Melanie shares her vivid memories of discovering Manchester’s legendary Corbiers wine bar in the 1980s – a place that would shape her social life, music tastes, and even her career. Recommended to me by Cath Berry, Melanie opens up about how her journey into the city’s nightlife began with Cath’s brother Andrew, an apprentice hairdresser, who invited her for a drink at Corbiers after college one day. What started as an exciting trip into town quickly became a huge part of her life.
She paints a picture of descending the iconic staircase into Corbiers for the first time, hearing the music and seeing the pinball machine, thinking it was the coolest place ever. Before long, she was working there — offered the job on the spot by manager Dave after simply asking at the bar. She describes it as the best job she ever had: fun, wild, and full of incredible people. From drunken shifts and dropped trays to being cheered by the crowd, it was a different time — a far cry from today’s corporate bar culture.
We talk about how Corbiers became the meeting spot for her and Lee, her future husband, before heading out clubbing. Melanie shares how working there got her on guest lists at places like the Haçienda and how she eventually took over the kitchen from the legendary Jeff the Chef.
Melanie also worked at the Dry Bar, one of Manchester’s most iconic venues, joining the original team before it opened in 1989. She tells stories about vodka-cleaned fridges, the stylish decor, and how she found herself at home among students despite being a bit older than the rest of the crew. Her love of music shines through as she talks about her husband’s band, The Black and White Lovers, her discovery of The Fall, and her love for Joy Division, soul, and hip hop.
She recalls seeing gigs at The Ritz, meeting Nick Cave at a cash machine, and working behind the scenes at a chaotic New Order show at the G-Mex. We also laugh about lost temp jobs, all-day drinking sessions at Corbiers, and the magical energy of Manchester’s nightlife in the 80s and 90s — a time when you could walk into the city alone and still feel like you were among friends.
At the end of the interview, Melanie picks two tracks that instantly take her back to Corbiers: “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye and “Walk On By” by Isaac Hayes.
This is a nostalgic and heartfelt trip back to an era when Manchester’s scene was raw, real, and unforgettable.
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