News
Online rumours that The City pub has closed for good aren’t entirely true
Posts shared on social media over the weekend left many thinking that the pub had permanently closed, but it's still hanging in there
Over the weekend, the online rumour mill started whisperings across the city centre about the closure of one of Manchester’s oldest pubs.
The City boozer on Oldham Street, which has been a fixture in the Northern Quarter for over 200 years, was said to be shutting its doors for good on Sunday 4 September.
Many were left in disbelief that such a longstanding fixture could close so suddenly, and tributes to the pub flooded local social media platforms.
Sadly, many small businesses are being forced to close their doors right now as they struggle with increased prices across the board and we are getting increasingly used to reading heartfelt closure announcements.
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But it’s good news for The City, for now, as it appears that the pub has not closed its doors for good. Not just yet, at least.
The Manc popped over to the pub on Tuesday afternoon to try and speak with the owners, but found the pub closed up and received no answer after knocking.
However, reports in the Manchester Evening News published on Monday confirmed that, whilst there is some truth to the rumours, hope for the boozer’s survival is not completely lost.
According to a member of staff who spoke with the paper, bosses at The City have a meeting scheduled with the council later this week to determine the historic pub’s future.
With discussions of a potential refurbishment on the cards, there is the promise of a new lease of life on the horizon.
“We all have our fingers crossed,” the member of staff told the MEN.
The pub has a complex history and has held many different names over the years, most recently The City, a name that was adopted for it in the 1950s.
However, it has also been known as the Prince of Orange, Prince William of Gloucester, Peter’s Vaults, King’s Arms, Kings Arms Vaults Liquor Vaults and Top King, with historical records dating back to 1780.
Feature image – The Manc / The City Pub
News
Two teens arrested after stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
In case you need bringing up to speed first, at around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Police conceded that this will ‘understandably’ cause concern in the community, but has assured the public that they believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
And now, it has been confirmed that two teenage boys, also aged 14, were arrested on Sunday night (18 October) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and tat this time, they are currently in custody for questioning.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation as well as the passersby who helped the victim following this incident,” commented Detective Inspector Sean McFadden, of GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.
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“Officers worked quickly and arrested two juveniles on Sunday, and they currently remain in custody for questioning.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
- Engage with the person
- Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
- Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
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Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Featured Image – Northern
Georgina Pellant -
6th September 2022 
