The much-loved boozer will reopen later this month
The Wharf, Castlefield
A well-known waterside pub has closed temporarily while it undergoes a major refurbishment. The boozer, which is a popular summertime drinking spot thanks to its large beer garden will be closed for the majority of January.
The Wharf at Slate Wharf near Castlefield confirmed its temporary closure on social media and on its website. Encouraging customers to keep up to date on their social channels, the team described the makeover as ‘exciting’, adding that it would reopen on January 26.
Offering beautiful views of the Manchester Ship Canal, the purpose-built pub first opened its doors in 1998 under the name of the Jackson’s Wharf, until it ceased trading in 2005. With plans for an apartment block on the site being unsuccessful, it reopened as a pub in 2011 under the guidance of local operator Brunning & Price.
The pub is undergoing a major refurbishment (Image: MEN)
In an update shared on the pub’s website, they wrote: “We are currently closed for a very exciting refurbishment of our lovely pub. Follow us on our socials for updates as we progress and we’ll post more information on our reopening plans here very soon.
“We hope you all had a great Christmas and look forward to seeing you later in January. Cheers everyone, Tash and all the team at the Wharf.”
The popular drinking spot regularly tops best beer garden lists. In May last year, it was amongst several Greater Manchester pubs and bars named as having the best beer gardens in the country.
The list, compiled by Big 7 Travel, named The Wharf in its top five. It’s write-up went on to add: “While the inside of the pub with its cosy alcoves and small rooms is excellent, it’s the outdoor parts which really make this worth visiting.
“From its bustling outdoor terrace, vibrant outdoor areas which sometimes feature live music performances in the summer, right down to its own boules court, this pub in the Castlefield area of Manchester is a must-visit when you next find yourself in the city centre.”
The Wharf, Castlefield(Image: Brunning & Price)
Currently, the downstairs of the pub is more pub-service in style, with several cask ales on the bar, a varied wine list with something for everyone, forty gins and over a fifty malts. Upstairs is more restaurant, with full table service.
Menus change frequently to reflect the seasons but it’s Sunday roast is one of its calling cards. It is not yet clear whether the dishes will be refreshed in line with the refurbishment.
Described by reviewers online as a “must-visit” and “first class”, one customer late last year wrote: “On a rainy Sunday afternoon whilst walking down the canal we spotted The Wharf, with the rain getting heavier it was a good excuse to pop in to shelter. As we approached we noticed that it was a Brunning and Price pub, we have a few near us so knew it was going to be good, it was indeed.
“It was absolutely packed, however the gentleman we spoke to found us a table that we could sit at for a hour, in fact we did manage to move to a non bookable table by the fire, which was lovely. The service was excellent, the location brilliant and the house wine slipped down very easily. We absolutely would return. Highly recommended.”