Stables Tavern: Manchester’s Historic Pub Reborn

The Stables Tavern officially opens today, June 6, 2025, bringing with it a rich and storied past. Located on Grape Street in the heart of Manchester’s St John’s district, this revived local is more than just a new pub—it’s a historical resurrection. Sitting on the former site of the Coronation Street Rovers Return set at Old Granada Studios, the Stables Tavern is a fusion of industrial heritage, community spirit, and modern-day hospitality.

A Pub That Fed a Revolution

In the 19th century, this corner of Manchester was a hive of industrial activity. The Bonded Warehouse processed and distributed vital goods—grain, flour, cement, and cotton—that fuelled Britain’s economic expansion. Horses pulled these loads along cobbled streets and canal paths, finding rest in nearby stables.

Those stables belonged to the original Stables Tavern—a place where handlers, factory workers, and merchants would gather for a pint, to share stories, and to warm themselves by the hearth. It wasn’t just a watering hole—it was part of the lifeblood of Manchester’s industrial revolution.

A Hub of Radical Thought

But the tavern was more than a rest stop. It was a meeting place. As Manchester became a centre for political reform in the 1800s, the Stables Tavern welcomed Chartists and social reformers. It was said that “revolution brewed as surely as the ale in the barrels,” as workers discussed fair pay, universal suffrage, and better conditions in the shadows of gaslight.

Behind closed doors—sawdust on the floors, low beams overhead—Old Billy’s backroom was a safe space for the exchange of ideas. It became, in effect, a de facto hall for democratic thought.

The Rovers Return Era

As industry declined in the early 20th century, the original purpose of the tavern faded. Horses gave way to engines. The warehouses slowed. The stable doors shut for good.

But the site found new fame when Granada Television built its Coronation Street set here, including the iconic Rovers Return Inn. For decades, millions of viewers tuned in to see the fictional pub that stood right where the original Stables Tavern once bustled with real-life stories.

Back to Its Roots

Now, after years of quiet, the Stables Tavern name lives again. Reopened by a local hospitality group, the venue blends historical atmosphere with a thoughtful modern offering. I had the opportunity to visit the day before opening—and the attention to detail is clear.

Inside, exposed brick and reclaimed wood nod to the tavern's industrial past. The space feels lived-in, comfortable, and above all, authentic.

Today’s Offerings

• 8 keg lines pouring their own "Stables Tavern Lager" (made by JW Lees), along with classics such as Guinness, Asahi and Boddingtons
• 2 rotating real ales on traditional cask
• Locally sourced homemade snacks including sausage rolls and Great North pies
• A small, classic cocktail menu
• Snug seating and outdoor tables perfect for quiet chats or people-watching in the sun

The Stables Tavern is once again a space for locals, newcomers, workers, creatives, and thinkers—a pub reborn in the heart of Manchester.

Whether you come for the history, the beer, or simply good company, it’s worth a visit. And with its official opening today, now’s the perfect time to raise a glass and start a new chapter in a very old story.