The general manager of a landmark Manchester city centre pub and boutique hotel is marking a decade in the job.
Alex Allan (pictured) has helped to establish the Hydes brewery-owned pub as one of the star attractions of Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter.
Hydes appointed Alex to head up the team at The Abel Heywood after it originally acquired the premises in 2014. Then it was an almost derelict, fire-damaged, former textile warehouse. Hydes invested millions in transforming it into the eye-catching landmark building that it is today.
Alex, who has worked for Hydes for 14 years, having run a previous establishment in the city, was responsible for originally ‘scouting’ the rundown building on Turner Street and bringing it to the attention of the management team.
After ten years as an iconic destination, the Abel Heywood is about to receive a £200,000 makeover. It will re-open to the public on 9th March.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into The Abel Heywood and loved every single minute of the journey so far,” said Alex. “I’ve navigated some challenging periods, such as Covid and the subsequent lockdowns, plus the ongoing cost of living crisis, but it remains a hugely popular venue for drinkers in the city centre, alongside day trippers and visitors to Manchester who want somewhere quirky yet cool to stay overnight.
“I’m immensely proud that the Abel Heywood has become such an integral part of what the Northern Quarter is all about. It’s great for the local economy and brings in lots of business to this part of the city.
“Hydes have been great to work with throughout, backing me and the team to give the Abel Heywood an unmistakable identity all of its own. Yet it’s still very much a Hydes pub, with quality ales and food available every day. We’re very much looking forward to the makeover to give it the subtle refinements and modernisation that it deserves.”
