Urban Village Bars

"It’s been a pleasure working with FW Capital. We are using the working capital from the investment to assist with the new pub opening along with creation of new jobs, stock purchases and marketing materials."

Martin Dillon, Director, Urban Village Bars

Urban Village Bars opened its doors to The Wayfarer after receiving a £250K funding boost from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Urban Village Bars are run by Martin and Mike Dillion, who have a number of bars and brunch spots located across Manchester including Affleck & Brown, West Village, The Freemount and Another Heart To Feed.

FW Capital’s loan support was utilised to help create the latest offering to Manchester’s food and drink sector and is located on the corner of Oldham Street and Swan Street at the edge of the Northern Quarter. 

The Wayfarer’s location was formerly a cocktail bar called Mecanica and has undergone extensive renovations across two floors to bring a new modern pub to the Manchester hospitality scene.

The first NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.