Traditional boozer The Castle Hotel is ready to fling open its doors again with new owners and a range of real ales. The Grade II listed building is more than 200 years old and the historical features will remain. In fact, when the roof disintegrated in the back room, beautiful old oak beams were revealed.
The pubâs tiled frontage, decorative bar, which is said to have come from a theatre, and Victorian fixtures and fittings are all being lovingly restored. The back room wonât be open for another few months and will have a full refurbishment including a new floor and the high oak-beamed ceiling will create a church-like feel to the room.
The public house on Oldham Street closed down in July 2008 and was a favourite with older drinkers as well as students, creative types and musicians.
New owners Jonny Booth and Rupert Hill have high hopes to keep the versatility of the bar and have promised more gig nights as well as vinyl exchanges, quiz nights and even a chess club has been suggested.
Jonny has years of experience after managing Matt & Phredâs, Big Hands on Oxford Road and Temple Bar. His business partner Rupert Hill is better known for playing Jamie Baldwin on Corrie, and is currently in a play down south.
Jonny said: âWeâre really looking forward to getting the doors open again, and becoming part of the amazing community that exists in the Northern Quarter. Weâve lost count of the amount of people who are congratulating us on re-opening.â?
Ales are from Robinsonâs brewery and include Old Tom, Unicorn, Double Hop, Hatters and Dizzy Blonde. There is also one called Cumbria Way from Hartleys, as well as Guiness, Fosters, Grolsch and Stowford Press cider on the pumps. As well as ales, there will be pub food on offer with delicious options for breakfast and lunchtime food, from locally made pies to home-made cookies.
The Castle Hotel opens on Thursday, April 2 for an invite-only event, and then will be open from Friday, April 3.
The Castle Hotel guys are fully involved on Facebook, My Space and Twitter (@thecastlehotel) so get involved in the community.
The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE.
E: [email protected]
W: www.thecastlehotel.info