How the Circle became Manchester's most in-demand private members club with footballers, celebs and VIPs
23.04.2023 - 15:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Long before Soho House had set its sights on Manchester, there was an exclusive private members club that would go on to change the city's social scene. The Circle club launched in 2001 in the basement of the Barton Arcade on Deansgate and fast became the place that everyone wanted to see and be seen.
Access was via a hidden door on a back alley at the rear of the Victorian shopping mall. Heading down the steps into an opulent underground club space with leather booths and a late, late licence meaning you might not stagger out again until dawn.
The club was initially launched by fashion stylist Dominic Apenteng, who alongside broadcaster Deepa Parekh, had the idea of establishing a "creative space for creative people". Membership was initially restricted to media and creative industries.
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But as word spread about the exclusive private members space, it fast became a place that famous faces and footballers were desperate to get inside to party at too. In those early years, you HAD to be a member to gain entrance, there were no exceptions.
It led to a famous incident where even superstar Justin Timberlake was turned away, as he wasn't a member. But as the club progressed and developed, the membership was to widen.
In 2007 the "Inner Circle" was established after the club was extended. It was a V-VIP space with a 7 deadly sins theme and darkly opulent interiors in seven themed booths that became the talk of the town.
Themed club nights would bring the party-loving crowds out in their droves, but trouble was inevitably to follow. After a brawl outside the club in 2012, the club was ordered to serve its high end drinks in plastic cups by council bosses.
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