Bunny Jackson’s is an American-style dive bar, restaurant and small live music venue at 1 Jack Rosenthal Street in the First Street district of Manchester, England. Inspired by American rock bars and juke joints, the venue combines rock and roll, blues and other guitar-based music with inexpensive food, beer and a large bourbon selection. Live bands perform regularly, while pool, darts, American sports and late opening hours add to the informal atmosphere.
The original Bunny Jackson’s opened in late 2016 as part of the B.Eat Street complex at Manchester’s Great Northern Warehouse. It was created by bar operator Lyndon Higginson and his partners, who were also involved with Manchester venues including Crazy Pedro’s, Liars Club and Junkyard Golf. According to Higginson, the name came from an elderly harmonica player he encountered in New Orleans in 2007, although he has deliberately kept parts of the story vague. When B.Eat Street closed in 2017, Bunny Jackson’s disappeared briefly before reopening at its current First Street location in November that year.
The interior takes its inspiration from rough American rock bars rather than polished nightlife venues. Corrugated metal, chicken wire, neon signs, vintage advertising, motorcycles and assorted memorabilia fill the room, while a small stage is built directly into the bar area. Rock and roll and blues were central to the original concept, and loud guitar music remains an important part of the atmosphere. Weekend programmes include live bands and DJs, while Bandaoke gives customers the chance to sing rock and pop songs backed by a live band.
Chicken wings have become almost as closely associated with Bunny Jackson’s as the music. Cheap wings were part of the concept from the beginning, originally promoted for as little as 10 pence each on selected days, and they remain a major part of the menu alongside burgers, dirty fries and other American-style bar food. The bar also offers an extremely hot wing challenge. Drinks continue the American influence, with bourbon, American beer, frozen cocktails and straightforward mixed drinks forming much of the selection.
ADDRESS:
1 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4RA, United Kingdom
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