Much-loved Manchester pub The Deansgate has reopened after TWO YEARS. The pub has undergone an extensive refurbishment, including a transformation of the venue’s two existing floors, and the addition of a third-floor space.
After closing during the first lockdown in 2020, the pub, which started its life in the 19th century, failed to reopen, prompting some concern from pub-goers that it may not return. Fortunately, in October 2021, brewing giant Greene King confirmed it had acquired the old school boozer and planned to refurbish it.
The pub, which is situated at the end of Deansgate in the shadow of the Beetham Tower, was first built in the 19th century, and was first known as The Crown Inn. Opening its doors once again after three months of renovation, the pub's two floors have been completely transformed, along with the outdoor terrace area.
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“The Deansgate has always been a Manchester staple, from when it was first opened back in the 19th century and we’re so excited to be able to open its doors once more,” general manager Jonathon Evans said. "It’s been two years in the planning and if you walk downstairs you’ll see we’ve tried to keep it as original as possible, and then as we move up the floors we’ve kept it a bit more modern - what we’ve done is tried to make it a really nice comfortable space.
“Everyone’s happy to see The Deansgate back open and that’s what everyone keeps telling me. It is very historic in this city, and really special, especially when it’s lit up at night.”
In a nod to the pub’s past, it has retained some of its original features including the frontage - with a new colour scheme - as well as its stained glass windows, moulded ceilings, woodwork and the distinguishing festoon lighting, which lights up the Deansgate spot. Marking a new era, The Deansgate now also features a contemporary third-floor bar space, which stretches out onto an additional outdoor seating area and terrace.
“Up at the top, which used to be the old manager's accommodation, we’ve made a big media room, conference room or bar for Fridays and Saturdays when it gets busy,” adds Jonathon. “It leads on to a new rooftop terrace that is going to be covered in February, which is waterproof. For me, the top room is sensational, having seen it as an old flat and now this in three months is great - it’s already been booked forty times already.”
Striking a balance between an old school, cosy pub, and contemporary bar, the pub now features a green décor, solid wood flooring and bar areas, which have created a traditional pub feel. The new scheme is complemented by booth-style seating on all levels, creating cosy nooks and drinking spots for people to relax in.
The ground floor also includes a feature bar area in a half moon shape, made from solid wood in the pub’s signature green colour, and features bespoke brass fonts and a glass back bar - adding a contemporary look and feel. The exterior of the pub, meanwhile, retains the traditional look, with a dose of careful restoration to the front door signage, plus new planters and a new look hanging pub sign.
“We’ve got a full new food and drink menu that’s just been released as well. There’s sharing plates, which is a bit easier to send down and on certain days it's three plates for £15, and on Sunday we’re doing a Sunday roast too as there’s not that many pubs in the city centre that do that now.
“Drinks wise, we’ve got our own Deansgate bitter, which is made and designed just for us, plus two Greene King premium ales, plus IPAs and Manchester ales too - we’re trying to keep the heritage of the city centre in this building.”
For those who want to try it all, the menu offers a range of small plates including Karaage Chicken, Crispy Squid and Beyond Meat Burger Sliders, which are available at three for £15 or five for £26. As well as sharing plates and platters, traditional dishes include Steak and Ale Pie and Beer Battered Cod and Chips, plus the aforementioned classic Sunday roast, with a range of options or Nut Roast Wellington, served with the trimmings, are available.
The Deansgate’s drinks menu spans 12 premium beers on tap, including regional favourite the Fuzzy Hazy Pale Ale from Manchester’s number one rated beer company, Cloudwater. The bar back also features a range of wines and spirits, and the bar has launched an extensive cocktail menu with Palomas and spritzes just some of the tipples patrons can order.
The Deansgate is open now. 321 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ
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