Quigley's / Mitre Tavern, Piccadilly

Quigley's, Piccadilly. (c) image46.webshots.com.

Open in the mid-to-late ‘90s, Quigley's was one of the first attempts at opening up the café bar type premise to the Piccadilly Gardens area, which like the rest of the surrounding area, eventually failed.  In the 1970s it was called the Mitre Tavern, part of the Henekey Inn restaurant.  It served Bass cask, including Brew Ten and best mild [1], but was described as "obviously fake" with regards to its decor [1].  As Quigley's it wasn't really sure what it wanted to be, whether that be yuppie bar, or Irish bar or indeed night club, and subsequently never particularly succeeded at any of them.  The bar itself was accessed where the all-you-can-eat Buffet Metro is situated now on the edge of Piccadilly Gardens, half a dozen doors up from Wetherspoons.
 

Buffet Metro, Piccadilly. (c) www.buffetmetro.co.uk/gallery.html.

The photo above gives you an idea of the layout in Quigley's.  You went down the stairs where you found along thin bar down the right hand side, with a dance floor at the bottom, and comfy seating in the remainder of the areas (probably one of first with sofas at the time).  The attempt at a club ensured music played at silly decibel levels later on in the evening, despite on most days, there being hardly anyone in.  As for beer, usual suspects only, this wasn't a time for real ales, and indeed even less chance in an Irish bar.  Gone, generally forgotten, and no loss to anyone really!


Buffet Metro, Piccadilly. (c) googlemaps.

1. The Manchester Pub Guide, Manchester & Salford City Centres (1975).