ON THE corner of Albion Street and Great Bridgewater Street sits a legendary boozer. One of the city’s oldest pubs, The Britons Protection is a long-running thread in Manchester’s historical tapestry.
It is one of three surviving city centre buildings to have stood near the site of the Peterloo Massacre and is said to have served as a refuge for the injured. The sign above the door, and a number of murals found inside the Tardis-like pub, depict scenes from the event.
It was also used as an army recruitment centre during the Napoleonic Wars, and a number of well-known individuals have passed over its threshold over the years – from political theorist Friedrich Engels, to Factory Records cofounder Anthony Wilson.
And then, of course, there’s the regulars. Their names may not be as familiar, but they are an integral part of the Grade II-listed building’s story. For some it has served as the backdrop for major life events, while for others it’s a corner of Manchester untouched by the sprawling changes taking place just beyond the front door.
But bosses at Britons now fear that its future is in jeopardy.
In a few months’ time – on June 17 – there is due to be a Manchester County Court hearing that could determine if they can still run the pub – and could also determine what drinks it will stock.
The pub’s landlord is Star Pubs, a subsidiary of Heineken. Since 2018, Britons has been run as a ‘Market Rent Only’ pub, which means it isn’t tied to Heineken products, but must buy a certain amount of keg beer from the brewing company.
Esta historia es de la edición March 24, 2024 de MEN on Sunday.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 24, 2024 de MEN on Sunday.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
STONES INJURY FEAR
England boss says City man taken off as precaution in friendly
Sir Jim could SELL Nice after buying Reds stake
INEOS is reportedly looking to sell Nice – less than six months after acquiring a minority stake in United.
Greenwood set to join Juventus, says Italian outlet
UNITED winger Mason Greenwood has reportedly agreed to join Juventus this summer.
United get green light to sign Branthwaite
UNITED have been given the green light to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer from his teammate. United are keen to complete a transfer for the 21-year-old but won’t be forced into a deal for extortionate money, M.E.N. Sport understands.
Mainoo's rise from academy to England star
IT has been an astonishing breakthrough campaign for Stockport teenager Kobbie Mainoo.
Germany squad left 'stunned' by Grealish omission
THE omission of Jack Grealish from England’s Euro 2024 squad has reportedly left Germany team members in shock after Gareth Southgate opted instead for Eberechi Eze as part of his 26-man group.
Restrictions set to curb summer transfers
LIKE every other club, City have to try and work out how they think the transfer market is going to shape up.
Iceland loss will focus our minds says Southgate
GARETH Southgate says England’s shock loss to Iceland will knock any complacency out of a team he is certain will react strongly in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
Tory MPs flee North for new 'safe' seats
IT WAS described as 'Rishi's Darkest Hour' on one front page. A few minutes after Nigel Farage announced he was returning to frontline politics to inflict more pain on the Tories this week, the latest polling painted an exceptionally bleak picture for the prime minister.
The STONE age
How the Roses' legendary concert at Spike Island defined Madchester era