Beloved Northern Quarter pub celebrates ten years of success

Award-winning pub and boutique hotel, The Abel Heywood, is raising a glass to mark its 10th anniversary this month.

Nestled in the Northern Quarter, this iconic establishment has become a cornerstone of the city’s social and cultural scene since it first opened its doors in December 2014.

From its humble beginnings as a fire-damaged former textile warehouse to its transformation into a thriving landmark, the pub’s journey over the past decade has been remarkable.

10 years of The Abel Heywood

The Abel Heywood owes much of its success to general manager Alex Allan, whose passion and dedication have been instrumental in the venue’s growth.

Alex, who has been with Salford-based Hydes Brewery for 14 years, played a pivotal role in the pub’s creation.

It was Alex who first spotted the potential of the derelict Turner Street building, bringing it to the attention of Hydes’ management team.

“When I first saw the building, it was falling apart,” Alex recalled. “Parts were burned out, and the only part in use was a tiny tailor’s shop. But I could see its potential immediately. I called my boss and said, ‘You need to look at this venue—it’s amazing.’”

Hydes acted on Alex’s recommendation, acquiring the property and investing millions in its redevelopment. By December 2014, The Abel Heywood was reborn, boasting Victorian-inspired decor, a warm and welcoming bar area, and Manchester’s first boutique pub hotel.

Ten years in the Northern Quarter

Over the past ten years, The Abel Heywood has gone from strength to strength.

As one of the first city-centre pubs to offer boutique hotel accommodation, it has consistently ranked among Manchester’s top places to stay. With over 2,675 reviews on TripAdvisor—more than any other hotel on the platform’s top 10 list—the pub’s 15-room boutique hotel maintains an impressive 99% occupancy rate.

In February 2024, The Abel Heywood became the first pub in Hydes’ estate to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment fund.

A £200,000 refurbishment brought new booth seating, updated Victorian-style decor, revamped bar areas, modern signage, and upgraded lighting.

“We’ve had a fantastic year,” Alex said. “The investment has really paid off. We’ve welcomed customers old and new through a packed programme of events, a wide range of quality ales, traditional home-cooked food, and impeccable service from a dedicated team. It’s been an amazing way to celebrate 10 years.”

Further renovations are already planned, with the boutique hotel set to undergo a makeover in January 2025.

The difficulties of the hospitality industry in the UK

The past decade hasn’t been without its challenges. From the impact of the Manchester Arena bombing and the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, The Abel Heywood has weathered its fair share of storms.

“Those were dark days for the city and for the industry,” Alex reflected. “But we came through them. Manchester has been on a huge upward trajectory, and I feel like The Abel Heywood has mirrored that growth. We’ve become a key part of the city centre’s vibrant cultural and social scene.”

A landmark in the Northern Quarter

The Abel Heywood’s reputation extends far beyond its walls. It has become a hub for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. The pub has appeared on numerous television programmes, including the hit nineties BBC series Cutting It, and has hosted famous patrons such as Christopher Eccleston, Shaun Ryder, Dave Spikey, and The Courteeners.

The upstairs bar has even doubled as a green room for nearby filming productions, welcoming stars like Alison Steadman and Robson Green.

“The Abel Heywood has an unmistakable identity all its own,” said Alex. “It’s great for the local economy and brings so much to this part of the city. We want to be seen as an iconic Manchester pub—up there with names like the Marble Arch and the Briton’s Protection.”

What does the future hold for the Abel Heywood

As The Abel Heywood enters its second decade, the future looks bright. Alex is brimming with ideas and optimism for what lies ahead.

“We’ve got exciting plans in the pipeline,” he shares. “This is a pub for everybody. People come here from all over the world—whether for business, leisure, or just a pint in a great atmosphere. We’re continuing to grow, and I’m looking forward to what the next ten years will bring.”

Hydes Brewery’s managing director, Adam Mayers, echoes Alex’s sentiments: “The Abel Heywood is in a strong position to build on the success and reputation it has worked so hard to achieve. It has firmly established itself as a landmark pub and hotel in the Northern Quarter, becoming a characterful hub for locals and visitors alike.”

The Abel Heywood’s success is a testament to Hydes Brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Based in Media City, Salford, Hydes was founded in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies, and other brewers across the UK. Its pub estate includes 40 locations across the North West and North Wales, many of which have also benefited from substantial investment in recent years.

Adam Mayers adds: “We’ve committed over £10 million to refurbishing our pubs, ensuring they remain vibrant, welcoming spaces for the communities they serve. The Abel Heywood is a shining example of what we can achieve.”

Cheers to 10 Years of the Abel Heywood

With a decade of success behind it and exciting plans ahead, The Abel Heywood is poised to remain a cornerstone of Manchester’s pub scene for years to come.

Cheers to 10 more years!