Premium pub operator, Metropolitan Pub Company, has acquired The Memorial Hall site which has previously traded as the Albert Square Chop House, as it looks to expand its gastro pub offer to Manchester.
The newly named The Fountain House, which is due to reopen in September, will be the first that the London-based pub company will open in the north of England.
Metropolitan Pub Company, known for celebrating its pubs’ individual character and charm,
will close the site over the summer while it invests in the 155-year-old grade 2* building,
which is Thomas Worthington’s Memorial Hall.
When it reopens in September, The Fountain House will initially open three of its five storeys to customers – with the lower ground floor for premium gastro-pub dining, a charming pub experience on the ground floor and private dining and function space for weddings and meetings on the first floor.
Michael Horan, managing director of Metropolitan Pub Company, said, “We are really
excited to bring our first pub to Manchester. The Memorial Hall site is perfect as we look to
offer our premium Gastro pub delights to customers in the heart of the city.
We are hoping that the current Albert Square Chop House employees will be staying with
us at The Fountain House, where we will spend the summer investing in their training and
will look to develop their careers for the future.
We can’t wait to open our doors to offer customers our premium wine selection and craft
beers, alongside fresh, seasonal and innovative premium gastro pub food, including
seafood, meat, vegan and vegetarian.”
The Albert Square Chop House was part of Manchester’s independently-owned Chop House
brand, which operated three historic sites in the city centre.
The owner is retaining the original two businesses – Mr Thomas’ and Sam’s Chop Houses established by chef Thomas Studd in the 1860s.
The site will undergo an initial investment upgrade, with the intention of opening by the end of September.
International real estate advisor Savills advised the vendor on the sale. Whitestone Retail Leisure advised Metropolitan Pub Company.
David Frankland at DWF acted for Metropolitan Pub Company and Jamie Lloyd at Nexus
acted for The Albert Square Inn Limited.
