Pub for plants The Seed & Sip opening for one night in Manchester in Northern Quarter boozer - what’s on

A Manchester boozer is being transformed into a unique ‘pub for plants’ for one night only.

The Freemount in the Northern Quarter is being turned into The Seed & Sip this evening (Wednesday 29 June) for a night celebrating beautiful blooms and cider.

It’s all due to cider maker Inch’s and online plant retailer Patch teaming up to create an event it is hoped will appeal to green-fingered Mancunians, with a number of quirky themed activities on the programme as well as live music.

Here’s what it’s all about and when it is all going on.

When is The Seed & Sip open?

The Seed & Sip will welcome customers through the doors for just one evening on Wednesday 29 June between 6pm and 10pm.

The Freemount, on Oldham Road, is being taken over for the night to create a venue that puts plants and cider centre stage.

There will be a ‘Speed Planting’ matchmaking event with people having the chance to look at an array of houseplants over a pint of cider and see which one is their perfect match.

Patch’s Plant Doctors will be on hand to answer any questions and help people nurture a love of growing plants.

A special guest comedian will host a themed Plant Pub Quiz with prizes including tickets to festivals Tramlines and Boardmaster.

And then English indie-rockers Red Rum Club will play an exclusive live set.

On entry guests can get a free alcoholic or alcohol-free drink and there will be snacks provided.

The event is for over-18s only. Entry is free and there will be room for walk-ins on the night but places can also be reserved by emailing [email protected]

What has been said about the event?

Rachel Holms, cider unit director at Heineken UK, said: “The Seed and Sip is an experience like no other for pub-goers and plants alike, an environment to chill, drink a cold cider and meet new friends – of both the human and horticultural variety.

“Patch is the go-to brand for a new generation of urban drinkers who have an increased interest in nature, so we’re excited about this partnership and shared passion for bringing pubs and nature together as one - and you may even leave with a personality-matched plant to move in with you too!”

Red Rum Club’s lead singer, Francis Doran, said: “We have performed to many different crowds in a wide variety of venues over the years, but this is by far the most unique audience we will have the pleasure of entertaining.

“We hope that the plant guests at the Seed and Sip not only enjoy our music but find it uplifting and help them grow!”

Freddie Blackett, founder of Patch, said: “The pub is a great British institution, and the UK is famous worldwide for its gardens, so it makes perfect sense for pubs to have lush and inviting spaces for customers to enjoy with a drink, like a pint of cider.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with a brand who shares our passions, as we set out to create greener spaces in urban areas together.”