Shrouded in scaffolding, The Deansgate has been boarded up since it closed its doors in early 2020 – but now the neat red brick Manchester boozer is being given a new lease of life.
Acquired by UK pub giant Greene King earlier this year, the city centre watering hole has been through many iterations in its 200+ year history. Now, it is being lovingly restored and reimagine once again.
During the past two and a bit years, there’s been much speculation from city dwellers about what is next for the pub. At last, we can fill you in.
Currently in the midst of a three-month-long reburbishment. when it reopens the pub will boast two additional outdoor terraces and an extra third floor.
As for its existing two floors and rooftop terrace, these are undergoing a complete refit and refurb with new owners Greene King aiming to retain as many of the pub’s characterful features as possible.
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Stained glass windows, external frontage, ceilings, and woodwork will be restored to their original glory, whilst the pub’s beautiful festoon lights are given a glow up.
Elsewhere, new additions will include a feature bar and bespoke brass fonts on the ground floor, built-in seating booths for casual dining, and the aforementioned two new outdoor terraces.
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Formerly known as the Crown Inn, (as can be seen on the stonework above the door), then Galvin’s Irish Bar, then simply Galvin’s, the building itself has been a pub since the 18th Century.
Desribed as once being ‘a typical backstreet boozer’ (despite sitting on Deansgate), in years gone by it was a popular haunt of local bikers who would frequent the Harley Davison store that once upon a time neighboured it.
In a period where many pubs are closing, the renovation and reopening of this beloved Manchester watering hole is very welcome indeed.
Speaking on the renovation and planned reopening, Jonathon Evans, General Manager at The Deansgate, said: “The Deansgate is well-known and well-loved by the people of Manchester and we are looking forward to opening its doors once more and welcoming customers old and new.
“The new-look pub will pay homage to some of the venue’s original features and we also have some exciting new additions which we’re looking forward to unveiling.”
An official reopening date has not yet been confirmed for the pub but it is set to be this month.
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For more information on The Deansgate, visit the Greene King website here.
Feature image – The Manc Eats / Supplied
Eats
The Salmon of Knowledge pub is opening a second site in Didsbury
Danny Jones
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A recent addition to the Manchester hospitality scene is building on its early success and opening up another Irish bar over in Didsbury.
Northern Quarter’s Salmon of Knowledge, which launched back in September 2024, is one of countless Irish pubs across Greater Manchester but only a handful in the vibrant district.
Having taken over the much-loved old PLY site – which sadly closed its doors last summer – they had a job on their hands to reach the same heights as the legendary late-night pizza and shuffleboard joint, but these first few months have clearly gone well enough to expand.
The increasingly popular watering hole which is one of the few places around here where you can get Murphy’s (at least in the city centre) is much more than just an Irish-themed venue: it delivers regular live music, sports on the box and great food from local brand, The Last Stop – and Didsbury is up next.
The caption goes on to read: “Big news, Didsbury. You called and we answered. The Salmon of Knowledge is swimming upstream to bring our second site to YOU very soon!
“By popular demand, we are expanding to the suburbs, so get ready for live music, great food, live sports, and gallons of Guinness. You heard it here first… stay tuned!”
As well as a wide variety of beverages beyond the obviously stunning stouts, fans will be glad to hear the Salmon will be bringing The Last Stop’s talents with them.
From the aesthetic, prices and drinks selection to the reliable New York influences on the Heaton Chapel-based vendor’s menu, we’ve been pretty big fans of this place since minute one.
Manchester, pay attention: The Salmon of Knowledge has some wisdom to bestow upon you — mainly how to pour a proper Guinness and have a grand auld time. 🇮🇪☘️
Although they are yet to give any more information as to when we can expect The Salmon of Knowledge Didsbury to open at present, we do have an indication of where it will be popping up.
It has now been confirmed that they will be taking over the former Dockyard pub (which still has locations in Salford Quays and Spinningfields), meaning that it will sit in the heart of the busy Didsbury Village strip, which should prove great for footfall.
Just like the Stevenson Square spot, live music and sports will accompany Didsbury’s new Irish bar as well and if the phrase ‘gallons of Guinness’ doesn’t get you excited, we don’t know what will.
New pasta kitchen Soots Pasta opens at Altrincham Market
Daisy Jackson
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A little piece of pasta paradise has landed at Altrincham Market and it’s got a secret you won’t believe.
Soots Pasta has taken on a spot in the covered market, where owners and co-founders Ellie Proudfoot and Ruth Duarte are hand-making fresh pasta dishes.
They’ve named this fantastic little kitchen after their cocker spaniel, Soots.
Signature dishes here include a satisfying swirl of thick ravioli, stuffed with ricotta and served on a bed of pumpkin puree and sage butter.
There’s also a vibrant green pesto tagliatelle, laced with basil, lemon and pistachio.
As for small plates, there’s freshly-made focaccia with three different butters, plus crunchy tomato arancini.
Soots Pasta is the first solo venture for Ellie, who used to work as a private chef as well as at restaurants around the region.
Soots Pasta in Altrincham Market. Credit: The Manc GroupSoots Pasta in Altrincham Market. Credit: The Manc Group
She’s taken her background – which includes culinary school in France – to create this modern European menu that takes inspiration from Italy.
What’s not immediately obvious, on reading the menu or eating it, is that everything on the Soots Pasta menu is entirely vegan – and they have gluten-free pasta available on request.
The pair hope that Altrincham Market will be a launchpad to them eventually opening their first restaurant, as it’s done for so many businesses that came before it.
Soots Pasta is on Pott Street in the covered market, and is open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 14 January.