Oldham Street institution set to re-open.

Article published: Sunday, March 8th 2009

One of the Northern Quarter’s most famous landmarks The Castle pub will start serving again later this month.

Know for its weird and wonderful gigs (and overall grubbiness), the pub has been bought by former Corrie actor Rupert Hill.

He, along with business partner Jonny Booth, ex-manager of the Temple of Convenience and Miz de Shannon from Cup CafÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â© will restore the hostelry to its former "glory".

In an interview with Manchester Confidential Hill said: I used to love going in the Castle, its a great little pub, full of character.

The Castle is a Grade II listed building so approval was sought from government agency English Heritage before the refurbishment went ahead. Jonny Booth said English Heritage have the same vision as ourselves, everything is going to be like for like, from the timber beams and the tiles down to the wallpaper theyll not be a magnolia wall in sight.

The back room will be closed at first, but once its renovated were planning to put on live music, vinyl fairs, art and comedy shows, added Hill.

This news will please many musicians and music lovers who have missed the venue since it closed down last July. Tomo from Manchester band Cash for Your Stories said, "Manchester lost a great venue when the Castle closed, it was affordable, welcoming to the underground music scene and also had nice beers. Hopefully it wont turn into just another trendy Northern Quarter wank-bar.".

Mule looks forward to seeing what the new owners do with this much-loved city centre pub.

More: Manchester, News

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