In mid-2014 the pub was rejuvenated with a thorough refurbishment and the re-introduction of cask beers alongside an array of craft-keg ales (sadly the cask ales were dropped from sale in late 2019). Now, a large open space occupied by a good number of high tables, and three long refectory-style tables with bench seating. This is in the area that would have been the 'stalls' seating set beneath the former upper circle. Large TV screens flank the room, with one sited right above the long bar. Good use has been of lighting has been made to assist in delineating areas. The right side has a slightly raised part, whilst it counterpart on left has three pool tables. The whole thing is focused on getting young people in to enjoy themselves, but there is something for all ages here.
Historic Interest
Began life as the Grosvenor Cinema, then was converted to pub use by the Firkin chain to become their first Manchester house, the Flea & Firkin. During its Flea & Firkin days it had its own on-site brewery in the basement. The head brewer was Richard Sutton (who upon closure of this facility went on to open his own very successful Pictish Brewery in Rochdale). The pub part of it was a vast bare-boarded space whose bar show-cased the Firkin brews, including the infamous Dogbolter. A change of tack and ownership in the early 1990s meant the pub focused on the student market under the Scream banner. Keg beer and blandness followed for at least 20 years.
Footage, Chorlton-on-Medlock
Source: National
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