Rampant Lion, Anson Road

Rampant Lion, Anson Road, Victoria Park. (c) Morning Advertiser.

The Rampant Lion on Anson Road in Victoria Park in between Longsight and Rusholme has recently closed its doors, seemingly for good.  A succession of owners tried but failed to make a go of this student pub.  Towards the end, Salsa dancing, Lebanese food and shisha were just some of the attempts to keep the place open, but its lack of any decent ale wouldn't have helped.

Rampant Lion, Anson Road. (c) Rampant Lion Facebook.

This potted history of the Rampant Lion comes courtesy of the Morning Advertiser advert for its freehold [1].  Originally a private residence named Milverton Lodge built in the mid-to-late 19th century; the property was occupied in the early 20th century by the notable musician and composer James Kendrick Pyne [1].  

Rampant Lion, Anson Road, Victoria Park. (c) Morning Advertiser.

It has since had a varied history and a number of uses including that of a private hotel in the 1960s which played host to the parties of the Manchester movers and shakers, before becoming a nightclub in the 1970s popular with those involved in the local music scene [1], then the Rampant Lion in more recent times.

Rampant Lion, Anson Road. (c) Rampant Lion Facebook.

The detached Victorian gothic property is set over three floors with a lower ground floor entertainment area plus cellars and sits within a 0.62 acre plot with a separate coach house [1].   The Rampant Lion has been extended to the side to provide a ground floor of c.3,300 sq ft. Externally there is trade car parking, and grassed outdoor drinking areas amongst mature gardens [1]. 

Rampant Lion, Anson Road, Victoria Park. (c) Morning Advertiser.

Set back from Anson Road (A34) within the Victoria Park Conservation Area, the property is just 1.7 miles from Manchester city centre. Victoria Park itself is predominantly a residential area which is particularly popular with students and young professionals due to its proximity to numerous university and hospital sites [1].  

Rampant Lion, Anson Road. (c) Rampant Lion Facebook.

Today the imposing property is Grade II Listed and known as the Rampant Lion public house, but as history has demonstrated it could suit a number of alternative uses - subject to necessary permissions [1].  This final line gives a clue as to the likely future of the Rampant Lion.

Rampant Lion, Anson Road, Victoria Park. (c) Morning Advertiser.

As of January 2013 the Rampant Lion's freehold has been up for sale for the princely sum of £600,000 [1].  In these challenging times, it could prove difficult for anyone to make a go of this boozer, especially at that price.  Word is that the for sale board and hoardings have just come down, so something may be afoot...

1. http://property.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Property/18720/Freehold.html.