very personal bar. We are on a side street where passing trade isn't huge, so we have to deliver great drinks and service all the time or risk losing customers. 

What’s your signature drink? 

As we are called Liquorice it would be wrong to say anything else apart from the “Liquorice Sour”. It gives everyone their sweet fix.

What makes a great bar in your opinion? 

Great service, attention to detail, music and atmosphere. 

Photo: Edward Tang

What would it mean to  you to win this award? 

It would cement our place within the Manchester bar scene and show that all our hard work has paid off. 

Why should people vote for you? 

Because we are an independent bar that strives to improve in all areas to provide all of our customers with a great experience.

Have Liquorice got your vote? Vote for them now at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival website. Voting closes on Monday 1st October. 

See all MFDF Bar of the Year nominees