About Us

Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...

History

Here is a little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth a read.

Roman Castlefield

To begin at the beginning, Castlefield was the site of the Roman era fort of Mamucium, established in AD 79, which guarded the Roman road that ran from Deva Victrix (Chester) to Eboracum (York). Interestingly, Mamucium means 'a hill shaped like a breast', which presumably made it easy to defend.

The fort would have been garrisoned by a cohort of about 500 troops. Originally constructed in turf and timber, it was expanded and re-inforced with stone around 200 AD, when about 1,000 men would have been stationed here. It was occupied by the Romans until AD 410 when the Romans finally left Britain to defend Rome against the Barbarians.

A Roman altar unearthed in Castlefield
(with thanks to the Greater Manchester
Archaeological Unit)

Little visible evidence survives of the Roman fort, but after extensive archaeological investigation by the Greater Manchester archaeological unit, part of the fort and the North Gate were re-constructed in 1987 together with several other noteworthy features.

The reconstructed north
gate to the fort

Castlefield and the beginning of the industrial revolution

Castlefield is a conservation area as a result of its rich industrial history: it was the terminus of the Bridgewater Canal, the world's first industrial canal built in 1764, with the oldest canal warehouse being built here in 1779.

A map of Bridgewater's canal
(with thanks to www.canalarchive.org.uk)

Some believe the building of the Bridgewater Canal marked the beginning of the industrial revolution. It was constructed to bring the Duke of Bridgewater's coal from his mine at Worsley, enabling large quantities of coal to be transported to fuel the burgeoning industries of Manchester, and enabling goods to be transported efficiently to rapidly expanding towns and cities of the north.

The Duke of Bridgewater

The project nearly bankrupted the Duke, and he had to borrow to pay his workmen. In 1765 he obtained a loan of £25,000 from Child's bank, but this was only the beginning by today's values he was eventually some £2 million or more in personal debt, but the eventual huge success of the venture ensured his fortunes were restored in the later years of his life: his annual income was said to exceed £80,000 a year in the money of the day, and he became the richest noble in England.

Manchester's cotton mills in 1820,
the height of the industrial revolution

Castlefield was designated as a Conservation Area in 1980 and the United Kingdom's first designated Urban Heritage Park in 1982 as part of the drive to regenerate the area.

The building

The Wharf is actually a modern building, built in 1998, but a map of the site from 1889 apparently shows two travelling cranes running on 25 foot high gantries. The wharf was open to the skies to enable the stacking of goods beside the canal.

In the aerial photograph below, which comes from Manchester history website "Our Manchester" (http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/tours/tour1/area1page63.html) the site of the Wharf has been marked with a red dot. The photograph was taken in 1953, and on the site at that time were two large Nissan-hut like commercial buildings.

An aerial view of the site
of the Wharf in 1952

The buildings were still there when this photograph was taken in 1972:

The site of the Wharf in 1972 (with
thanks to http://images.manchester.gov.uk)

Planning battles

The building is actually a purpose-built pub which opened in 1998, when it was named Jackson's Wharf, but reviews were generally not favourable and it ceased trading in 2005. Peel Holdings, the developers of the Trafford Centre and Media City, acquired the site and attempted to develop a huge apartment block complex on the site. The original planning application was submitted in 2006.

An extract from the
Pride of Manchester's on-line
thanks to www.prideofmanchester.com)

The first proposal, from the Ian Simpson practice, was for an eight-storey rectangular block, but it attracted a great deal of negative feedback because of the excessive size of the building, its incongruous appearance and the negative affect it would have on the area's application for World Heritage Site recognition. Protests were organised, and the Pride of Manchester group helped to co-ordinate opposition to the plans, enlisting the support of Mike Harding, Jason Orange of Take That, and Olympic swimmer James Hickman amongst others.

Local residents protesting about
the planning proposals (with thanks
to www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk)

Peel Holding's proposals were rejected again in 2008 by the Council's Planning Committee.

Simpson and Peel Holdings came back with a further design that involved a similar building in the form of two separate rectangular blocks. It too was rejected by the Planning Committee. Peel Holdings decided to take legal action to push the controversial plans through, which resulted in a Government appointed public enquiry.

Peel subsequently put forward a fourth proposal which also received little support, and in June 2011, after five years, Peel finally dropped their planning proposal. This was hailed by local residents and media as victory for the common man in their David and Goliath struggle with big business.

Campaigner Ian Christie, of the Castlefield Forum, said: "This is marvellous news a victory for Castlefield, common sense, conservation and everyone who wants more parks and green open space in the city." City center spokesman, Coun Pat Karney, added: "In this historic and much-loved area of Manchester, this is a victory for local residents and councillors and a victory for Manchester."

Having made an earlier approach with an offer to Peel Holdings, we recommenced negotiations to buy the building, and the transaction was completed on December 1st 2011.

If you'd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...


Front of house

Natasha

Manager

Tash has worked at The wharf since 2014. Her enthusiasm, drive and passion make's working a shift with her a dream. Tash had a short stint in our sister pub the Glasfryn for 6 months but luckily for us missed the hustle and bustle of city living so soon joined us back at The Wharf. If Tash isn't running around making a shift fun for staff and customers alike you can find her dressed to the nines with a G+T in hand or joining the lads cheering on her beloved Man United (we can just about forgive this lapse in judgement).

Callum

Senior Deputy Manager

Callum is a local lad who was born in Withington and raised in Knutsford. He has lived in Manchester for 5 years preferring the hustle and bustle to the countryside. After he left school, he first became a hairdresser, before going on to be a banker meaning he already has 12 years of customer service experience under his belt. We are made up the lure of the pub has drawn him to become part of our team, always giving first class service with a big smile. Callum loves cats and enjoys cosying up to his two - marmalade and toast! When not at work you will find Callum in the gym or dancing the night away with a Gin and Tonic in hand.

Jessica

Senior Deputy Manager

Jessica has been with Brunning and Price for a whole 10 years! She knows the Wharf inside and out but has recently decided to take a step back and focus on her studies with a goal of making the world a greener place. Biology at Manchester Metropolitan Uni will be her main domain but don't worry, she'll still be here at the weekend to say hello and give us a helping hand. On a rare occasion, Jess does sit down to get stuck in to an epic novel with a large glass of wine and when she's not studying or at the pub you'll find her raising money for charity by running marathons and battling triathlons... Is there anything this girl can't do!?

Ged

Assistant Manager

Meet Ged, a true Manchester native with a heart full of sunshine! He’s passionate about his team and thrives in environments brimming with personality. With years of experience on the Manchester hospitality scene and a two-year adventure in New Zealand, Ged brings a wealth of knowledge and a vibrant spirit to his work. When he’s not working, you’ll find Ged indulging in his love for bourbon while playing video and board games. A genuine foodie at heart, he enjoys cooking, wine tasting, and exploring new towns and cities to sample delicious local delicacies.

Megan

Trainee Assistant Manager

Meg hails from the charming town of Stone in Staffordshire. Four years ago, she made the move to Manchester to study International Tourism Management, and she has since become a beloved long-serving crew member at the Wharf. In her free time, Meg loves to hang out with friends, often over an espresso martini or two (or maybe ten!). When she's not leading the charge at the Wharf, Meg enjoys traveling to new destinations and cherishing quality moments with her wonderful family.

Harry

Bar Supervisor

Our esteemed bar supervisor, Harry, hails from the West Midlands and is one of our longest-serving team members at the Wharf. Since joining us five years ago, Harry has become an integral part of our establishment. When he's not crafting exceptional cocktails or pulling pints at the bar, Harry enjoys all things sport and cheering on his favourite football team, West Bromwich Albion. To recharge, Harry loves indulging in a hazy IPA and some delicious pizza.

Celia

Supervisor

Meet Celia, our delightful Manchester-born supervisor who has been a valued member of the Wharf team for three years. Celia has a passion for travel and lives for booking her next holiday adventure. When she’s not globetrotting, Celia loves to unwind with a good book and a delicious glass of red wine. A classy lady through and through, Celia brings both elegance and dedication to her role at the Wharf.

Lisa

Supervisor

Lisa, our Glasgow-born queen! A familiar and friendly face from years past, Lisa has recently re-joined us to share her expertise and show us how it’s done. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her back to the Wharf. Lisa cherishes time with her family and finds her greatest joy in moments spent with her daughter. To recharge, she loves to relax with her cat, Chase. Lisa’s warmth and experience make her an invaluable part of our team!

Amber

Sales and Events Manager

A.K.A. the admin queen, Amber is our go to girl for organising group gatherings and co-ordinating Christmas festivities. In her spare time she loves to curl up with a good book and a sweet treat, or settle in for an ultra marathon of Below Deck.

Emily

Bar Manager

Emily our wonderful bar manager moved back to Manchester after spending 4 years in London, working in some fine establishments including the first dates restaurant! She is hospitality obsessed and has never considered any other career. So much so, her bucket list consists of inventing a world-famous cocktail and to dine in every Michelin star restaurant there is. She’s quirky, efficient and the perfect person to look after our bar. You’ll find her in her spare time enjoying an Aperol Spritz or two or reading a Terry Pratchett novel.


Kitchen

Tom

Head Chef

After spending four and half years behind the pans at the Sydney Opera House, Tom returned to the UK to catch up with his friends and family. After taking a job at the Aspinall Arms to save for a trip to Europe Tom fell in love with pub life and decided to stay on home soil and join the opening team at Haighton Manor. Tom has buckets of creative talent and infectious energy which makes him a joy to have around, particularly when the going gets tough.

Viktoria

Senior Sous Chef

Viki has worked in hospitality for 14 years and absolutely runs the show when Tom is out of the pub. She was born in Slovakia, and loves to visit home and her family often. A woman who loves nature, Viki is an avid skier and feels at one in the mountains. She also adores swimming in the open ocean and hiking through the sand dunes. If she is not in charge of the cooking, Viki will always go for an indulgent pizza. Bellisimo!

Connor

Sous Chef

Connor hails from Wales but was raised in Bristol, so home is a broad place. He studied art before he found his vocation as a chef, giving him a keen eye for detail. Outside of the kitchen, Connor likes to rock climb and is an amateur tattoo artist. He spends his days off with the family, making quality time for his baby daughter Wren.


Maintenance

Audrey

Cleaner

Audrey has been with us for almost five years and is pretty much part of the furniture. After making the pub looks gorgeous, you can find her heading to town for a shopping spree. To wind down, Auds takes her whole extended family abroad for some well deserved relaxation and chill time.

Suzanne

Gardener/Maintenance Person

A great hand in our huge gardens, Sue loves to spend her time cycling to keep fit and weight training for all that heavy lifting.

Daniel

Maintenance Person

Our lovely Danny is a true all-rounder and we would not know what to do without him! He has been with B&P for several years now and was even a deputy manager here at The Wharf! After taking a break to do some travelling, he decided to have a change of career. He went to college to pick up extra skills and since then has become our maintenance man. We would not have it any other way - he really does go above and beyond to get things done around here.