One of Manchester’s most historic pubs, the Salutation on Higher Chatham Street is set for a £235,000 makeover.
The pub which has been owned by Manchester Metropolitan University students union since 2011, is one of the city’s most historic pubs and one of only two, the other being the Britons Protection with original 1840s décor.
The building also bears a blue plaque marking the site nearby where Charlotte Bronte began to write novel Jane Eyre on a visit to Manchester in 1846. She had come to Manchester with her father who was losing his sight due to cataracts where the operation to remove them had only recently been developed.
The pub has been redecorated in true Victorian style but much more is planned with original features such as light fittings and ceiling mouldings restored, and a series of works to bring the electrics, plumbing and environmental and accessibility standards up to modern building requirements.
Plans also include the existing under-utilised hotel rooms on the first floor will be converted into meeting spaces which will be available for use by the local community.
The pub will close for three months from around Easter time and reopen in the summer.
Hannah Templeman, MMU Students’ Union President, said: “Since taking over management of the pub in July 2013, MMU Students’ Union has been keen to retain the character of the Sally.
“This is a landmark pub with a lot of history and we believe it is an important asset to our campus and the wider community.”
