Renae

Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant
Renae Logo
Renae

Introducing Renae: A New Creative Hub for Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

This spring, the vibrant Northern Quarter will welcome Renae, a multi-concept venue on Thomas Street. It sees two long-time friends – who first met on a dance floor in 2010 – turning their love for the city’s thriving creative, cultural, and musical scene into physical form. A place where artistry and hospitality merge, offering an inclusive and vibrant space for all. 

A cosy daytime shop with an intimate bar that flows from day to night.

As Renae is a multi-concept venue, it will be opening in stages. First, the ground floor. This neighbourhood music-led bar promises a laid-back yet stylish space, blending a cosy daytime shop with an intimate bar that flows from day to night. Expect natural wines, cocktails and craft beers being served from Friday 28 March 2025. 

Renae Site Location
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With its main focus being to celebrate music culture, the ground floor will also be home to a carefully curated independent record and book shop. The shelves will be stocked by DJ and digger Patrick Ryder – from Manchester collective Talking Drums. There will be a mix of new releases from boutique record labels and a handpicked selection of second-hand records. Think popular classics, rare and sought-after records and promising future favourites, covering a wide range of musical genres and international influences.

A record shop, bar, music venue would not be complete without a bespoke DJ Booth, and Renae will have one as the room’s focus point. This booth will be decked out with Manchester’s only L-Acoustics Syva sound system – crafted by Soundhaus. You can guarantee that any music based event at this venue will sound amazing.

Providing something beyond the ordinary to curious minds.

Just in case all of the above wasn’t enough, there are plans for regular pop-up bookshops from 20k and a dead sheep, who provide something beyond the ordinary to curious minds. Showcasing zines and books that champion independent publishers, they’ll offer a wide collection from art & design, music, photography, to Japanese magazines and rare second-hand titles.

More to come and more floors to explore. But first check out Renae’s ground floor, opening on Friday 28 March 2025. 

45-47 Thomas StreetManchesterM4 1NA View map
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What's on near Renae

Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

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Saan1 presents a pop-up group exhibition from MMU students, exploring place as a whether literal, symbolic or metaphorical subject.

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An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Where to go near Renae

The Smithfield Social
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The Smithfield Social

The Smithfield Social is a charming Northern Quarter destination owned by local lad Liam Fray of Courteeners fame, offering brunch, lunch and a wide selection of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks.

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Cane & Grain

Essentially three bars under one roof, Cane & Grain encompasses a rib joint and tap room, hidden speakeasy, and Tiki-themed Liar’s Lounge.

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The neo-Romanesque arches of this former wholesale food market still stand as a reminder to the Northern Quarter’s mercantile past.

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The Bay Horse Tavern is a laid-back pub based in the dead centre of the Northern Quarter, with a wide range of drinks and food options.

Fierce Bar
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Fierce Bar

Highly-rated bar based in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, seconds away from Common.

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57 Thomas Street is the third outlet belonging to Manchester’s best-known microbrewery, Marble Beers. Unlike the lavish decoration of the Grade II-listed Marble Arch (which also doubles up as a brewery) or the traditional pub layout of the Marble Beer House in Chorlton, this tiny Thomas Street digs has room for just two things: beer and food.

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This small shop has a well-curated range of stock that focuses on vintage homeware and gifts. From Japanese hemp socks to botanical paperweights and HAWS plant misters, each object is beautiful, practical and well made.

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Richard Goodall Gallery

There’s no better place in the country to find and buy examples of music-oriented illustration and photography than the Richard Goodall Gallery

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Manchester’s newest destination for denimheads, Rivet and Hide stocks a collection of quality, Americana-inspired men’s casual wear and raw selvedge denim – including prized Japanese brands like Momotaro, The Flat Head, and Pure Blue Japan.

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NOTE Thomas Street

The sister store to NOTE’s original Tib Street branch, here you’ll find footware, clothes and brands inspired by the skateboard scene. If it’s a new board you’re after, head to Tib Street.

Common Bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
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Common Bar

Northern Quarter stalwart Common Bar in Manchester serves excellent pub food, fine cocktails and decent coffee. It’s a firm Creative Tourist team favourite.

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