New leisure concept, Diecast, opens after deal for six-figure funding package

A six-figure funding package has enabled the opening of a new leisure concept in Manchester.

Phase one of Diecast is now open on Ducie Street, providing food, drink, live music and entertainment.

It is being created by Preston-based A Very Inc, which has a pedigree in leisure venues, such as Ramona and Firehouse on Swan Street in the city.

The latest venture is on the site of the former Presbar Diecast factory in Piccadilly East.

The A Very Inc founders have more than 15 years’ experience, having been founders of the highly successful Manchester-based Mission Mars Group, owning the popular Albert Schloss, Albert Hall, Gorilla, The Deaf Institute and Troff.

They envision Diecast as one of Europe’s largest artisan food, drink and entertainment destinations, with capacity to support 3,500 customers. Taking over the old factory, Diecast is inspired by the warehouse clubbing restaurants of New York, the modern beer halls of Austin Texas, and the world’s greatest music festivals.

Diecast stands at 250,000 sq ft, conveniently located just a few minutes from Piccadilly station.

The design team have preserved industrial features such as corrugated steel and roller shutters. In keeping with the industrial theme, phase one of the refurb sees the opening of Leno Ex-Machina. The restaurant’s name comes from a term for weaving, giving a subtle nod to Manchester’s textile heritage, and a Latin phrase meaning ‘by machine’.

The concept weaves together food, drinks and entertainment on an industrial scale.

Owner/director of Diecast, Dan Mullen, said: “We’ve been dreaming, planning and preparing this project for years.

“We’ve done bars, restaurants, clubs and festivals before, but this is something different. It’s hard to describe because it’s multiple experiences under one roof. But no, it’s not a food hall. Manchester has plenty of those. This is an immersive food, drink and clubbing experience on an industrial scale.”

PMD Business Finance, in Chadderton, arranged the six-figure funding package for established customer, A Very Inc, having previously supported the team with
the Ramona and Firehouse openings.

The PMD team, comprising John Platt, Chris Lever and Callum Bull, arranged a multi-product funding package.

Callum Bull, head of structured finance, said: “We’re delighted to once again be supporting Dan and the team with the acquisition and fit-out for their latest venture. A Very Inc have made waves in the hospitality and leisure industry, and the new Diecast site in the heart of Manchester is no exception.

“Myself and the deal team at PMD are thrilled to see this over the line and provide support for the investment and development of Manchester city centre.”

Dan Mullen added: “John and the team at PMD are long-time friends of the business. They ‘get’ our sector and understand our funding needs and the need to act fast.”