An iconic pub and former cinema in Manchester has been transformed into an “adult playground” as part of an incredible £1 million makeover. The Grade II listed building on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor Street that was The Footage, which closed its doors suddenly in May this year, has turned into a new Manchester pub known as ‘The Grosvenor’.
Set to make a comeback from November 2, the 800 capacity venue is set to offer “the ultimate adult escapism experience in central Manchester”, complete with huge sports screens, outrageous interiors, gorgeous seating area on the cinema’s original balcony and even a ball pit. Built between 1913 and 1915, the Grosvenor Picture Palace was originally the largest cinema outside London and has since taken on numerous identities, from a bingo hall and snooker venue to, most recently, a legendary student pub, The Footage.
Now in 2024, the doors will open again as an adult playground, after a lease was agreed with an independent operator and give it a £1 million transformation. Visitors can expect to find “an immersive concept” with over 30 beer taps and filled with pool tables, beer pong tables, and a photobooth to capture the memories – continuing its iterations as a legendary entertainment venue for over 100 years.
The Grosvenor will operate from 12pm-to-12am, catering to Manchester’s lively daytime and nighttime crowds. Whether it’s a bottomless brunch, after-work drinks with friends, or an exciting evening event, the space offers something for everyone. It will also showcase live sports from all channels, across all games, while the venue’s original stage will be used for a jam-packed entertainment schedule including weekly iconic Manchester club nights, interactive quiz nights, and live music from local DJs and bands every Thursday and Sunday.
Marking The Grosvenor’s identity as a must-visit destination for live sporting action, the venue will feature a signature 5-metre screen, broadcasting every major live sporting event. To celebrate, the venue has partnered with TNT Sports to bring the genuine Premier League trophy to the venue on Sunday 3rd November, making it the perfect spot to catch the Manchester United vs Chelsea game, kicking off at 4:30pm.
The Grosvenor’s food offering will include a range of crowd-pleasing options such as huge sharers, buckets of wings, loaded pizzas, and stacked burgers. The drinks menu will feature many local craft beers on draught and a substantial canned range, premium spirits, alcohol-free options, plus show-stopping cocktails.
The Grosvenor has also launched its virtual ‘G Card’. The free membership means guests will be able to secure perks like two-for-one pints, bottle deals and shot offers. But even without the card, visitors can enjoy deals such as two-for-one wine and Prosecco on Thursdays, bottled beer specials, shot offers and two-for-one pizza all day on Sundays.
The venue will also host themed bottomless brunches every other Saturday on the mezzanine level for just £35 per person, including a dish from the main menu accompanied by 90 minutes of bottomless booze, launching with a nostalgic 90s throwback event on Saturday 9th November.
Located on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor St, The Grosvenor will open its doors next month, operating from 12 noon to midnight and staying open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Those interested can sign up to their newsletter here, to secure entry to the opening night celebration with a free bar and claim a £1 pint voucher.
📍The Grosvenor, Grosvenor St, Manchester, M1 7DZ.