No1 Watson Street: Manchester's newest beer bar
Combining lengthy ale and wine lists with a tantalising menu, No1 Watson Street is a beer house with a difference. We meet the new kid on the block
Not content with changing how Mancunians drink champagne, the team behind glamorous bar Épernay have another project on the horizon.
No1 Watson Street is the newest member of the foodie clan around the Great Northern square, and will sit in the spot once occupied by Taps. It promises to bring craft beers, tasty plates and a relaxed vibe to Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhood.
We spoke to owner Chris Payne about the new venture, and what punters can expect.
The Skinny: Tell us about the idea behind No1 Watson Street – what inspired you to open it?
Chris Payne: I wanted to produce a comfortable, welcoming environment which had great products, primarily focused on beer. I also really enjoy a nice beer, and was looking for somewhere different in Manchester where I could enjoy all the different varieties in a home-from-home environment.
You're setting up shop on the Great Northern square. What was it that attracted you to the area?
It's an area that is becoming incredibly popular in Manchester. I looked at what Taps was and envisaged what could be, and the location was one of the best elements. So we decided to keep the location, and with more and more venues opening this side of the Northern Quarter, it seems as though we got in at the right time!
You also head up champagne bar Épernay. What makes No1 Watson Street different?
Épernay is well known for focusing on champagnes, wines and cocktails. The basic premise of No1 is that it’s beer led, but with a great wine and cocktail list and really great food. We have taken the underlying ethos of premium quality products and excellent customer service, and we have implemented that. Each brand has its own identity and atmosphere that matches the products and style we want to create, but both have their foundations in quality customer service and exciting products.
The beer and wine lists are really extensive. What makes the lists so special? What can people expect from them?
We want to have as large a range of beers as possible, to welcome as many different palates as possible. With the sheer quantity of beers out there, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to each individual. We’re home to over 60 varieties of beers, ales and ciders and so, with that, it’s our aim to talk to people and find what their preferences are and introduce them to their perfect pint. We’ve used the knowledge of Épernay's own in-house sommelier to create a focused but innovative wine list that complements the beer and food.
Pizza is a major part of your food menu. Do you take a traditional approach or mix things up?
Pizzas are a simple idea, which, when combined with a high-quality chef, can be turned into something innovative, different and memorable. The pizza which ticks all those boxes so far has to be the chicken waffle with maple syrup. Don't knock it until you've tried it. The spicy avocado option is also going down a treat. One guy also said he has eaten the best meatball sub of his life here, and another guy said the same about the prawns, so that's a promising start!
And finally: can you sum up No1 Watson Street in three words?
Comfortable, exciting, delicious.
No1 Watson Street, Great Northern square, Manchester M3 4EE
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