Cressida Lawlor. Credit: Adam Lynch 

Cressida Lawlor has left Sexy Fish Manchester to launch her first bar, Ego Death, which opens to the public on November 21st, CLASS can exclusively reveal.


Teaming up with hospitality figures Beau Myers, Luke Edge and Marie Carter, Lawlor's new Northern Quarter bar takes its inspiration from classic New York City speakeasies.

The décor will see industrial stylings with exposed brickwork and beams, copper lighting and “boujee” dark walls.

Lawlor, who’s CV includes London Cocktail Club and Sexy Fish, told CLASS: “Ego Death is the culmination of years of passion, skill, and collaboration. Its concept is an NYC-style speakeasy that specialises in bourbon and champagne, offering table service and standing, with a late night party.”

“It’s going to be classic five-star service without the barrier of being too stiff. The vibe will be sexy, low lit. It’ll be like going into the tunnels of an NYC subway and there’ll be a large gorgeous bar top built like a stage for the bar.”

Lawlor left her role as assistant bar manager of Sexy Fish Manchester on Saturday having spent a year in the role. It followed a two-year tenure at Sexy Fish London.