A pint and a painting? Artist creates love letter to Manchester’s pubs in stunning coffee table book

When it comes to capturing the soul of a city, few things do it better than the local pub.

Luckily for us, we are blessed with some amazing historic boozers dotted around town and Greater Manchester.

For Manchester-based painter Michael Ashcroft, these establishments are more than just places to grab a pint—they are the heartbeat of the community, filled with memories, laughter, and stories waiting to be told.

Painting Manchester’s Pubs by Michael Ashcroft

In his recently published coffee table book, Painting Manchester’s Pubs, Michael brings the city’s beloved pubs to life with 40 stunning oil paintings, each accompanied by a carefully chosen quote.

It’s a project that’s as personal as it is artistic, with every brushstroke reflecting Ashcroft’s deep connection to the city and its iconic watering holes.

Michael journey into painting began at an early age, growing up in a home filled with artistic inspiration. “My mum was always being creative,” he recalled.

“There were paints, brushes, clay, easels—all kinds of artist’s materials strewn about the house.

“So, it was quite normal for me to want to follow in her footsteps.”

What started as a childhood hobby of drawing cartoons and experimenting with acrylics eventually evolved into a passion for oil painting.

“It was oils that really grabbed me,” he says, though it wasn’t until a life-altering event in 1998 that he decided to take his art more seriously.

“I had a major operation to remove a tumour near my brain, and that was the moment I realised I needed to focus on my painting.”

“There’s nothing like sitting with a pint, sketching, watching the world go by”

The idea to paint Manchester’s pubs came naturally to Michael, who has always been captivated by the ambience of these communal spaces.

“I have always been fascinated with pubs, not sure why,” he admitted.

“I think I just like the ambience—sitting and having a pint, sketching or chatting, and watching the world go by.”

His frequent visits to Manchester for hospital appointments often included stops at the city’s finest pubs, where he would unwind with a pint and lunch before heading to the Manchester Art Gallery or The Whitworth Gallery for more inspiration.

When it came time to choose which pubs to feature in the book, Michael’s criteria were simple but heartfelt: “I have to have had a pint in each pub,” he explained with a smile.

“Which wasn’t difficult.”

Starting with his top ten favourites, he ultimately managed to include all the pubs he loves in Manchester, a city rich with historical and atmospheric drinking spots.

Some of his favourites?

“The Gaslamp on Bridge Street, Sam’s Chop House, The Marble Arch, The City Arms, The Britons Protection, The Peveril of the Peak, Lass O Gowrie…AGH!!

“It’s like asking me to choose a child—I love them all,” he said, struggling to pick just one.

Of course, painting these pubs came with its own set of challenges. Michael found that capturing the right composition was often the most difficult part.

“Getting the right angle on which to paint it from” was a common struggle, he noted.

“The Unicorn was a tricky one, so I zoomed in and concentrated on the fascia, which I think is a unique part of that particular pub.”

Some pubs, like The Gaslamp on Bridge Street, posed unique challenges but also led to some of his most rewarding work.

“It was basically a front door and a sign, but what I decided to do was put a pint of beer on the pavement.

“It was really to get a splash of colour in there, but I’ve ended up putting a discarded pint in most of my pub paintings, a bit like a signature, so look out for them.”

Working on the streets of Manchester, Michael also had the opportunity to meet many interesting characters.

“People aren’t shy when it comes to talking to artists on the street—it’s great!” he said.

“I used to wear my headphones, but then I realised that I quite enjoyed chatting to people. I have even sold paintings straight off the easel—not often, but it does happen now and then.”

For Michael, Painting Manchester’s Pubs is a a conversation starter, a way to connect people with the city’s rich pub culture.

“It’s what I would call a coffee table book—you can pick it up now and then, flick through, and hopefully reminisce about having a pint in there or meeting friends,” he explained.

The book is also filled with quotes from artists and friends who shared their own memories of Manchester’s pubs, adding a layer of personal nostalgia to each painting.

“The book must be read with a pint in hand, of course!” he added with a laugh.

What’s next for Michael?

As for what’s next, Michael is already brewing up ideas for future projects.

“I am thinking of doing another book, maybe on the pubs around the outskirts of Manchester,” he revealed.

“I’ve got some other ideas, including iconic buildings in Manchester, so watch this space.”

Among the 40 paintings in the book, one holds a special place in Michael’s heart: his painting of Night and Day, a popular music venue.

“I do like the Night and Day painting. I’m into my music, and it has a lot of history behind those doors,” he shared.

Not only that, it’s one of my lad’s favorite places too, and has fond memories—needless to say, we have shared a pint or two in there.”

In Painting Manchester’s Pubs, Michael Ashcroft has created more than just art; he has captured the spirit of Manchester, one pint at a time.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this book is a beautiful reminder of the city’s vibrant pub culture and the stories that live within it.

So, grab a pint, find a cozy corner, and let Ashcroft’s paintings take you on a nostalgic journey through the heart of Manchester.

Where can I buy a copy of Painting Manchester’s Pubs?

You can get a copy of Painting Manchester’s Pubs by clicking here