Sister bar to Dulcimer, Chorlton; like that, it is the co-tap for the Brewed by Oud brewing company in which deputy bar manager, Tom is one of the two brewers. The bar took the decision in early 2018 to stop selling cask beer, thus two disused handpumps grace the main bar along with a back bar font wall featuring sixteen keg lines. The bar is located centrally in the ground floor with free-standing tables both between the entrance and the bar, and to rear of the building. Staircases opposite the bar run down to the toilets and up to the first floor where there are more tables and seating plus a second smaller bar with a seven-font keg wall. There are a couple of tables under a canopy on pavement to front. Beers are sourced both from local breweries such as Blackjack and nationally distributed micro-brewers including Siren, Wild Beer, and Fyne Ales plus occasional beers from Thwaites / Marstons who fitted the cellar. There is an extensive bottled range of foreign and UK craft beers. Food consists of mixed tapas like small plates and burgers; Food only available at weekends currently as they are looking to recruit a full-time chef.
Historic Interest
Re-opened as 11/9/2015 as Saison, replacing cocktail-led Violet Hour with a beer-led bar from the team behind the successful Dulcimer Bar in nearby Chorlton. Opened 25/5/2012 as Violet Hour in the former Hibberts butchers premises. It was a small, nicely presented place with a vague Prohibition-era theme; it had no real ale however. The name originated from the Bernard DeVoto book, 'The Hour: a Cocktail Manifesto'. He wrote 'This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affections grow and valour is reborn.' Planning Application 098124/FO/2011/S1 | Change of use of basement, ground and first floor to a bar/bistro including an external staircase. Granted 1/3/2012.
Saison, West Didsbury