Sir Ralph Abercromby

In a city with ample choice for quality, historic city centre boozers, Sir Ralph Abercomby fits right in. Named after a highly decorated 18th Century British Army officer, politician and colonial administrator, despite nodding to the empire the pub itself has a story to tell that’s as much about fighting the forces of oppression and standing up for the subjugated as serving pints. For one thing, this is one of the only buildings in the area that has stood since the Peterloo Massacre in 1819. 

The event, which was finally commemorated with a memorial erected close to Manchester Central in 2019, saw 18 people killed and hundreds injured when Yeomen cavalry charged against 60,000 protestors gathered to demand parliamentary reform. Many of the survivors were treated in this very pub, which became a pop-up medical centre and refuge. As tragedies go, this is now considered one of the most visible symbols of our city’s status as a stronghold of worker’s rights and civil liberties. Since then, plenty has changed inside and outside the Sir Ralph Abercomby itself, with interiors renovated and an expansive garden adding significant floor space to the property. That attitude has remained, though.

On match days, the pub is a popular choice for football fans thanks to the number of screens, some of which are outdoors. In fact, the place is so well-loved it garnered thousands of signatures in a matter of weeks when a wider plan to redevelop the area looked like it would involve demolishing the building. The blueprint has since changed, with Manchester United legend Gary Neville, whose consortium was involved in the proposals, explaining: “there’s no doubt we underestimated, not the architectural importance of the pub, but the actual social community importance of the pub.” As a result, Sir Ralph Abercomby’s future is now secure, which means we can all still enjoy the game and a few beers out back.