19-02-2025
One of Manchester's oldest Irish pubs could reopen by the end of the year
One of Manchester's oldest pubs could reopen by the end of the year according to the brewery that acquired it several years ago.
Ancoats boozer The Shamrock, located on Bengal Street, dates back to 1808 and served the area for more than 200 years. However, in 2018 the pub's former landlord was left devested when Marstons, the brewery that owned it at the time, made the decision to close its doors.
The venue was thrown a lifeline in 2019 when it was confirmed that Joseph Holt brewery had acquired it, with plans for 'considerable investment' and refurbishment.
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It had been expected to open later that year, however the building remained tinned up with construction work going on around its premises ever since.
When the M.E.N. contacted the brewery in early 2023, they confirmed that the pub was still expected to reopen but would no longer be an Irish pub and would be refurbished into a Joseph Holt's pub to give a "modern offering in keeping with some of the newer food and drink businesses moving into the area."
Now, the brewery has said it is awaiting for plans to be approved with a tentative opening date also in the pipeline.
Joseph Holt brewery marketing manager, Paul Longmire said: "Development plans for the Shamrock are now with the city planners following resident consultations and we are hoping the plans will be approved in the very near future.
"If all goes well we are hoping to begin work on the development of this pub this year with a view to re-opening under a new name towards the end of 2025."
When The Shamrock closed its doors seven years ago, then landlord Gerry Ellis, who had hoped to buy the pub himself, lamented the loss of 'the last traditional pub in Ancoats' at the time.
The watering hole had become a gathering place for the area's Irish and Italian communities who made their homes in the neighbourhood.
It was one of the last vestiges of old Ancoats, before the influx of restaurants and bars arrived to cater to the growing number of residential developments in the area.
