There’s an intriguing history to the boozer on John Dalton Street
The pub in central Manchester has undergone a major transformation (Image: Supplied)
The home of Manchester’s ‘longest running’ free comedy night – which has nurtured some of the country’s top talent – has just undergone £400,000 refurbishment.
Tucked away just off Deansgate, The Ape and Apple pub on John Dalton Street now boasts a series of new features as well as a nods to its past.
The pub belongs to the Manchester-based Joseph Holt brewery, which was established 175 years ago. It was first opened by Manchester United legend Denis Law in 1997.
One of the liveliest entertainment venues in the city, along with its weekly Comedy Balloon evenings, it also plays host to Monday night salsa classes – one of the few pubs in the country to hold such groups.
There’s also an improvised Murder Mystery nights on the second Thursday of each month.
The refurbishment, which includes the installation of new white marble topped bars as well as top-to-toe redecoration, holds a particular place in the heart of Jane Kershaw, great great great granddaughter of brewery founder Joseph Holt who set up the company in 1849.
Tucked away just off Deansgate, The Ape and Apple pub on John Dalton Street now boasts a series of new features as well as a nods to its past(Image: Supplied)
At the age of 10, Jane designed the sign for the Ape and Apple which still hangs outside there today. She was asked to design the sign one rainy Saturday morning by her father, Richard Kershaw, the company’s CEO to give her something to do on wet day.
Now a director of Joseph Holt, Jane is the sixth generation of the family to work in the company.
“I always loved drawing, and even at the age of ten was obsessed with anything to do with the brewery,” Jane said.
“From how the beer was brewed to the pubs themselves. So I immediately set about making the sign for the Ape and Apple.
“I was thrilled when this was then turned into the sign which is still there today. It remains one of my proudest achievements – especially now the pub is in its 30th year and has this wonderful reputation for being such a popular venue.
“The Ape and Apple is one of our Manchester city centre flagship pubs. And following its recent refurbishment it’s likely to prove even more popular with customers who want somewhere to go to enjoy a lively night out as well as our selection of cask ales.
“It’s also popular with those who come to Manchester for a city break and are looking to enjoy the night life here. The Ape and Apple has such a wonderful history and we’re looking forward to a bright future for it too.”
The finished artwork showing an ape balancing an apple in its hand as it sits on a barrel of beer hangs outside the pub – and has been there since the pub opened in 1997.
Jane Kershaw, great great great granddaughter of brewery founder Joseph Holt (Image: Supplied)
Joseph Holt acquired the building which houses the Ape and Apple in 1996 after Richard Kershaw spotted the derelict premises were for sale as he chaired a meeting across the road from the venue.
“I looked out of the window and saw the building and thought it would be a perfect venue for a new city centre pub,” recalled Richard.
“However, it did share a party wall with St. Mary’s on Mulberry Street, the so-called Hidden Gem church and in those days you had to apply for a licence from the magistrate’s court for a new pub.
“We had a number of meetings with the Catholic church before we received consent. We then introduced soundproofing so that our customers wouldn’t be able to hear the sound of the organ being played – and to ensure we didn’t disturb the church goers.”
Another landmark for the Ape and Apple is the blue plaque which was placed on the wall outside to honour scientist John Dalton dubbed “The Father of Modern Chemistry”.
The Joseph Holt brewery owns 127 pubs across the North West and has been headquartered on Empire Street in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester since 1860.