Bernard Manning's Comedy Club Faces Demolition

The iconic Embassy Club, co-founded by comedy legend Bernard Manning, is slated for demolition by Manchester City Council to facilitate the construction of a new health center. This landmark venue, which served as the inspiration for Peter Kay's popular television series 'Phoenix Nights,' will host its final comedy night on Friday, March 6th. The club's closure is scheduled for the end of March, marking the end of an era for the historic Harpurhey site.

Established in 1959, the Embassy Club quickly rose to prominence in North Manchester, its popularity soaring alongside Manning's fame in the 1970s. Known for its cabaret and comedy nights, it drew audiences from across the country, eager to experience its distinct working-class ambiance and Manning's provocative humor. Following a stroke in 1999, Manning passed the club to his son, Bernard Manning Jr., who attempted to rebrand it as an alternative comedy venue.

The club's future became uncertain after it was put up for sale in 2014. The council has now purchased the property, with plans to replace it with a health center serving Harpurhey residents. The final comedy night on March 6th is promoted as an unmissable event, offering a chance to celebrate the venue's legacy and bid a fitting farewell to a significant piece of comedy heritage.