Joe Akka has applied for a space in Manchester's most hip district

Joe Akka, the man who opened Manchester's Panacea nightclub in 2005, has plans to open a new venue in Manchester's effervescent Ancoats district - recently voted amongst the UK's most hip neighbourhoods.

A licence application has been lodged with the council for a new late-night venue called Behind the Counter (not to be confused with the recently opened Behind Closed Doors in Northern Quarter), located in the Ice Plant building, 39 Blossom Street with proposed opening hours 'til 1am.

If approved, the new venue would join the likes of Rudy's, Seven Bro7hers and Elnecot on Cutting Room Square - which has emerged as one of the city's hottest food and drink destinations.

160413 Cutting Room Square 14
Cutting Room Square, Ancoats

Elsewhere in the city centre, Akka has further plans to open an opulent new Pan-Asian bar and restaurant, Fable, in the newly renovated Manchester Hall - featuring suspended dragons, huge tapestries and a 'giant carp', the venue is reportedly costing up to £3m.

The application to open Behind The Counter will be in consultation until December 12.

Fable Main Hall
Akka also has plans to open Fable in Manchester Hall