Mawson, Frances Street

Mawson, Frances Street, Brunswick. (c) Google 2012. View Larger Map.

Sadly the Mawson has recently closed after years of decline, despite its Grade II status [1] and its listing on the CAMRA Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors [2].  A rare survivor from the inter-war period, the Mawson has remained unchanged since 1936 while all around it has been demolished, rebuilt then neglected again in this depressed part of inner-city Manchester just north of Chorlton-on-Medlock.

Mawson, Frances Street, Brunswick. (c) British Listed Buildings.

The Mawson had been rebuilt by Tetley's Brewery to give a three-roomed public house (smoke room, ladies room and bar parlour) plus drinking lobby, and the tiled interior, screens, paneling and bench seating survive today.  There is also an off-sales area blocked up behind the bar [2]; this would have been used back in the day when many pubs offered take-away services.  Read and see more about the interior at CAMRA's Heritage Pubs site [2].

Mawson, Frances Street, Brunswick. (c) Google 2012. View Larger Map.

The Mawson Hotel dates back to the mid-to-late 19th century and originally only occupied a ground floor building on Frances Street where it fronted Clyde Street (now Cabot Street).  When it was rebuilt, incorporated two neighbouring houses in this largely Irish area [1].  The new Brunswick and Kincardine estates can be seen going up in 1970 and 1972 around the Mawson.  Sadly we didn't get chance to visit the Mawson before it closed, but the lack of decent beer on offer didn't help.  It now looks like this historic old boozer will go the way of the nearby Kings Arms.

1. www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-507794-the-mawson-hotel-.
2. www.heritagepubs.org.uk/pubs/national-inventory-entry.asp?pubid=74.