This odd looking place, the Mariners, was hidden away down Old Bank Street, off Cross Street, close to the closed Rat & Parrot. Shown here in the 1970s which its distinctive mermaid statue outside, the fact it has a 'Grillroom' menu outside is suggestive of more of a restaurant than pub, however, folks who went in the Mariners in the '70s have confirmed it as a decent, rather plush bar.
1. www.images.manchester.gov.uk.
Man alive...my jaw's on the floor seeing that mermaid again! Got taken here for a birthday treat in the 1970s...I thought it was the height of luxury living and was probably surprised that the Queen wasn't sat at the next table to us.
ReplyDeleteI liked this bar, often took my girlfriend there and started off many a great night there before heading on down to the Nag's Head near Bootle Street cop shop, Tommy Ducks and the Peveril of the Peak. This was back in the mid-later 70s when I was a sixth former at St Bede's College. Long live Manchester, great city!
ReplyDeleteThe Mariners had a 10% discount for students in 1970. Had a prawn cocktail and a half-pound steak plus trimmings and Mateus Rose wine for under a pound, after discount. Decided to add a cake and the waiter added the cake to the discounted bill and gave us the 10% discount again, which came to the same amount. How much was the cake?
ReplyDeleteThere was always a little blackboard on the bar on which was listed: Sangria, Suze Cup, Pimms No. 1 and Piesporter Michelsberg
ReplyDeleteI remember the Mariners as a pub we went to in the early 1970,s it was used by the sales assistants from the shops in St Annes Sq. In early doors. The wonderful marble interior needs a preservation order as it is totaly unique.
ReplyDeleteI currently live in Nottingham. Is it still there?
OH How wonderful to know that other people loved this fantastic atmospheric bar. We used to go there every Friday night after work. Delicious steaks and downstairs delicious seafood. Oh how I miss this place.
ReplyDeleteWorked there early 70s as the butcher with Mr ken pimblott...what a fantastic resturaunt ....grill and seafood
ReplyDeleteI worked as a commis-chef there, starting in 1970 straight out of school. Mr Piggin (?) was the manager, Mr Young was the head chef, Mr Peak was the baker. I don't recall a butcher. The other five apprentices and I rotated around the departments in the preparation kitchen to learn each, and in the second year did split shifts, working in the restaurant kitchen in the evening. Seafood one side, grill on the other.
ReplyDeleteMade lunch for Pat Phoenix (Elsie Tanner, Coronation Street) one day. A Spanish omelette, she sent me a pound note as a tip. My weekly wage was was 7.50 !!!
BTW, Mr Young had a cousin, Bert Kwok. He was the mad butler to Peter Cellars in the Pink Panther movies. At the time the bar restaurant was considered quite posh.
Oh my, just talking to friends about childhoods. I use to come here with my parents. Had no idea where it was, its so good to see this reference ...
ReplyDeleteWay ahead of its time great atmosphere, restaurant down stairs yet the bar stools with mirrors in the walls were a great feature 1970/72. Great place. Frank.
ReplyDeleteMy husband worked nearby for Jonathan Silver and this was our favourite bar. The food was wonderful. How lovely that I am not the only person who remembers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping the Mariners alive with these memories
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