A pub in Manchester is celebrating after taking a brave decision that has helped its business thrive.
The city centre Old Nags Head recently scooped the Pride of Manchester Pub of the Year award, months after axing some of its accommodation to provide a smoking solution.
Owner Chris Rustage said: "We have guest rooms we let which are popular with people going to the shows in the city. But we sacrificed one of those and put some artificial grass down to build a roof terrace.
"We lost accommodation but this is better because before people had to stand on the street outside.
"The result has been that we have actually been able to increase turnover."
Winning the award - which is voted for by the public - marks a turnaround for the pub which Chris bought six years ago.
He said: "When we took this place on it was a hole. But I wanted my own piece of Manchester and we have kicked it into shape."
The pub is now a popular traditional local with karaoke, food, pool tables and a function room.
It is run by Malcolm Jones, who has worked for Chris for 16 years in various guises. With his traditional waistcoat and strong behind bar presence Chris believes he presents exactly the right image for the pub.
"As a drinker and an owner of a pub I look at bars and see landlords coming down in their slippers and it makes me wonder about the business. I believe a lot of pubs can help themselves, " he said.
Raising the Bar
This is the first in our new Raising the Bar series.
Business can be tough out there at the moment so we want to share success stories to help inspire people across the trade.
Now we're not saying you have to rip out a bedroom to be considered but we would love to hear what innovations you have made to beat the smoking ban, the Budget and the other dark forces that are conspiring against the trade.
Maybe you have put on a special event or found a way of making quiet midweek nights thrive.
Whatever it is we'd love to hear your stories and help Raise the Bar together.
To be featured contact the news team on 0207 955 3714 or email news@thepublican.com