News & Features

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Odder closed suddenly

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There was surprise in the twittersphere and beyond at closing time on July 5th when cryptic posts from Manchester’s Odder Bar on both twitter & Facebook announced #EndOfAnEra. As the dust settled over the next day or two, it became apparent that the seemingly popular Oxford Road Bar & club had been sold and closed … Read more

Altrincham Closures

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While the forthcoming reopening of The Orange Tree is great news, elsewhere in Altrincham things aren’t so good with no fewer than three pubs closing in recent months. First to go was The Victoria on Stamford Street – primarily a restaurant in recent years but one that maintained a handpump on the bar and served … Read more

The Orange Tree to reopen (updated)

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Altrincham’s The Orange Tree has had a pretty torrid time over the last couple of years with several different licensees come and go. Things may be looking up for the Enterprise Inn’s owned pub on Old Market Place with the news that the new team behind the pub is to be led by Chris Clish, … Read more

Strange Brew, Chorlton

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Strange Brew Sign (Small)

Less than a week after closure of The Jackalope on Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, the bar was reborn as Strange Brew. At the helm of Strange Brew is David Williams, a beer fan with a history at various notable Manchester bars. Dave spent three years at Good Beer Guide listed Sandbar before moving over the … Read more

Fire at The Church Inn

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Unfortunately, the Church Inn on Higher Cambridge Street in Hulme had a kitchen fire in early June. Fortunately pub was open at time so the fire was put out before anyone was in danger. Damage is mostly limited to kitchen (although redecoration has taken place due to smoke damage). The kitchen has been closed and … Read more

Stretford Sip Club expands

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The Stretford Sip Club, hidden away above Trading Places on Barton Road in Stretford, is going from strength to strength as locals slowly discover this new gem in their midst. The bar now has it’s own events room which it launched with a sold out whiskey tasting evening. The room can seat around 20 people … Read more

The Brook is Cask Pub Of The Year

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The Brook in Brooklands (adjacent to the Metrolink station) has won JW Lees’ Cask Pub Of The Year Award 2014. Manager David Barlow was presented with his award at JW Lees annual Pub of the Year Awards evening at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. He is delighted to have had his efforts to serve top quality real … Read more

Jackalope To Close

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Lee Gorton, owner of The Jackalope, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton has posted this on Facebook:

Right folks, slightly bittersweet news here but The Jackalope, as we know it, is closing it’s doors as of midnight on Sunday, June 1st.

It’s been a wonderful ride, we’ve learnt an awful lot along the way and between me, you and the rest of the world, I think I’m fairly close to finding something, somewhere even more exciting.

But for now, it’s has to be about bowing out with good grace and sharing our final week, drinking, singing, dancing and chatting contentedly, amidst the damn fine company we’ve become accustomed too.

I’ve had more incredible nights within these tiny walls than should have ever been possible and that’s the way I want it remembered.

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Trafford & Hulme Website Wins National Award

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Most improve website award

At the CAMRA National AGM and Members Weekend 2014 held in Scarborough, thcamra.org.uk was named CAMRA National Most Improved Branch Website. The website team in the branch were pleased to receive the award for recognition of their efforts (if a little bemused as the majority of the improvements to the website were made in 2011!). … Read more

Craftsman Brewery Opens

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Paul Scrimshaw

Paul ScrimshawThe latest brewery to open in the Trafford & Hulme area is also one of the smallest. Craftsman Brewery is located in the cellar of The Old Abbey Inn on Manchester Science park and at time of writing was brewing on a 100 litre plant – a little over half a barrel or 175 pints. The first test brew was completed in the middle of March with the first beer – an English Bitter in the Taylors Landlord style – going on sale at the pub on 4th April – and selling out in one night. Opening Times tagged along a week after the launch when local branch Trafford & Hulme were invited to the pub to sample the beers.

Head Brewer is Paul Scrimshaw who has a long history in the licensed trade ranging from wine trader to landlord – in the T&H area he’s had stints at The Steamhouse in Sale and Lloyds in Chorlton, but this is his first foray into actually making the drinks. The tiny plant has been supplied by North Wales’ Powell Brewing (www.powellbrewing.co.uk) who specialise in nano-brewery kit mainly for home brewers.

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