Blacklock Manchester
Other Side transformed a historic Victorian warehouse into Blacklock Manchester, emphasizing original features, vintage furnishings, and curated zones for intimacy and discovery.
Nestled beneath the vibrant energy of Manchester’s Peter Street, award-winning steak and chop house Blacklock’s newest outpost brings a storied Grade II listed Victorian warehouse back to life. Crafted by interior design studio Other Side, the space balances the charm of its historic setting with Blacklock’s inviting, character-driven aesthetic. This transformation honours the building’s past while delivering a warm, intimate venue that feels as though it has always belonged in Manchester.
The design began with uncovering the building’s original features: exposed brickwork, timber floors, and high vaulted ceilings. These elements, marked by time and history, serve as the foundation of the space. Where repairs were needed, locally sourced reclaimed bricks were seamlessly integrated to preserve authenticity. Complementing these textures are vintage furnishings—over half of the chairs were sourced from markets and antique dealers—paired with tactile table tops crafted from reclaimed iroko wood.
Zones within the space are carefully curated to evoke intimacy and discovery. Curved booths upholstered in deep peacock blues, vintage timber screens with textured glass, and the building’s original columns naturally create cosy corners and distinct seating areas. At the heart of the design is the open kitchen pass, framed by reclaimed glazed bricks found on-site—a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage. Views of the charcoal grill lend energy and theatre to the dining experience, while a salvaged mid-century ocean liner serving station adds a sense of craftsmanship and nostalgia.
Lighting plays a transformative role, with natural shafts of light from high windows evolving the ambiance throughout the day. By evening, vintage fixtures and candle-lit elements cast a comforting glow, reinforcing the sense of timeless escapism that defines Blacklock Manchester.
This collaboration between Other Side and Blacklock celebrates Manchester’s architectural and cultural heritage while creating a venue that invites guests to lose themselves in its layered textures, rich colours, and honest design. A true retreat in the heart of the city, Blacklock Manchester is both a love letter to the past and a testament to the power of thoughtful, heritage-focused design.
Design: Other Side
Contractor: Meridian
Photography: Eleonora Boscarelli