Peel Holdings' highly controversial plans for luxury apartments (pictured left) on the site of the derelict Jacksons Wharf pub in Castlefield have finally been defeated. Pride Of Manchester joined the likes of Jason Orange, Mike Harding, James Hickman and local residents in successfully protesting against the Ian Simpson designed building. Peel have now sold the land to brilliant Chester-based quality gastropub operator Brunning & Price. They will redevelop the existing Jacksons Wharf building and open 'The Wharf' in summer 2012. ~ 26 Oct
The British Beer and Pub Association have blamed the coalition government's "misguided tax escalator policy" for the slump in beer sales in UK pubs during the third quarter of 2011. Almost 45 million less pints were sold, compared to the same three month period in 2010; that's nearly half a million pints less per day. Total beer sales were up by 1.6% however as supermarkets and off licenses reported a growth in sales.
In a seperate report, figures show that 70% of all pubs which are put up for auction are successfully sold, up 3% on 2010. ~ 26 Oct
Jack Daniels is set to release a new liquor, aimed at a younger and female audience. Tennessee Honey is a 35% ABV liqueur made with honey and designed to broaden the appeal of the Bacardi-Brown-Forman owned brand. ~ 21 Oct
Leading hospitality industry representatives have united to fight new proposals from Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL), the music licensing company who collect royalties on behalf of 5,750 record companies and 45,000 musicians. PPL are wanting a huge increase in the Specially Featured Entertainment Tariff, which covers the playing of music at DJ events in bars, pubs, nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and similar premises. The move only effects those events where music is played as the main attraction, rather than in the background, although also covers lap dancing and roller discos. ~ 20 Oct
Suffolk brewer Greene King are to release a new lower strength 2.8% ABV ale called Tolly English Ale. Citing research which shows drinkers want a better choice of lower strength and non-alcoholic beers, Greene King expects Tolly to appeal to lunchtime and after work drinkers, together with real ale fans looking to cut down on their alcohol intake. The lower strength means that the duty paid to the Government is also 50% lower, although it will be the landlord's choice if this saving will be passed onto consumers. ~ 14 Oct
For the past 50 years, Maker's Mark have only ever made one whisky (apart from the occasional special release) until last year, when they introduced Maker's 46 to Duty Free stores. Now, the 47% ABV Kentucky straight Bourbon, which takes its name from the number of different recipes tried before getting the drink just right, has been released to the UK market. Matured in barrels containing toasted new French oak staves, the resulting smooth taste is of vanilla, cinnamon and spices. ~ 8 Oct
The Manchester vodka bar chain, Revolution, have announced plans to try and attract more diners with a whole host of food-based measures. ~ 27th Oct
Live Nation are set to refurbish their O2 Manchester Apollo, extending the art deco theme which was developed in the venue's new Circle Bar last year. Meanwhile, there are also plans for an eight-storey 136 bedroom hotel, restaurant and car park on the empty plot of land nextdoor. ~ 5th Oct
Disclaimer: All information correct 14/01/2011. ManchesterBars.com can not be held responsible for any differences experienced at the premises listed. All images and information ? 2002-11 Pride Of Manchester
