‘Uncertain economic climate’ claims popular business district bar

The uncertain economic climate has been blamed for the closure of a popular central Manchester watering hole.

Cocktail and coffee bar Roc & Rye, on Spring Gardens, has announced its closure, less than two years after opening.

Couple Maritza Haydon and Matt Bonner were behind the venture, together with bar consultant Sean Finnegan, which they described as the city’s ‘sassiest’ bar.

Ms Haydon said: “Sadly Roc & Rye has been forced to close its doors.

“Matt and I found that the sector, like so many others, has been under a lot of strain with the ongoing uncertain economic climate, the latter of which had become increasingly difficult to navigate with all of its challenges.

“Matthew and I fought extremely hard to keep the business going for as long as possible but ultimately we felt that it was time to close the doors.”

She added: “On the last day, we hugged all our staff and they wished us well for the future, we have received nothing but messages of support from the people that we worked within this industry and our staff have gone on to do jobs that they continue to be passionate about.

“As this was a family business, Matthew and I are now looking forward to taking time out and spending time with our two young children before we move forward into our next job roles.

“Inevitably, we will remain within a sector of which we are both extremely passionate about.”

When Roc & Rye opened, in its distinctive Grade II-listed building, it featured a specially-designed on-site laboratory for drink preparation and development, as well as a centrepiece barrel of aged Jameson whiskey behind the bar, providing whiskey-lovers with the opportunity to experience the tipple straight from the barrel, as it was originally served in 1965.

Roc & Rye’s signature cocktail ‘Lost at Sea’ combined Cooper’s Croze Jameson Whiskey with avant-garde drink-making techniques.

The intricate concoction featured a cherry and grapefruit shrub, made by fermenting grapefruit and black Italian cherries with a sherry-based vinegar.

This was then blended with a classic cherry liqueur, smoky Mezcal and sweet vermouth.

The cocktail was barrel aged using staves from the Midleton Distillery in Cork (home of Jameson whiskey) and presented in a whiskey bottle embellished with a 3D printed ship from the Jameson coat of arms.