Once home to the legendary Bijou Club, this cathedral-side venue has been transformed into SDK: Manchester’s boldest new playground for dining, drinking and dancing.
Just steps from Manchester Cathedral, a new energy is pulsing through the historic Cathedral Arches district. SDK, the latest opening from nightlife visionary Damien Matto, has reimagined the iconic former Bijou Club into a sleek, multi-layered destination for all-day dining, sunset cocktails and elevated late-night revelry.
To bring the concept to life, Damien partnered with Premier League winner Danny Simpson, who brings his own deep-rooted passion for nightlife and a global point of view. Danny has experienced some of the world’s most exciting nightlife, from Dubai to Marbella. His insight helped shape SDK into something authentically international yet distinctly Manchester.
Once a magnet for global stars from Drake to Justin Bieber, The Bijou Club helped define Manchester’s club culture for a decade. But as Matto watched the city evolve post-pandemic, he sensed a shift. Guests still craved excitement, but with a new emphasis on experience, atmosphere and fluid day-to-night socialising.
Sitting pretty in Greengate Square, SDK is literally a minute’s stroll from Harvey Nichols, which makes it dangerously convenient after a Sunday shopping spree. The vibe? Think Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates, a bar shaking up everything from classic cocktails to creative signatures, and a soundtrack that evolves into live entertainment and DJ sets as the night goes on. And by late evening, SDK effortlessly shifts into a sleek, buzzing hangout.
If you’re around on a Sunday, their roast is a bit of a revelation. The platter for two comes loaded with succulent roast beef, tender chicken supreme, rich currant gravy, smashed roast potatoes, buttery seasonal veg, crisp Yorkies and all the proper trimmings. You also get a complimentary drink each. Choose from Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, lager or a signature mocktail. It’s indulgent, relaxed and excellent value at £25 per person.
Fridays bring their tongue-in-cheek ‘Fries Before Guys’ special: 60 minutes of unlimited truffle fries with every sauce you can imagine, paired with bottomless drinks and cocktails. All for £25 per person – or upgrade to a plate of steak for just a fiver more. Weekend plans sorted.
When we visited on a Friday night, the space felt instantly stylish: marble details, mirrored accents and a sophisticated but welcoming atmosphere. The DJ was on the louder side, but it added to the energy rather than overwhelming it. The sharing plates arrive as they’re ready, which keeps the table lively.
We were four, and yes – we ordered generously: beetroot hummus with flatbread (£12), garlic & parsley crevette prawns (£11.50), fried mac & cheese balls (£15), beef sliders (£16.50), Izmir grilled chicken thighs (£17), harissa roasted aubergine (£17), and two flame-grilled sirloin steaks with peppercorn and chimichurri (£27 each). Everything was cooked beautifully, and the portions worked perfectly for sharing.
What really stands out at SDK is how well it caters to every type of night out. Whether you’re after a casual dinner, a fun get-together with friends, or a late-night session (they’ve got the licence to keep you going). The team is friendly, passionate and genuinely invested in making sure you have a great time.
A stylish setting, great food, top-notch service and that easy Manchester cool. SDK is definitely one to watch.
SDK Bar & Restaurant // 16 Chapel Street, M3 7NH // info@sdk-bar.restaurant
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
