GRUB ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ‘ON THE 7TH’ BAR AT MEDIACITY

GRUB has announced it will take over operations of On The 7th, an elevated bar space at MediaCity with views across the Quays, bringing the venue back to life with a refreshed food and drink offer and a renewed focus on quality, atmosphere and post-work culture.

Reopening its doors to MediaCity tenants, On The 7th will open with a press launch night taking place on 26th February. The bar will initially operate exclusively for MediaCity residents, offering a dedicated space for those working across the creative and media community to unwind, socialise and reconnect above the quays.
Known for delivering independent, community driven venues, events and experiences across Manchester, GRUB’s approach to On The 7th focuses on elevating the existing space while keeping it welcoming and accessible. The new offer centres around a premium bar experience without the premium price tag, built around timeless cocktails, bold spirits and an excellent wine list alongside a considered food menu designed for after work gatherings and relaxed evenings.

Happy hour will see premium cocktails and pints available from £5, reinforcing the venue’s position as an everyday destination rather than an occasional treat.

Sean McGuirk, Head of Operations at GRUB MCR, said:
“We’re really looking forward to bringing back the On The 7th bar in MediaCity. It’s a great space that we’re giving a new lease of life with a brand new bar and food menu, bringing a premium experience and selection of cocktails crafted by a team of newly formed Manchester elites from the cocktail industry. The aim is simple, great drinks, great atmosphere and somewhere people genuinely want to spend time after work.”

Positioned high above the waterfront, On The 7th aims to become the go to spot for sunset drinks across MediaCity. A place to watch the sun drop over the quays, feel like you’re already famous, or start planning your next big idea.

With over 15 years’ experience operating in the independent food and events sector, GRUB also brings the ability to activate the space in ways not previously possible. Through its extensive network of street food traders and chefs, the venue will host rotating food concepts and unique F&B led events. The flexibility of the venue also opens the door for crossover programming including pop-up events from Cultplex, GRUB’s cult independent cinema, utilising the private cinema space for screenings, special events and one-off experiences. The result is a space that offers MediaCity tenants and corporate private hires something a little different, delivered in true GRUB fashion.

Alongside its reopening for MediaCity tenants, On The 7th will also be available for corporate and private hire, offering a range of flexible spaces including a large conference room, a private cinema, and a selection of boardrooms suitable for meetings and smaller gatherings. The space can host over 300 guests across the venue.

Joshua McAllister, Senior Events Manager at MediaCity said: “At MediaCity, we believe in the power of connection. Our vision is to create a truly connected creative community where people can meet, collaborate, and share ideas in meaningful ways. On the 7th strikes this balance in ensuring creativity and community can thrive side by side and GRUB will help take this space to a whole new level with the refreshed food and drink offering.”

INTRODUCING MIDWAY

The reopening of On The 7th also marks the first public project delivered under MIDWAY, a newly formed creative placemaking company that will act as the parent company for GRUB and its sister brands and venues.

MIDWAY will operate as a placemaking consultancy and creative agency, delivering meanwhile use projects, brand development, activations, public-facing events and corporate event services. The company will sit above the existing group encompassing GRUB, CAFF, OFFY, Fairfield Social Club, Cultplex and all future concepts, while primarily operating as a business-to-business brand focused on partnerships and project delivery.

Built on more than a decade of experience delivering independent venues and community-led spaces across Manchester. MIDWAY formalises the group’s ability to partner with developers, organisations and institutions to deliver dynamic, culturally relevant projects at pace. The company’s approach combines creative thinking with operational delivery supplementing internal teams at larger organisations to bring places and ideas to life. A full announcement and comprehensive details of this new endeavour will be shared with the public in the near future.

Jason Bailey, Director (GRUB & MIDWAY) said:
“MIDWAY is something that’s grown naturally out of the regeneration and meanwhile use work we’ve been doing for the last decade. This is the first project of many from us for 2026. We’ve always been a creative team that delivers authentic spaces, events and experiences now MIDWAY allows us to bring food, drink, culture and entertainment all together under one banner and work with partners in a super focused way moving forward.”

On The 7th MediaCity

Open exclusively for MediaCity tenants from 26th Feb Tuesday – Thursday 4:30pm – 10:00pm

For corporate and private hire enquiries, please contact Greg Maguire, Head of Commercial Sales, GRUB.