What a start to 2023 it has been for Courteeners - and the Manchester band were clearly in the mood to celebrate after making UK chart history at the weekend. The Middleton-formed rockers headed out in their home city to toast the huge news that they have scored their first ever number one album on Friday.
And when you have your own bar, it becomes the natural place to head for celebrations. Frontman Liam Fray is co-owner of The Smithfield Social in the trendy Northern Quarter - and was pictured with bandmates Daniel 'Conan' Moores and Michael Campbell there after sinking pints at an iconic Manchester pub.
They are celebrating after topping the charts with St Jude - their debut album which was first released in 2008. It has broken a previously-held record for the longest time EVER in hitting the number one spot - 14 years and 9 months later - after the 15th anniversary re-release this month.
