Sounding out suburb
MEN on Sunday|February 19, 2023
After the closure of yet another bar Sophie Halle Richards monitors the mood in Withington
Sophie Halle Richards
Sounding out suburb

ON a gloriously sunny morning in Withington, the high street is bustling with students in-between lectures, friends drinking coffee, and young professionals hunting a cafe to work from.

The south Manchester suburb, nestled between Didsbury and Fallowfield, has long been a popular spot for those wanting to live on the fringes of the city centre. Residents have often been attracted to its diverse offering of pubs, bars and shops and its friendly sense of community.

Pubs like the Orion, The Victoria, Red Lion and acclaimed cafes and bars, Fuel, Toast and Southside have become staples for locals, who are made up of a diverse range of students, families and older residents.

But for some newer venues who tried to bring something new to the area, things just haven't quite worked out.

A former District Bank building on the high street underwent a huge refurbishment summer last year, reopening as all-day restaurant, bar and music venue, Libertine. Picked up by the team behind much-loved city centre spots, Cottonopolis and the Edinburgh Castle, it was thought to be destined for success.

This story is from the February 19, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 19, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MEN ON SUNDAYView All
Rodri's importance to Blues is laid bare
MEN on Sunday

Rodri's importance to Blues is laid bare

IF there is an argument for how good a player Rodri is then you need look no further than City right now.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
City players walking a fine line over yellow cards
MEN on Sunday

City players walking a fine line over yellow cards

CITY are potentially just two matches away from losing a quartet of players during the hectic festive season.

time-read
1 min  |
December 15, 2024
MEN on Sunday

Home comforts offer long-term hope to Super League Salford

SALFORD Red Devils have finally received the news they were waiting for, with Salford council confirming the acquisition of the club's stadium.

time-read
1 min  |
December 15, 2024
Just the ticket for a festive treat, despite nearly choking on a dry stuffing ball
MEN on Sunday

Just the ticket for a festive treat, despite nearly choking on a dry stuffing ball

THEY say the best things in life are worth waiting for.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 15, 2024
A cut above the rest
MEN on Sunday

A cut above the rest

A mobile barber from Bolton has been shortlisted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the country. Jignesh Madhavji, owner of Jiggi mobile barbershop, was shortlisted among 99 other businesses and was celebrated during an event at the House of Lords.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Man sheds NINE STONE after theme park shame
MEN on Sunday

Man sheds NINE STONE after theme park shame

Machine operator has made a big transformation after he used to consume 4,000 calories a day

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
Last days of Owens Park
MEN on Sunday

Last days of Owens Park

FOR many, the tower referred to as Owens Park will have been their first home in Manchester.

time-read
1 min  |
December 15, 2024
Insurance worker in data breach
MEN on Sunday

Insurance worker in data breach

A CAR insurance worker abused his position to divulge hundreds of customer private details to 'claims farmers! Rizwan Manjra, 44, was employed by Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited (MISL), based in the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre, leading a team that processed accident claims.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 15, 2024
MEN on Sunday

Has the crackdown on crime gone too far?

Crime reporter John Scheerhout looks at GMP's recent use of dispersal orders in the region

time-read
3 mins  |
December 15, 2024
MEN on Sunday

The fight to bring hero soldier Dan's case before courts

Efforts continue to locate man named as a suspect in the investigation into unlawful killing of paratrooper.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 15, 2024