Think of it as a ‘historical tavern reimagined’
The cosy and rustic pub aims to pay homage to its roots as part of an 19th century warehouse(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A historic Manchester warehouse which has links back to Coronation Street has reopened its doors as an ‘unfussy’ traditional pub – and they’re giving away 1,000 free pints to mark the occasion.
Stables Tavern has opened within the St John’s neighbourhood, near Castlefield and Deansgate. Located on the corner of the Bonded Warehouse, the rustic pub features cosy interiors, fireplaces, plenty of pints and even traditional sausage rolls.
Originally built in 1869, the warehouse played a significant role in Britain’s economic expansion and was used in the processing and distribution of vital goods like grain and flour.
As the name would suggest, the site of the pub was once used as both a stables as well as a tavern for warehouse workers to unwind after a long day. From 1960 until 2013, the site also formed part of the ITV Granada Studios complex site where it was used as both a production bar and as a make-shift Rover’s Return for tours of the studios.
New owners Shiko Group have set out to create a cosy and comforting venue which features more than a few references to its past – featuring exposed brick walls and a warehouse-style aesthetic – alongside some more modern touches like Timothy Oulton union flag chesterfield sofas.
Stables Tavern is in the St John’s neighbourhood, near the likes of Caravan, Trading Route and Aviva Studios(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Alongside their own Tavern Lager, there’s the likes of Guinness, Boddingtons and Asahi on draught, as well as a cocktail menu including classics like French Martinis, Margaritas and an alcohol-free Rhubarb Spritz.
When it comes to food, there are pies and pastries, like sausage rolls and mushroom, leek and cheddar pasties, which are served with homemade relishes, as well as pies from Great North Pie Co. There’s also beetroot pickled eggs and pickled onions for those wanting a more traditional beer snack.
It’s been described as a ‘historic tavern reimagined'(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We’re trying to position it as a historical tavern reimagined,” Hayley Jade Sammé, Sales and Marketing Director at Shiko Group, which are also behind venues like Foley’s and The Lawn Club, tells the Manchester Evening News of the venue.
“We’re aware it’s not going to be historic because, even though the building has got the history, it’s not really known what it was like as a pub. But we have tried to imagine what the tavern would be like. It’s got a real rustic charm.
Homemade sausage rolls, alongside vegetarian options, are on the menu, as well as pies and pastries(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“I don’t think there’s really a pub in this area right now that has that old-school homely feeling to it, and that’s what we wanted to have here. We wanted people to see this pub as like their second home.
“We’ve tried to make sure that we’re homemaking sausage rolls from our kitchen upstairs, or we’re working with local and independent suppliers both with food and the drinks. We’ve got a few new products here that we hope people will try, but you can’t really open a pub these days without having Guinness!”
Heads up: You won’t get served if you turn up with a horse(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The pub has been designed with the help of Imagineering Global Architects and Designers, who have previously worked on venues like Manchester’s The Oast House and The Trading House in London.
“It’s taken us seven weeks from start to finish to turn this from basically a derelict site into what it is now,” Paul Danson, CEO of Imagineering Global, said. “It’s been empty for a few years now and only ever used for the odd party here and there – it seemed sad for it to be just an empty shell of a place.
The Bonded Warehouse pub also features Timothy Oulton chesterfield sofas(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“I feel like St John’s is starting to lose some of that corporate feeling it has had in the last few years. People want to have their own little boozer in their community, and we have tried to create this with that idea in mind.”
The venue also features a parlour area at the back of the pub which will host live entertainment, old school games, and rounds of whiskey throughout the year, whilst there is also an outdoor area to make the most of the city’s sunnier days.
Hayley added: “We’re so excited to bring The Stables Tavern back to St John’s. The area’s extensive historical backdrop and burgeoning hospitality scene provides the perfect landscape for a traditional British pub.
Stables Tavern lager and Guinness are both available on draught(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“It’s the perfect addition to the existing scene, and we hope it’s going to become a popular spot in our new creative district.”
To mark the opening of Stables Tavern, the venue is giving away a free pint of Stables Tavern lager to everyone who signs up on their website here. There are 1,000 pints to give away and they must be used between June 6 and July 4, with one per person.
Stables Tavern is at Bonded Warehouse, 18 Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4AP.