An award-winning pub has issued a warning after deciding to close part of its operations. The Old Abbey Taphouse in Hulme announced last night that it would close its kitchen for daily use ‘with immediate effect’.
The venue is a social enterprise operating as a pub, music venue, catering kitchen, radio station, workspace and youth training centre. It has led a number of community-focused initiatives across Greater Manchester and previously opened its doors as a ‘warm bank’ to allow people in the area to use its facilities during this winter’s energy crisis.
Their community work also includes hosting Taphouse TV Dinners, in response to the Covid pandemic. These dinners have helped some of the most underserved areas in Manchester city centre by collecting unharvested food and donations to create a hearty, pay-what-you-eat meal.
While the initiative, which has already provided more than 12,500 meals, remains in place, the pub has stated that despite efforts to ‘rectify the situation’ the kitchen will remain closed for the time being.
READ MORE: ‘This was not an easy decision’: Award-winning restaurant in Greater Manchester forced to close permanently
A post on Instagram read: “We are sad to announce that our kitchen is closing for daily use with immediate effect. This has been a very difficult decision for us and one that we have made after many attempts to rectify the situation. In 2023 there were 125 closures of grassroots music venues and with the current state of the UK economy, 2024 doesn’t look much better.
“We are in the process of moving an independent trader into our kitchen space so that we can offer an evening meal. We will still be available for catering bookings and are also fully committed to running our TV Dinners programme. Our community project where we provide free meals to local families in need.
“Now more than ever we need your support. Please buy tickets in advance for our events where you can and come along for a pint. We want to continue our community hub Inna pub journey but we need your help to do so.
Keep an eye on our social media for information about our new membership cards coming soon!
Followers were quick to show their support for the pub, with one writing: “Sorry to hear this, hope business picks up soon as it’s a great venue, especially in the summer.”
Another added: Damn! I really need to go to as many events as possible. You are amazing and unique.”
And a third wrote: “Guys, all hands on deck for the family.”
The Old Abbey Taphouse is the last remaining building on what was once the Greenheys Estate, and its beer garden is on what was once Victorian Road. The pub was also where Len Johnson knocked down the Colour Bar in 1952.
A Community Interest Company, it has also hosted ‘mental health and exercise’ classes, spoken word and poetry events, open mic and BBQ sessions. Known as a lively late-night spot, each week there is an open mic and resident club night, followed by live music from local DJs, bands, guest labels and curators later in the week.
In 2022, the pub and music venue was named Community Pub of the Year by the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), while the party pub was voted best in its category by CAMRA’s Trafford & Hulme branch.
Commenting on the award at the time, co-director Rachele Evaroa said: “We’re always going to work for the community, regardless of any awards, but I’m really proud of what everyone here has done. I mean, it’s great that CAMRA has recognised what we’ve done, they’ve worked with us for years.
Last year, the cultural hub-in-a-pub was shortlisted for the Great British Pub Awards. The annual awards ceremony sees pubs nominated from across the UK, judged in a range of categories.
In May 2023, The Old Abbey Taphouse was awarded £4,704.67 by the Music Venue Trust (MVT) Pipeline Investment Fund to secure its future. The money from MVT meant that vital work to ensure the venue can host live music events could begin.