Manchester-based creative marketing and PR agency Purple Riot has been appointed to support the launch of Katie O’Brien’s, a new Irish pub concept opening in the city.
Set to open in the coming weeks, Katie O’Brien’s will take over the much-loved former Peaky Blinders site on Peter Street. The family-owned brand, named after the founders’ grandmother, already operates 11 venues across the UK, with Manchester marking its latest expansion.
Positioned as an authentic Irish tavern rather than a themed pub, the venue will focus on live music and community, showcasing talent from across Ireland alongside emerging artists from Manchester’s local scene. The space will feature reclaimed wood interiors, vintage Irish memorabilia, and a dedicated stage for live performances.
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Behind the bar, the venue will be offering the ubiquitous pints of Guinness and Murphy’s, alongside Irish craft beers, and a curated selection of small-batch Irish whiskeys.
Purple Riot will lead on the VIP launch event, including media relations, influencer engagement, and local business outreach, with a focus on building hype and driving footfall from day one.
Nikki Kitchen, managing director at Purple Riot, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with the team on the launch of Katie O’Brien’s. Irish pubs are such a staple, but this is about creating something with real authenticity and a point of difference for the city. Launches are where we do our best work, so it’s a great fit for us.”
Jess Walker, sales and marketing manager at Katie O’Brien’s, added: “We were looking for an agency that understands both the Manchester market and how to create impact from launch. Purple Riot stood out for their experience in hospitality and their approach to generating real buzz around openings.”
The win continues a strong period of new client wins for Purple Riot, with recent successes including global brunch brand Eggslut and the Fairfax development in Manchester – a pair of 23 and 29 storey residential towers five minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Station which join the growing band of new towers adding to the city’s already bustling skyline.
