Popular boozer to stay put with new bars and redeveloped courtyard - despite fears it would be replaced
On opening in 2011, The Oast House quickly became the go-to destination for Spinningfields supping - but it was only ever meant to be temporary.
Hence why, in 2014, Allied London boss Mike Ingall discussed replacing the characterful boozer with a mixed-use hotel and leisure building. And, when this never materialised, of a hyper-modern complex called The Skirt; to include bars, restaurants and potentially even a cinema.
The latter Levitt Bernstein-designed building was only proposed in March 2016, but the property giants seem to have a had a good rethink since then - announcing this week that The Oast House will stay put, after securing a long term lease from Manchester City Council.
The pub - co-owned by Allied London and New World Trading Company - has become synonymous with al fresco drinking and dining in the city centre, hosting everything from outdoor film screenings to live music events like Spinfest and its famous Christmas teepee in the public square out front.
This square has also been granted a long term lease, and will undergo a dramatic redevelopment by Barcelona- based landscape architects Arriola & Fiolcome come January; with plans for two permanent bars, heated canopies and a raised ‘fire pit’ (a fancy name for an outdoor heater).
Chris Hill, CEO for NWTC said: “The Oast House has established itself as a firm favourite in Manchester for al fresco dining and drinking, and we feel now is the perfect time to give the courtyard a makeover as well as maximising its usage for sunshine, entertainment and outside bars. We will be fully operational ready for spring 2018”.
Additional plans include the removal of the large white canopy, allowing ‘sunshine to fill the terrace' (for three days a year) and the repositioning of the stage to the opposite side of the square - in front of Flannels - to allow more space.
David Drews, Allied London Design Director, said of the redesign: “We are excited to be working with NWTC and acclaimed Barcelona based landscape architects Arriola & Fiol. Their design builds a story around the Oast house and cleverly links it to the surrounding Civic Buildings and offices of Spinningfields in a way that feels dignified and poetic.”
Works is expected to begin in January 2018 once the festive teepee season is over.
