Smithfields, Shudehill, 1990. (c) deltrems at flickr.
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In its time, this old converted bank, Smithfields, attempted to be one of the first proper wine bars in the area, but failed dismally and resorted to a general pub shortly after. Named after the famous market opposite, it primarily attracted trade from the nearby offices, with the more traditional pubs nearby (Lower Turks Head, Hare & Hounds, Castle & Falcon) picking up most of the local trade. Despite many attempts at reinventing itself over and over again, i.e. as the New Smithfield, it was never particularly busy. This picture from 1907 shows the building as an iron mongers (the Nags Head can be seen on the left a few doors down on Hanover Street), and now a Chinese noodle bar, Nosh, which still contains an stonework sign, giving us clues to another of the buildings' previous uses.
Nosh, Shudehill. (c) Google 2010. View Larger Map.
I believe that it was a bank at one time. Downstairs next to the gents was the strongroom door. I had my first pint of Jennings there.
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