This derelict Ancoats pub will soon be restored to its former glory – Cottonopolis founders announce takeover

A derelict 200-year-old pub in the heart of Ancoats is set for a transformation after Cottonopolis owners Nick and Hayley Muir announced their takeover of the site this week.

The historic Edinburgh Castle pub in Ancoats is over 200 years old and has lain empty since the early 00s, whilst the surrounding area has blossomed into one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Manchester.

Dating back to 1811, the Edinburgh Castle Public House and the Cutting Room above, which would have once been used for cutting cloth patterns produced in the nearby mills, is currently being restored to its former glory with original features being retained wherever possible.

The new opening is set to be worlds away from their existing NQ site Cottonopolis – a sleek, award-winning cocktail bar dishing out some of the best Japanese cuisine in Manchester.

Instead, the new owners are promising an ‘authentic local pub’ befitting of the historic nineteenth-century building serving real ales to punters downstairs and with tasty, home-cooked grub available on the first floor.

The old Cutting Room upstairs will be transformed into a 52 cover restaurant with an open kitchen offering comforting dishes with ingredients sourced from regional suppliers.

The area of Ancoats is steeped in local history and so, whilst we are huge fans of the many wonderful independent restaurants and bars that are popping up there, it is wonderful to hear this little piece of old Ancoats on the junction of Blossom Street and Henry Street is set for restoration to its former glory.

The pub is planned to open in Autumn 2019, with more details on the concept and design set to be released in the coming weeks.