'I've had a few cocktails in here!' - Famous Blackpool pub The Manchester reopens its doors
“Great to see this place back open. Had a few cocktails in there.”
A famous Blackpool pub is serving pints once more after closing its doors for good last Christmas.
Prom landmark The Manchester is one of the resort's most recognisable and well-loved venues. It shut its doors for the last time at the end of last year claiming trade had nosedived over the festive season.
The shocked closure left staff claiming they had been left out-of-pocket and hadn't been paid for shifts and overtime. At the time, Sam Sanders, who ran the pub, said he had set up a payment plan and staff would receive what they were owed.
Sympathising with staff, Mr Sanders said the issue had been caused when the previous operator had failed to pay the team. He said: "I can confirm that the pub has now closed."
Popular with locals and tourists, it was feared the pub's time had come, but over the bank holiday weekend a packed opening night proved it was back in business. New owner Alexander Adonopoulous described the opening night as "amazing". And old regulars look set to return as they expressed their joy at the Manchester's reopening.
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Marie Johns said: "Great to see this place back open. Had a few cocktails in there." Margy McQueen added: "Had many a great weekend in here with all the girls back in the day."
In 2023, Blackpool FC fan was killed when they were attacked by Burnley fans in the smoking area outside the pub.