The award-winning pub issued the warning following its decision to close part of its operations. The Old Abbey Taphouse in Hulme announced last night that it was closing its kitchen for daily use “with immediate effect”.
The venue is a social enterprise functioning as a pub, music venue, catering kitchen, radio station, workspace and youth training centre. It has led a number of community-based initiatives in Greater Manchester, previously opening its doors as a ‘warm bank’ to allow people in the local area to use its facilities during this winter’s energy crisis.
Her community work also includes Taphouse TV dinners, a response to the coronavirus pandemic that has supported some of the most under-served areas of central Manchester by collecting unharvested food and donations to cook a hearty, pay-as-you-feel meal.
While the initiative, which has provided more than 12,500 meals, will remain, the pub has announced that despite attempts to “fix the situation”, their kitchen will be closing for the time being.
READ MORE: ‘It wasn’t an easy decision’: Award-winning Greater Manchester restaurant forced to close for good
The Instagram post read: “We regret to announce that our kitchen for everyday use is closing effective immediately. This was a really difficult decision for us and a decision made after many attempts to remedy the situation. In 2023 there were 125 closures of local music venues and with the current state of the UK economy, 2024 doesn’t look much better.
“We are working on moving an independent trader into our kitchen so we have an evening meal offering. We will still be available to book catering and we are also fully committed to running our TV Dinners programme. Our community project where we provide free meals to local families in need.
“More than ever we need your support. Please pre-purchase tickets to our events where you can and pop in for pints. We want to continue the journey around the Inna pub in the community center but we need your help to do it.”
“Watch our social media, information about our new membership cards coming soon!”
Supporters quickly threw their support behind the pub. One wrote: “Sorry to hear that, I hope the shop gets up and running soon as it’s a great place to be, especially in the summer.”
Another added: Damn! I definitely need to get to as many events as possible. You are amazing and unique.”
And a third wrote: “Guys all aboard for Fam Yer.”
The Old Abbey Taphouse is the last remaining building on what was Greenheys Estate and its beer garden is on what was formerly Victorian Road. The pub was also where Len Johnson flipped the Color Bar in 1952.
A social interest company that also ran ‘mental health and exercise’ classes, spoken word and poetry events, open mics and barbecues. Known as a lively nightspot, it hosts an open mic and resident club night every week, followed later in the week by live music from local DJs, bands, guest labels and curators.
In 2022, the pub and music venue was named Community Pub of the Year by the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA). The party pub was voted best in category by CAMRA’s Trafford & Hulme branch.
Co-director Rachele Evaroa said of the award at the time: “We will always work for the community regardless of any awards, but I’m really proud of what everyone has done here. I mean it’s amazing that CAMRA have recognized what we’ve done, they’ve been working with us for years.
Last year, the cultural ‘hub-in-a-pub’ was shortlisted for the Great British Pub Awards. The annual awards see hostels nominated from across the UK, judged in a number of categories.
In May 2023, The Old Abbey Taphouse received £4,704.67 from the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) Pipeline Investment Fund to secure its future. The money from MVT meant vital work could begin to ensure the venue could host live music events.