One of Manchester’s oldest and most famous pubs has been completely refurbished
Built in 1736, the Crown & Kettle has welcomed hundreds of thousands through its doors in the past 284 years. Now, it's enjoyed a well-deserved refurb.
We’re losing too many of our favourite boozers before their time. Multi-generational pubs are becoming relics of the past.
But whilst landlords all over the UK are being forced to board-up the windows, lock the doors and shut down these famous longstanding establishments, the Crown & Kettle – a part of Manchester since time immemorial – is revelling a dashing refurb.
The Great Ancoats Street venue stood strong during the early chapters of the pandemic and has come out the other side looking better than ever.
Yet again, the Crown & Kettle has proven its made of particularly strong stuff.
The Crown & Kettle has had a bit of refurb. If I'm honest though, I couldn't take my eyes off that incredible roof 👌 pic.twitter.com/hnf9QxLY1Z
Built in 1736, the pub has welcomed hundreds of thousands through its doors in the past 284 years.
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It’s survived just about everything in that time, from global catastrophes to drunk journalists (who’d pop down after – or during – their shifts at the neighbouring Daily Express offices).
In nearly three centuries, the closest Crown & Kettle has come to complete closure was it fell victim to an arson attack in 1990.
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A blaze tore through the building and inflicted severe damage, but after more than 15 years lying dormant, the pub went on to make a full recovery.
Crown & Kettle
Crown & Kettle continues to thrive today as one of Manchester most beloved and longstanding boozers – and this month it’s enjoying a well-earned facelift.
The seats and surroundings have been given a luxurious upgrade – with fresh floors and new fittings bringing the classic Ancoats corner drinking den into the 21st century.
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But – crucially – that significant, famous, unparalleled Gothic interior feel has not been lost during the makeover.
In fact, it’s been amplified.
The pub’s famous ceiling (which has earned the building Grade-II listed status) has had its netting carefully peeled away so punters can now gaze up from their pints and gawp at its glory, entirely unobstructed, for the first time in years.
Owners have also confirmed they will be working closely with local breweries moving ahead – such as Pomona Island and Manchester Union Lager, with intriguing new beers being regularly added to the menu.
Crown & Kettle
Following weeks of refurb work, Crown & Kettle is officially open again. And it’s sight to behold.
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Posting on social media, the pub stated: “As holes begin to appear in the ground and the buildings around us are demolished or developed we’re proud to be able to retain some local history.
“Having survived wars, recessions, firebombing, decades of pub politics & now a pandemic; the old lady isn’t done just yet!
“Despite curfews, constantly changing legislation and challenging times in our industry we will do our best to remain open everyday from noon until 10pm.”
Follow Crown & Kettle on Facebook to see the facelift in full.
News
The Council is giving Mancs £2,500 to move into a ‘more manageable’ home
Emily Sergeant
The Council is now offering financial help to support people moving into a smaller and ‘more manageable’ property.
Ever heard of ‘rightsizing? Well, according Manchester City Council it’s a process where a tenant in a larger social rent, Council, or Housing Association property, that may have more rooms than they need or perhaps are struggling to manage a big house as they get older, can be supported into a smaller property that better suits their needs.
The benefits of this process include cheaper bills, lower rents, and overall, just homes that are easier to clean and manage.
The aim of it is also to free up larger Council properties for families who are on the housing register – of which there are said to be around 20,000 of them currently at this time, with larger homes having some of the most significant wait times.
Are you struggling to look after a big Council or housing association home? We can help!
We are offering £2,500 to help people move into a smaller more manageable home, freeing up larger homes for families that need them.
It’s also estimated, according to the Council, that a third of all social rented family homes are thought to ‘underoccupied’.
This is why financial support and grants are now being offered.
Last year alone, 109 households were helped to ‘rightsize’ and were supported in the process by a dedicated team of Council officers, as well as benefitting from the Rightsizing Incentive Scheme – with a further 432 households having expressed interest doing so in the future.
Residents interested in ‘rightsizing’ could get a cash incentive of £2,500, which can be spent on anything they like, along with moving costs.
The Council is giving Mancs £2,500 to move into a ‘more manageable’ home / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
“Rightsizing could be a brilliant option for older people who are renting a Council home who may have spare rooms they don’t need or would benefit from looking after a smaller property,” explained Cllr Gavin White, who is Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development.
“Often a barrier to moving is the cost, but the Council will take care of the financial burden to help a resident move into a new home.
“The benefit for the city is that we can free up more larger homes for people who are waiting for a property that properly meets their needs. We think around a third of Council tenants could be under occupying their home, which means they could be paying more than they need to or they could be hit with the bedroom tax.”
Does this sound like you? Are you ready to ‘rightsize’? Find out more and begin the process via Manchester City Council’s website here.
Featured Image – Vitaly Gariev (via Unsplash)
News
Trailer released for Netflix’s new Lucy Letby documentary with ‘unprecedented access’
Emily Sergeant
The trailer for Netflix’s new documentary about the investigation of Lucy Letby has been released.
The feature-length film about Lucy Letby – the infamous neonatal nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital – hears for the first time from the police officers who investigated the case that shook the nation.
It features never-before-seen footage of Letby during her arrests and police questioning, and even includes interviews with experts and lawyers on both sides, as well as with the hospital consultants who initially raised the alarm.
Tragically, it also includes an anonymised interview with a mother of one of the victims, who also speaks for the first time about her experience and involvement in Letby’s trial.
Produced as a result of years of research and relationship-building, the film – simply titled The Investigation of Lucy Letby – is described as being the most ‘comprehensive’ look at one of Britain’s most notorious crimes, and traces developments from her arrest to trial in chronological order.
Viewers will be given ‘unparalleled and exclusive access’ to those central to the story.
“This was an exceptional and demanding project, marked by significant creative and ethical responsibility,” commented director, Dominic Sivyer. “Our aim was to craft a powerful, emotionally resonant depiction of the events surrounding the case.”
Caroline Short, Head of Global TV at ITN Productions – who produced the documentary – added: “The access to all our contributors came with a huge responsibility to present everyone’s perspectives with care and understanding.
“We are grateful to all those people who trusted us to tell their story.”
The Manc -
7th October 2020 
