Kro Bar, Chorlton-on-Medlock

A fine example of local initiative and a fortunate purchase laying the foundations for a successful chain. Mark Ruby’s 1990s purchase of the old Manchester Temperance Society building (a large Victorian villa), right in the heart of the 'University Quarter' and bang across the road from the Students’ Union was always going to be a smash hit. Throw in a cutting-edge design from local architects Stephenson Bell, great food and a commitment to cask and you have a real asset to the area. It is a large place, with two floors being used along with an extension at the rear. Add to this a beer garden at the front, and a larger one at the back, so you begin to see the potential of this slick operation. As its owners are Danish ('Kro' translates as pub by the way), the food has a Danish air to it.