Down at the Social win trio of disruptive clients across spirits, specs and hospitality

Manchester PR and digital agency Down at the Social (DATS) is celebrating a strong start to 2025 after securing three major client wins across the lifestyle, hospitality and drinks sectors.

The agency, known for its focus on content-led campaigns for fast-growing, founder-led brands, has been appointed by eyewear disruptor Pop Specs, African spirits brand Kakira Cane Spirits, and Manchester-based Italian restaurant Bruco.

Each win reinforces DATS’ reputation for delivering high-impact, PR-first strategies designed to drive both profile and product.

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Pop Specs, the express eyewear brand known for its appearance on Dragon’s Den and 20-minute prescription service, has brought DATS on board to lead its national press office, influencer campaigns and founder profiling, as it continues rapid UK expansion with 30 stores now open.

Kakira Cane Spirits, one of Africa’s most awarded premium spirit brands, has chosen the agency to lead its UK market launch. The Ugandan company brings nearly a century of heritage and sustainability credentials, and has already scooped more than 70 global awards across its rums, vodkas and gins.

Bruco, the neighbourhood Italian bar and kitchen in Manchester’s Ancoats, has appointed DATS for a national media and experiential campaign, including influencer activations, PR stunts and a “summer spritz strategy” aimed at boosting brand awareness beyond the North West.

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The agency’s recent campaigns include work for entrepreneur Nicky Wake’s Chapter 2, a dating app for widows and widowers, which saw international expansion following broadcast coverage and a successful launch. DATS has also helped launch Wake’s latest platform, Sober Love, aimed at building a community for sober singles.

Daisy Whitehouse, Managing Director at DATS, said: “These brands represent everything we love to work on – strong voices, disruptive ideas, and brilliant founders with a clear vision. We start with the end in mind and apply our formula – intelligence, ideas and influence – to deliver impactful results that build communities and sell products.”

With recent growth and further hires planned, DATS says it is investing in expanded services, a dedicated content studio and deeper brand partnerships as it scales up for 2025.