Historic Withington building to reopen as restaurant, bar and music space

The historic Old Bank in Withington has been brought back to life by the team behind Cottonopolis and the Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats, and will reopen this month as Libertine.

The landmark site will finally reopen on Friday 12th August as an all-day eatery with a community focus, say the team – a place where you can eat well, drink well, soak up the atmosphere and listen to good music.

The venue will incorporate a restaurant, bar and music space that shifts with the seasons, while also celebrating contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking with an underlying global accent, they say. 

As such, the food concept will be varied with something for everyone in mind; from small plates to brunch and homely Sunday roasts.

There will also be a focus on live-fire cooking, using charcoal and wood to showcase the very best of simple yet creative dishes – allowing vegetables to take centre stage, while meat and fish take a supporting role.

For drinks there will be a big focus on beer, with 20 keg lines and four cask lines on offer.

The Libertine cocktail list will include classic drinks alongside some delicious signature offerings created by the team.

The Old Bank is a grand stone building that is adorned with decoration, including a finely carved frieze and balustrade parapet wall at roof level.

Throughout the sympathetic approach to the build, a number of beautiful original features have been unearthed and lovingly restored to the venue, so that they now play among the wooden tables and rustic décor.

The team behind Libertine know what an important monument the site is, and hope that the venue will be a welcome addition for the community – a place that the Withington residents will consider a ‘home from home’.

“Myself, Hayley and the team hope to be a welcome addition to Withington,” said Nick Muir, director of Libertine.

“Libertine is a prominent building in the village, much-loved by the locals.

“With considerate attention to detail, we hope to have done justice to this beautiful building. In creating a warm and welcoming space for all to enjoy, we will bring both quality and comfort, with a stylish twist on a traditional setting and exceptional standards. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of this neighbourhood and look forward to opening our doors in August.“

Once fully open, Libertine, 437 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, will be open to the public 12pm – 11pm daily. Opening weekend hours are Friday 12th – from 12pm for drinks / evening service for dinner from 5pm, last sitting 9pm; Saturday: brunch from 12pm – 3pm / evening service from 4pm – 9pm / drinks all-day; Sunday: roasts from 12pm – 8pm / drinks all day. Bookings can be made now here.