“It has been a successful long term venture from the 19th century and we feel it would be sorely missed.”
The Apsley Cottage pub in Ardwick which is almost 200 years old. (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Manchester Civic Society has joined a fight to save a historic city pub from closure. As revealed in the MEN the Apsley Cottage next to the Apollo Theatre in Ardwick is under threat.
For the last 32 years it has been run by the O’Malley family but its future is no in doubt after the owners, Admiral Taverns, confirmed selling was a possibility. The company says it has come to a mutual agreement with the landlord to “part ways”.
It has been a bolthole for stars performing at the Apollo with local heroes like Oasis, The Smiths, Stone Roses, and Happy Mondays “retiring” to the pub after shows. American country music legends the late Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson also sought refreshment there as well as Rod Stewart, Black Sabbath, Abba, and Paul McCartney’s Wings.
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The Apsley Cottage pub with the Apollo looming in the background. (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
But the O’Malley family say its strength and popularity has been its appeal as a local community pub.
The building is almost 200 years old and although the Apollo is Grade II listed the pub is not. Now the Civic Society has submitted an application for the pub to be listed as an asset of community value.
Steve Speakman, chairman of the Society, said: “The story was picked up by our secretary and I have submitted an application. The idea is that it gives people an opportunity collectively – maybe including big names – to make a formal bid. If it was recognised as an asset of community value it would mean the owners couldn’t just say right we are turning it into flats or we are going to knock it down.
“It stops the immediacy of it. It can’t stop the train absolutely but it does give the opportunity of delay, and a bid by a community group to buy it. It has a historic perspective from the 1840s. It is certainly supportive of the function of the Apollo, and has a tradition of being supportive of the local community. It has been a successful long term venture from the 19th century and we feel it would be sorely missed.”
Steve added: “Getting asset of community status would give those campaigning breathing space.”
A spokesperson for Admiral Taverns said: “We are strong believers in the importance of community pubs and our focus is always on helping our licensees run sustainable pub businesses. We have come to a mutual agreement to part ways with our current licensee and we would like to thank him for his tremendous work over the last 30-years. We are currently exploring all options for the future of the site which could include a sale.”
The possible closure of the pub has dismayed customers. Winnie Burke called in while visiting from Scotland. She later posted on the We Grew Up in Manchester Facebook site: “Visiting Ardwick today from Scotland to reminisce. Cannot believe the historic pub Apsley Cottage is set to close? Amazing place, full of pictures, stories and friendliness. Very very sad.”
Pub regulars, Chelsea Smith, 34, Tom Arnott, 66, and Chantelle Skeffington, 35.
The Apsley Cottage Inn, situated next to Manchester Apollo has long been a favourite with bands, concert goers, and locals alike. .(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
John Maguire, who was assistant stage manager at the Apollo, said: “I am Manchester born and bred but live in Oxford now. I worked at the Apollo in the 70s. The Apsley Cottage was always part of my time being there.
“The Gallaghers went in there, the Stone Roses, and the big man himself, Billy Connolly. There is a collage of pictures of the bands who went in. Rock stars frequented it but the feel of the place was that it was a home for everyone.
“The building is about 200 years old but it is not listed, which I find strange. It has low beams and is a proper old pub. No one knew the pub was going to be sold. The current tenancy still had five years left.”
The walls of the Apsley Cottage pub are covered with photogrpahs of stars dropping in for a drink after performing at the Apollo Theatre next door. (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Ruth McAllister, who until the pub closed last week was its manager, has launched a petition to save the pub. It has been signed via chang.org by 780 people.
Ruth says in support of the petition: “The Apsley Cottage Pub has been more than just a place to work for me—it’s been a community, a gathering place for friends and neighbors, and a living artifact of Ardwick’s rich heritage. Having worked here for four years, I was on the brink of taking over this beloved establishment, ensuring it continued to thrive as a welcoming venue for all.”
“But now, our beloved Apsley Cottage is under threat. After 200 years of history, the brewery has made the sudden decision to sell this iconic landmark to developers. It’ not just a pub; it’s a part of our area’s identity. Over the years, it has hosted numerous bands and events, cementing its place in the cultural landscape of Ardwick. There are interested parties willing to buy and preserve the pub’s legacy for future generations. Yet the brewery, in its haste, dismisses these offers, opting for profit over preserving a community landmark.”
In another twist temporary staff have been drafted in to run the pub until September.