76 - 80
Deansgate When I took the images above and below in February of 2015, this building was occupied by three restaurants, "The Living Room", "The Botanist" and "La Tasca". The Living Room describes itself as, " ... the Restaurant & Bar choice for Manchester’s Finest since establishment in 1999." They add that, "... we have stayed true to our individuality; offering a real pedigree of excellence from our eclectic cocktails to our finest cuisine." The Botanist says it has, " ... A concept like no other, offering a soon to be world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine. Food inspired by the deli, rotisserie and BBQ. With live music every night, sublime social times are guaranteed!" Finally, La Tasca is, "... an authentic Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant."  I haven't been able to pin down how old the building is. It has a modernist/art deco appearance so I would estimate circa 1930. This would seem to be reasonable because there are photographs of it in the Manchester Local Image Collection and one of them is from 1938. Obviously, the occupants have changed over the years. In 1938, Armstrongs Opticians occupied number 80. Hardy's Furnishers were in number 78. In 1966 Union Castle Travel agents were in number 76, Times Furnishing in 78 and T Armstrong Jewellers in 80. In 1976 Millets occupied number 78. The links below will take you to images from 1938 and 1976.
In 1888 the building on this site
was quite different. The map below shows the
block between Blackfriars Street and St Mary's Street
and the red shaded area is roughly the site of today's
building.
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According to the Slater's Directory of Manchester & Salford for 1911, Armstrongs, the opticians and jewellers, were occupying number 78. At 76 was Wolsey Tool & Motor Car Company Ltd, and in number 80 Madame Louisette, costumier. Quite a difference from the present day. |