Pop Inn, Platt Lane

Former Pop Inn, Platt Lane, Rusholme. (c) Google 2012. View Larger Map.

Above what used to be a Co-Op on the corner of Yew Tree Road and Platt Lane was Co-Op Hall, a dance venue that was opened as the Pop Inn in the swinging sixties.  Originally the Pop Inn was unlicensed like many of Manchester's clubs, but in later years it became licensed to try to boost attendances.  The entrance to the club was actually on Yew Tree Road, and the double doors led to a neon-lit staircase which was wallpapered with a floral, puce effect.  The tunes were Motown, Rhythm 'n' Blues and Pop, and an early style of line-dancing was practiced here by the youthful revellers [1].  

Former Pop Inn, Platt Lane, Rusholme. (c) Google 2012. View Larger Map.

The 1960s and '70s City players who used trained opposite here at the Platt Lane training ground in Rusholme were probably more interested in visiting the pubs and clubs in the city centre than a teetotal line-dancing club.  These days the Co-Op is now a continental supermarket and the old entrance has details of the Muslim community centre which is now housed here.  While the Pop Inn probably closed in the '70s, MCFC still have a presence here with the youth teams based at Platt Lane, but not for long as they will soon be relocating to the new Etihad Campus at Clayton Arm.

1. www.manchesterbeat.com/venues/rusholme/popinn/popinn.php.