Kennedys Irish Bar opens in Didsbury

Kennedys Irish Bar expands from Altrincham to a larger Didsbury site, sparking local debate over a bold red exterior.

Kennedys Irish Bar opens in Didsbury after Altrincham success

Kennedys Irish Bar, a staple in Altrincham since 2021, is moving into the former CAU and Zizzi site on Wilmslow Road in Didsbury. The new venue will open at 4pm on Friday with Paul Hunt and Green Hot Clover on stage, and will offer a mixed drinks list including Tir na nOg lager as part of a schedule that features live music across the weekend. The Didsbury site sits at the corner of Barlow Moor Road, adding to a cluster of pubs and venues that already includes the Irish Deli next door, run by the same team.

Plans to repaint the ground floor bricks red sparked debate among residents. Some called it an eyesore while others defended the bold color as brightening the area. Kennedy's says the color is part of a broader plan to create a lively hub, not a distraction, and the team emphasizes a balance between a vibrant night out and a comfortable daytime atmosphere. General manager Natalie says the project is a welcome addition in a time when pubs are closing, and operations manager Rebecca notes the aim to attract a mixed crowd across generations.

The move fits a wider revival of Irish pubs in Greater Manchester. In the last year, venues like Fibber Magee’s in Sale and The Banshee in Stockport have popped up, signaling a shared taste for casual Irish hospitality, live music, and accessible pints. The economic boost from a new site can help local suppliers and keep the district lively, but it also increases competition for other pubs and might raise concerns about noise and parking for neighbors.

Branding choices like the red facade show how style and identity matter as much as beer. Kennedy's plan to mix families on weekdays with a heavier weekend lineup mirrors a broader shift toward inclusivity and events, not just drinks. For residents, the real test is whether the space supports community life without turning into a crowded nightlife district.

Highlights

Time will tell how the new space fits into Didsbury's evolving social map.