The Albert Square Chop House, owned by the Victorian Chophouse Company, quietly closed its doors for the last time in July 2021, another victim of the pandemic. However, the iconic Memorial Hall site was quickly snapped up by The Metropolitan Pub Company and is to reopen on November 11th as premium gastropub, ‘The Fountain House’.
The Fountain House will be the first northern site for The Metropolitan Pub Company, who largely operate in London and across southern England. The new venue aims to combine classic British pub culture and cuisine with a quality wine and cask ale experience.
“We are really excited to bring our first pub to Manchester,” said Michael Horan, managing director of Metropolitan Pub Company. “The Memorial Hall site is perfect, as it will allow us to team our premium gastropub experience to customers in the heart of the city.”
The gastropub has been named in honour of Albert Square’s nearby Victorian fountain, which was also designed by the building’s architect, Thomas Worthington. The three-floor Grade II listed building has undergone a complete refurbishment and the new destination hopes to provide a contemporary pub atmosphere on the ground floor with a premium dining experience on the lower ground floor. The upper floors of The Fountain House will be available to hire for hosting functions of all sizes, from weddings to private events and for use as a premium meeting space.
To ensure the new site retains its heritage and Mancunian spirit, The Metropolitan Pub Company has appointed experienced Manchester-based hospitality manager, Lawrence Hallows, to oversee the transition. A former team member at The Albert’s Square Chop House, Lawrence has worked at the site since 2014 in multiple roles at every level of the business.
“It’s no secret that lockdown has fundamentally changed eating and drinking habits for customers,” said Lawrence. “Now restrictions have eased, people tend to go out less often, but spend more when they do go out, to make the most of the experience.
“The location of The Fountain House, right in the centre of Manchester’s business district and focal point of the Town Hall, tells you everything you need to know about its potential. Local city workers, tourists and premium weekend drinkers are all looking for a high quality space with an equally outstanding food and drink offering, and that’s what The Fountain House will provide.”
The Fountain House is recruiting 40 new team members and is also now taking Christmas bookings. To book your festive celebration now, please email [email protected]
The Fountain House The Memorial Hall, Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF
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