Libertine, Withington

Converted 26/5/2023 to restaurant (Class E). Closed 17/12/2022, Converted seemingly without planning permission. Council planning enforcement officer informed 29/6/2023. Response from council on 29/6/2023:

"The previous use of the property was granted as a mixed bar and restaurant following its conversion from the former Natwest Bank. A planning application and Listed Building Consent were both approved in July 2022 for some external alterations, this ahead of its conversion to Almost Famous, which falls in the same mixed bar and restaurant use".

In late Feb 2023 a forfeiture notice appeared in the window, advising that the landlord had taken back possession. The bar owners were citing financial pressures re energy tariffs causing the closure. See MEN article - https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/withington-pub-libertine-closes-temporarily-26167457

History: A Grade II* listed former bank building, converted into a very pleasant pub/restaurant. Many of the historic features have been retained in its new guise. Interior is open plan. You are greeted by the long green tile fronted bar. To the left is a large room with feature fireplace, a piano, and a DJ table. To the right is a small alcove seating area, then beyond that is the open kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen is a room primarily for diners, darkly decorated and having a lower ceiling than other areas. Other than the folio wainscoting all round, the upper paintwork is described as 'distressed', although it makes it appear unfinished as the walls retain a patchwork of previous decoration.