Greater Manchester bar and restaurant that suddenly closed confirms comeback

Neighbourhood Bar Three Twelve will reopen this summer

A south Manchester business will return to the high street after closing its doors last year. Witch Kings Bar & Restaurant based in Levenshulme shut last September, but will open under a new guise.

This summer, it will reopen as Bar Three Twelve, and is billed as 'laid-back, welcoming neighbourhood hangout'. At present, it will only be open for a short period, from May until October.

Located at 312 Slade Lane, the venue was previously home to Witch Kings Rum Bar. Since closing the bar in its former form, owner Maxi Tin-Bradbury has used the space for private events while focusing on his work as a private chef and hosting culinary masterclasses.

The former restaurant and bar shut due to 'rising costs' and 'economy issues', and Maxi said the business was no longer 'viable'.

He started the former bar and restaurant with Brandon Bissell during the pandemic as a rum liqueur business before announcing plans in August 2023 to expand in to a bar and restaurant concept.

The pair took on the former premises of popular vegetarian restaurant, The Gherkin.

Maxi's new concept will serve a wide selection of coffee, soft drinks, wines, classic and creative cocktails, and craft beer sourced from local breweries. Plus Witch Kings Rum will still be on the shelves.

"Since we closed as Witch Kings, I’ve had so many conversations with people in the neighbourhood who said they really missed having a spot like this on this side of town - away from the A6 but still local and welcoming,” said Maxi Tin-Bradbury.

“It just made sense to open it up again and let the community enjoy the space, especially the beer gardens over summer.”

While there won’t be a full kitchen, the bar will serve charcuterie boards from small British producers, artisan snacks, and the occasional surprise treat.

This summer, the venue will also host supper clubs, tasting events, private parties, and cheese and wine evenings.

Bar Three Twelve will open its doors on Friday, May 2 at 312 Slade Ln, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 2BY. After then it will be open on Thursdays from 5pm until 11pm and on Fridays, 4pm until 11:30pm.