New gastropub The Fountain House opening in Albert Square soon

The Memorial Hall will reopen as a premium gastropub called The Fountain House next month, taking over the former Albert Square Chop House venue.

The new opening has been named as a nod to stunning Victorian fountain opposite, which was also designed by the building’s architect, Thomas Worthington.

Bought to the city by The Metropolitan Pub Company, The Fountain House is located over three floors of the stunning Grade II listed building, nestled in the heart of Albert Square.

Following a complete refurbishment, the new destination will provide a chic yet charming pub atmosphere, say owners, offering a premium dining experience in the heart of Manchester.

The lunch menu offers dishes such as a Maple bacon, Brie and Cheddar cheese sourdough toastie with skin-on fries, while the main menu includes beef hash brown with crispy duck egg, smoked pancetta, hen of the woods and horseradish gravy, or butternut squash and sage agnolotti with roast chestnuts, caramelised Rosco onions and shallot vinaigrette.

Sharing boards include the likes of baked camembert, a selection of charcuterie, or crispy fried tofu with dips and breads.

There’s also a selection of bar snacks such as sausage roll with HP sauce, frickles with curried mayonnaise, or Bury black pudding Scotch egg with burnt onion ketchup.

The Fountain House is the first northern site for The Metropolitan Pub Company, who largely operate in London and across southern England.

The venue hopes to combine classic British pub culture and cuisine with a quality wine and cask ale experience.

To ensure the new site retains its heritage and Mancunian spirit, The Metropolitan Pub Company has appointed experienced Manchester-based hospitality manager, Lawrence Hallows, to oversee the transition.

A former team member at The Albert Square Chop House, Lawrence has worked at the site since 2014 in multiple roles at every level of the business.

“It’s no secret that lockdown has fundamentally changed eating and drinking habits for customers,” says Lawrence.

“Now restrictions have eased, people tend to go out less often, but spend more when they do go out, to make the most of the experience. 

“The location of The Fountain House, right in the centre of Manchester’s business district and focal point of the Town Hall, tells you everything you need to know about its potential. 

“Local city workers, tourists and premium weekend drinkers are all looking for a high quality space with an equally outstanding food and drink offering, and that’s what The Fountain House will provide.”

The Fountain House is recruiting 40 new team members, and also now taking Christmas bookings, although with limited availability.

The upper floors will also be available to host bespoke, tailor-made events.

“We are really excited to bring our first pub to Manchester,” says Michael Horan, managing director of Metropolitan Pub Company.

“The Memorial Hall site is perfect, as it will allow us to team our premium gastropub experience to customers in the heart of the city.”

The Fountain House opens on 11th November. For more information or to book a table, visit thefountainhouse.co.uk.