Albert Square Chop House to become new gastropub

Premium pub operator, Metropolitan Pub Company, has acquired The Memorial Hall site which has previously traded as the Albert Square Chop House, as it looks to expand its gastropub offer to Manchester.

The newly named The Fountain House, which is due to reopen in September, will be the first that the London-based pub company will open in the north of England.

Metropolitan Pub Company, known for celebrating its pubs’ individual character and charm, will close the site over the summer while it invests in the 155-year-old grade II building, which is Thomas Worthington’s Memorial Hall. 

When it reopens in September, The Fountain House will initially open three of its five storeys to customers – with the lower ground floor for premium gastropub dining, a charming pub experience on the ground floor and private dining and function space for weddings and meetings on the first floor.

The Albert Square Chop House was part of Manchester’s independently-owned Chop House brand, which operated three historic sites in the city centre.

The owner is retaining the original two businesses – Mr Thomas’ and Sam’s Chop Houses established by chef Thomas Studd in the 1860s. 

The site will undergo an initial investment upgrade, with the intention of opening by the end of September.

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

“The Memorial Hall site is perfect as we look to offer our premium gastropub delights to customers in the heart of the city. 

“We are hoping that the current Albert Square Chop House employees will be staying with us at The Fountain House, where we will spend the summer investing in their training and will look to develop their careers for the future. 

 “We can’t wait to open our doors to offer customers our premium wine selection and craft beers, alongside fresh, seasonal and innovative premium gastropub food, including seafood, meat, vegan and vegetarian.”