Withington’s empty Public Hall Institute will be transformed into a pop-up pub this weekend

A group of local, craft beer-loving dads are transforming Withington’s empty Public Hall Institute into a pop-up pub this weekend.

Neill Woodward, Casey Longden, Mark Brennan and Ed Wellard all became friends after their children started going to St Paul’s Primary School and set up The Lock Inn in an effort to bring their local community together.

They form the core of a larger team helping to run the events – buying all the beer independently from local Manchester brewers, finding out what’s been brewed that week and getting their hands on the freshest kegs going.

“We love Withington and we love the Manchester beer scene,” said Ed.

“It’s great bringing the two things together, and bringing a bit of life to the village. We want people to have an excuse to get together and have some fun. Everyone’s welcome.

“We have a strict rule of serving drinks produced by local independents. It seems to work for people, and as long as it does we’ll keep coming back for more.”

Pouring at this weekend’s event will be a carefully curated selection from local breweries Marble, Blackjack, To the Moon, Wander Beyond, Pamona Island, Cloudwater, Shindigger, Beatnikz Republic and Burton Road.

There’ll also be gin from Manchester Three Rivers, cider from the Moss Cider Project and pop from Steep Soda, plus music, bar snacks and pizzas from their friends at Wilmslow road pizzeria Wishbone and Stone.

One nicknamed ‘The Homewreckers’ because it provided the men of the area early and late drinking facilities in the days of restricted pub opening hours, the historic site was first built in 1861 and donated to the community by Lord Egerton.

Over the years it has functioned first as a members’ club and later housed a lending library between for locals between 1861-1911, prior to the modern library being built further north in the village.

It is now believed to be in public ownership, but Ed hinted that this weekend may be The Lock Inn’s last event there – citing issues regarding access to the building.

Fans of the pop-up pub needn’t worry though. He reassures us they’ve got plenty more interesting ideas regarding other venues and collaborations going forward.

Taking over the little snug and the main snooker hall, the Friday night session will coincide with Withington at Night – a community-focused event that promotes Withington and its independents.