A NEW social bar and bistro has recently opened in the heart of Denton with the help of generous benefactors.
Market Square Social has taken over what was known as The Post Room on Albert Street to become one of Tameside’s first crowdfunded businesses.
Amy and Jack Howard, the owners of Howard’s Neighbourhood Bar, launched a crowdfunding page over the summer in a bid to keep one of the town’s central sites alive.
Thanks to donations from over 60 people and people giving their time for nothing, more than £2,300 was raised and, after lots of hard work, the venue is now up and running.
It’s been a busy time for Amy and Jack, who have recently brought a new baby into the world whilst balancing the challenges of running their existing business and fulfilling their dream of expansion whilst saving one of Denton’s beautiful buildings and bringing the community together.
“We got a little bit of what we needed and we’ve had quite a few small businesses that are local and are friends that have done work for nothing, or for parts and labour, and that’s helped us to get us to where we needed to be,” Amy told the Correspondent.
“We did well and got what we needed and somehow we’ve managed to make it open. I don’t know how but we have, even with a four-week-old baby.”
Amy and Jack have had numerous major issues to contend with since opening Howard’s Neighbourhood Bar – including Covid-19, Brexit, a cost of living crisis and a house fire.
But they hope to keep the Manchester Road venue open as a drinks-only establishment, and serve food at the Market Square Social site which has a larger kitchen facility.
“It was scary when we opened Howard’s four years ago – we were bringing something completely different to the area,” Amy added.
“We didn’t have brands and it took a long time for people to understand but people have really taken to it.
“It’s about giving people a night out to move between the two venues if they want. We wanted to keep them similar but complement each other.
“We will be serving brunch, Sunday lunches and small plates. We had plans in place before Covid and will be looking to launch food and drink markets on the square.”
Serving brunch, Sunday lunch and small plates, Market Square Social at 9 Albert Street is open Thursdays 5pm to 11pm, Fridays 3pm to 11pm, Saturdays midday to 11pm and Sundays midday to 9pm.