The Shamrock in Ancoats is to get a new refurbishment and extension of the pub, which dates back to 1808. The pub was taken over by the Joseph Holt brewery in 2019.
The Shamrock became a gathering place for the area’s Irish and Italian communities at the turn of the 19th century as they made their homes in the central Manchester neighbourhood.
This area of Ancoats has undergone a dramatic change in demographics and appearance in recent years. It has been transformed into a hub of eateries, bars and trendy city centre living.
New look
The major facelift of the property will also mark its transition from Irish pub to a fully-fledged Joseph Holt’s venue. As part of the development customers are being polled about which new name will appear over the door.
“As a family business with deep roots in the area, our pubs are very much at the very heart of the communities where they are located,” said Richard Kershaw, CEO of Joseph Holt.
“With the moving forward of long-awaited refurbishment of The Shamrock and with it a new name, we wanted our customers to feel part of the journey. So we brainstormed names for the pub that would respect the past and the local area while also looking to the future. Now we’re letting the people who matter most to us, our customers, decide which one to use.”
Pub names:
The options on the table for the new name are:
1 - Victoria Arms - a warm nod to the flats and accommodation opposite the pub
2 - The Fleet - a friendly tip of the hat to another former neighbouring pub
3 - The Linen Arms – a reflection of Manchester`s cotton trade
4 - The Spinners Rest – honouring the mill workers who resided in the Ancoats area
5 - Queen Adelaide - named after another former pub on the main Ancoats Road
Voting is now open on the Joseph Holt website.
Company history
The business previously got locals involved in choosing a name a pub in Alkrington Green.
It bought what was Thornberries however, customers surveyed preferred the site to have its original name of the Roebuck.
In August last year, the north-west-based brewer and pub operator it was launching an improved accommodation offer at its pubs.
