The team behind Northern Quarter bar Cottonopolis and Ancoats pub The Edinburgh Castle has transformed Withington’s old Natwest bank into a new bar and restaurant, breathing new life into the long-empty landmark.
Opening later this month, the new venue Libertines will focus on live fire cooking with an all-day restaurant menu of chargrilled small plates spanning locally-sourced vegetables, meat and fish.
The restaurant will also serve brunch and Sunday roasts on the weekends inside the beautifully-renovated historic site, transformed from a once-humdrum bank into a stunning venue deserving of its grand period features.
The bar, meanwhile, will put a strong focus on beer – with a total of 24 different styles offered on tap at any time, including four cask ales, from what was once the bank teller’s desk.
Image: Supplied
Elsewhere, the Libertine cocktail list will include classic drinks alongside some delicious signature offerings created by the team.
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The Natwest bank, a Grade II-listed landmark that sits at the heart of Withington Village, has been lovingly restored by the team over a period of months and is now set to enjoy a new lease of life as an all-day eatery with a community focus.
Bosses say that the food concept will ‘be varied with something for everyone in mind,’ promising.to bring Withington locals ‘a place where you can eat well, drink well, soak up the atmosphere and listen to good music’.
Image: Supplied
A press release adds that it will be a ‘space that shifts with the seasons, while also celebrating contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking with an underlying global accent’.
Nick Muir, director of Libertine and himself an architect by trade, said in a statement: “Myself, Hayley and the team hope to be a welcome addition to Withington.
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“Libertine is a prominent building in the village, much-loved by the locals. With considerate attention to detail, we hope to have done justice to this beautiful building.
“In creating a warm and welcoming space for all to enjoy, we will bring both quality and comfort, with a stylish twist on a traditional setting and exceptional standards.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this neighbourhood and look forward to opening our doors in August. “
Due to open on Friday 12 August, Libertine will open daily from 12pm for drinks and begin its evening dinner service at 5pm with the last sitting at 9pm. Brunch will run from 12-3pm on Saturdays, and Sunday roasts will be served from 12pm-8pm.
Feature image – Supplied
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.