The Freemount – Manchester Hospitality Fit-Out

Project Spotlight:

Revitalising Manchester’s Iconic
DRY Bar into The Freemount​

Client: Urban Village Bars

Location: 28-30 Oldham Street, Manchester

Project Completion: March 2025

Once home to Manchester’s legendary Dry Bar, The Freemount on Oldham Street has been reborn through a full hospitality fit-out by Classic Building Group. Blending bespoke joinery, original architectural features, and a complete interior reimagining, this project reflects both the cultural history of the site and its bold future as a new independent venue.

As one of Manchester’s most recognisable music and nightlife venues, the Dry Bar was a cultural landmark. Classic Building Group retained elements of the original character — including exposed brickwork and window arches — while reworking the space for modern function, flow, and compliance.

Today, The Freemount is a stylish, robust hospitality venue, custom-built to serve Manchester’s ever-evolving music and drink scene. With a focus on durability, functionality, and atmosphere, the fit-out includes a bespoke bar, high-performance flooring, and adaptable seating areas for day-to-night trade.

Working closely with the project architects, Classic Building Group delivered a complete transformation of the building, including:
Structural adaptations to support new internal layouts and crowd flows
Full interior fit-out, from exposed steelwork to bespoke bar and acoustic treatments
Utilities upgrade, including rewiring, plumbing, and HVAC to suit live performance standards
Detailed collaboration with architectural designers, aligning construction with the creative vision featured in the project showcase video.

Industrial Heritage Meets Contemporary Functionality

Inside The Freemount, the aesthetic is raw yet refined. The venue’s industrial past is preserved through exposed brick walls, visible ducting, and steel support features, while a warm palette of reclaimed wood and soft ambient lighting creates an inviting atmosphere.

Purpose-built bar and lounge areas flank the main floor, with flexible open spaces that can accommodate both high-energy gigs and more intimate sets.

Looking Ahead: Reviving the Past, Reimagining the Future

This project is a shining example of Classic Building Group’s expertise in adaptive reuse and urban restoration. The team’s careful balance of heritage preservation and modern innovation has given this iconic address new relevance, ensuring its legacy continues at the heart of Manchester’s creative scene.

To learn more about the The Freemount, visit their website: thefreemount.co.uk and plan your visit today.

“Manchester — and the nation — will always remember the legacy Tony Wilson bestowed upon us. From acid house raves to the post-punk revolution, to the unmistakable sound of Joy Division, his passion didn’t just shape music — it shaped Manchester. In restoring the former DRY Bar into The Freemount, we honour that spirit. This project is more than a renovation; it’s a tribute to the man who made Manchester great again.” 
-Classic Building Group