Diversion Bar & Kitchen Macclesfield – Food, Drinks & Music

Name: Diversion Bar & Kitchen
Item: Diversion Bar & Kitchen
Author: Visit Macclesfield - Editor

Diversion Bar & Kitchen is one of the newest additions to Macclesfield town centre and nightlife, bringing together good food, drinks and the town’s famous musical heritage.

Located on Church Street in Macclesfield’s Castle Quarter, Diversion opened in April 2026 in the former Savages Mussels premises. The bar has deliberately gone for something a little different, with a punk and post-punk feel inspired by Macclesfield’s music history.

Rather than trying to be a polished cocktail bar, Diversion has more of a relaxed, independent dive-bar atmosphere. Music, artwork and the general feel of the venue take inspiration from Macclesfield’s alternative music connections, including Joy Division and The Macc Lads.

Chicken Wings, Loaded Fries & Hot Wing Challenge

Food is a big part of Diversion, with the kitchen specialising in chicken wings served with a choice of flavours and sauces developed in-house.

The menu also includes loaded fries, while vegetarian diners can opt for alternatives including cauliflower wings. For anyone feeling particularly brave, Diversion also has its own hot wing challenge.

Early customer reviews have been especially positive about the wings, homemade sauces and the combination of good food with a relaxed bar atmosphere.

Drinks & Nights Out in Macclesfield

Diversion serves a selection of draught beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, making it somewhere you can call in for a drink as easily as you can stay for food and an evening out.

Live music and entertainment are also part of the idea behind the venue. Diversion has been developing events including open mic nights, quizzes, karaoke, themed nights and collaborations with other Macclesfield businesses.

The bar is also listed as dog friendly, with free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating and a full bar.

Diversion Bar & Kitchen Reviews

Despite only opening in 2026, Diversion has already picked up some excellent customer feedback.

Google: approximately 4.8 out of 5, from more than 25 reviews.

Tripadvisor: 5 out of 5, based on 9 reviews at the time of writing.

Reviews regularly mention the chicken wings, friendly staff, music, atmosphere and the fact that the venue offers something a little different from other bars in Macclesfield.

As Diversion is still a relatively new business, there are no major hospitality awards that we could currently verify, but the early reviews have been extremely encouraging.

Diversion Bar & Kitchen – Contact Details

Address:
23B Church Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6LB

Telephone: 01625 432221

Instagram: @thediversionbar

Diversion does not currently appear to have a dedicated website, with its social media pages being the best place to check the latest menus, events and announcements.

Opening Hours

Current published opening hours are approximately:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4pm – Midnight
Thursday: 4pm – Midnight
Friday: 12 noon – late
Saturday: 12 noon – late
Sunday: Opening hours can vary

CAMRA currently lists Friday and Saturday until around 1am, while Google and Tripadvisor show slightly different late-night closing times. It is therefore worth checking Diversion’s social media before making a special journey.

If you are looking for bars in Macclesfield, somewhere for chicken wings in Macclesfield, or simply a town-centre venue with good music and a bit of character, Diversion Bar & Kitchen is well worth a look.

Its punk-inspired style, Macclesfield music connections, wings, cocktails and relaxed atmosphere have quickly helped it establish its own identity within the town’s growing food and drink scene.

Verified Listing

Diversion Bar & Kitchen

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