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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Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
Georgina Pellant -
4th August 2022 
