City Centre Bar Fight: Glasses & Chairs Used as Weapons

Manahatta Bar Fight Leaves Woman with Critical Injuries, License Reviewed

A woman suffered a severe open skull fracture and brain bleed after being struck by a bottle during a violent brawl at the Manahatta cocktail bar in Manchester city centre, prompting a review of the venue’s operating licence.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m.on November 1st, involved “numerous customers” engaging in a five-minute fight where glasses were thrown “indiscriminately” and chairs were used as weapons, according to a report presented to the Manchester City Council’s licensing sub-committee on Friday. The injured woman, described as an innocent bystander, required hospital treatment for her injuries, including a head cut needing stitches.

Police confirmed that the venue’s licence was not suspended, but several new conditions were imposed. Effective immediately,all drinks served at Manahatta on Fridays and Saturdays must be served in plastic glasses. This decision follows a pattern of escalating concerns regarding safety at the establishment.

A senior official detailed the events to the committee, stating that “at least six men” were involved in the initial altercation on the raised ground floor area of the bar. The request further noted “very limited security involvement in halting the disorder,” with the fight only dispersing when all those involved left the premises. A crime of affray has been recorded, and investigations are ongoing.

Did you know? – An “affray” is a public order offense in the UK involving fighting that is likely to cause fear or disturbance. It’s a less serious charge than wounding, but can still carry a prison sentence.

Afterward, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were contacted by the injured woman, leading to a separate examination for wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The severity of her injuries – an open skull fracture, a bleed on the brain, and a one-inch head laceration – underscores the potential for serious harm within the venue. CCTV footage of the incident reportedly demonstrated the “grave danger” faced by other patrons.

This latest incident is not isolated. GMP has expressed “serious concerns about safety at Manahatta for a number of months,” citing four prior “serious incidents” between May and august 2025, with glasses being weaponized in three of those cases.

pro tip: – Bars and pubs in the UK have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their patrons. Licence reviews are a common tool used by authorities to address safety concerns.

In September, the council had already imposed additional licence conditions, including the use of plastic glasses during “peak times,” a potential capacity limit on the affected area, increased door staff, and enhanced CCTV coverage. However, Manahatta subsequently appealed this decision, and a court hearing is currently pending.

The Manchester Evening News has reached out to manahatta for comment. the ongoing investigations and pending court case highlight the challenges faced by authorities in balancing the vibrancy of Manchester’s nightlife with the need to ensure public safety.

Reader question: – Do you think increased security measures are enough to address the root causes of violence in nightlife venues, or are ther other factors at play?

Expanded Report:

What Happened? A large brawl erupted at the Manahatta cocktail bar in Manchester city centre around 1:30 a.m. on November 1st. “Numerous customers” were involved in a five-minute fight where glasses and chairs were used as weapons. An innocent bystander, a woman, was struck by a bottle, suffering a severe open skull fracture, a brain bleed, and a head laceration.

Who Was Involved? At least six men were initially involved in the altercation. The injured woman was an innocent bystander. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are investigating both an affray and a separate case of wounding with intent to