Liverpool hospitality duo expand into Manchester
Matt Farrell and John Ennis, founders of Graffiti Spirits Group, are taking one of their best-known Liverpool bar brands into Manchester. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool hospitality entrepreneurs Matt Farrell and John Ennis are taking their successful Salt Dog Slims brand to Manchester.
As founders of Graffiti Spirits Group (GSG Hospitality), the pair are behind a number of well-known outlets in Liverpool, including Salt Dog Slims, Duke Street Food and Drink Market, Bold Street Coffee, Maluco, Slim’s on Bold Street, Santa Chupitos Super Megabite and 81 Ltd.
GSG has acquired a venue close to Manchester’s popular King Street and in close proximity to the renowned Northern Quarter and Spinningfields. The new venture, which will open in early 2021, will see GSG open a Salt Dog Slims in the city.
Salt Dog Slims, in Seel Street in Liverpool, is a bar specialising in steins, bespoke cocktails and US-style chilli dogs. It opened in 2012 and includes a hidden speakeasy bar; 81 Ltd. It is tucked away above the main venue and is only accessible to those who have got the secret code.
The new Manchester venue will be home to both Salt Dog Slims plus a special underground bar that will also require a secret code and will be open to guests ‘by appointment only’.
GSG is currently undergoing a rebrand with the parent group named GSG Hospitality, making way for other sub brands of GSG in the impending months. Matt Farrell said: “Despite the current lockdown and recent Tier 3 restrictions in both Liverpool and Manchester, we’re determined to stay positive at GSG.
“We’ve been considering expansion into other northern cities for a while now and we’ve finally found a venue that is perfect for us and the concept it’ll be home to. Salt Dog Slims is a much-loved bar for its music, drinks and unique atmosphere and we’re looking forward to bringing it to Manchester.”
John Ennis added: “The new venue is right in the heart of Manchester and in the centre of the city’s buzzing nightlife. We can’t wait to open the venue in early 2021 and welcome familiar guests whilst also introducing Salt Dogs and our new underground, exclusive speakeasy to the people of Manchester and beyond.”