Story by Ross Wittenham
Photography by Jen Hingley
A brand new bar has opened on Deansgate Locks this week, boasting a feel that was inspired by some of Florida’s most popular clubs.
The venue, Sakura, is a restaurant, bar and club which is inspired by eastern culture and western technology.
Sakura is run by Eclectic Clubs and Bars, who also own the Lola Lo, Fez, Po Na Na and Embargo 59 brands.
Eclectic’s Operations Director Lee Nicolson, said: “I toured across Miami to get the right image for the lighting.”
The result is a wall of LED lights that display graphics, brands and music visualisations.
The club is aimed at students, but is attempting to transform the student experience of nightlife.
Mr Nicolson said: “At a typical student night, people are being sick on the floor, here they up their game.”
He was keen to point out that Sakura is a “premium discount” venue, where the quality is noticeable, but still affordable.
The venue boasts not only a separate VIP “Gold Room”, but also a Sushi bar that runs throughout the night.
Restaurant manager Lai Sung said: “We are trying to offer the whole experience.”
The Twisted Tokyo club is downstairs from the bar and restaurant.
Mr Nicolson said that major promoters such as Complain have already shown a lot of interest.
Mr Nicolson and Ms Sung both highlighted the fact that Sakura, and indeed all the clubs on the Locks, serve food, and so hope that the area won’t attract food vans.
Greg Stirling, one of the venue managers, said: “I came down from Glasgow to do this job. I thought I had seen everything, but I was wrong.”
For more information contact: www.sakuramanchester.com
