One of Manchester’s most celebrated pubs has told customers who complained about their Covid safety measures to ‘leave our staff alone’.
The Marble Arch said that some ‘strange people’ have been complaining to staff about the pub’s face mask policies.
The Rochdale Road boozer recently reintroduced the mandatory wearing of face coverings when moving around the venue, as well as table service, in a bid to create a ‘safe environment’.
But Paul Plowman, a director at Marble Brewery, said that some people have taken issue with the rules.
The Marble Arch / Credit: Instagram @themarblearchmcr
Some customers even threatened to boycott the Marble Arch.
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He invited those who aren’t happy about the new safety measures to take their business elsewhere, saying they ‘really don’t care’ and will ‘bat on without you’.
His words, making it ‘abundantly clear’ that unpleasantness towards staff won’t be tolerated, have been praised by thousands on social media.
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One person even asked if Paul fancies running the country.
Paul wrote: “Yesterday our flagship pub the Marble Arch made the decision to make masks mandatory whilst not seated and make the use of table service.
“The bottom line reason for this is this: Our priority is keeping our staff and customers safe whilst simultaneously trying to keep our business going, and with no government support, keep our staff paid.
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“Seems reasonable to me.
A thread. Pls retweet. I’m one of the directors of @marblebrewers. Yesterday our flagship pub the Marble Arch made the decision to make masks mandatory whilst not seated and make the use of table service. The bottom line reason for this is this: Our priority is keeping our staff
“However since this we’ve had a number of strange responses on social media (to be expected) but more importantly our management and staff have had to put with strange people in real life complaining about these measures.
“I would like to make this abundantly clear to anyone who feels they want to reply to this or speak to our staff with anything along the lines of ‘right well that’s my custom you’ve lost’, we really don’t care.
“Honestly, we will bat on without you.
“Throw as many insults as you like, leave the pub in disgust if you want, as long as you leave our staff alone, we really don’t care.
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The Marble Arch / Credit: Flickr
“Finally I’d like to take a moment to thank all our customers who don’t really see the fuss with the measures, and have supported our business at a time when we need it the most.
“Cheers, have a great Christmas!”
People have praised Paul for sticking up for his staff, with one person writing: “Good to see some real leadership, taking the necessary steps to protect people, both staff and customers. You don’t fancy running the country do you?”
Another said: “Big vibes for the directors coming out to support the staff right now. We love to see it.”
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One of Marble’s employees wrote: “This week has been horrid. Whatever side of the bar you’re on, you know just how hard Xmas run up is even at the best of times, and I can’t find words to express the frustration at the moment.
“But I’ll tell you summat for nothing, though. I’m bloody proud to work for this team.”
Featured Image – The Marble Arch MCR
Food & Drink
The Salmon of Knowledge pub is opening a second site in Didsbury
Danny Jones
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.
Irish favourite The Salmon of Knowledge’s sister bar comes to Didsbury later this year. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
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
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.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd December 2021 
