Lass O'Gowrie
| Lass O'Gowrie | |
|---|---|
The Lass O'Gowrie in 2014 | |
Location within Greater Manchester | |
| General information | |
| Type | Public house |
| Location | Charles Street, Manchester, England |
| Coordinates | 53°28′26″N 2°14′16″W / 53.4739°N 2.2378°W |
| Years built | Mid-19th century c. 1900 (altered) |
| Renovated | 2014, 2022 |
| Design and construction | |
| Designations | |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | Lass O'Gowrie public house |
| Designated | 6 June 1994 |
| Reference no. | 1293175 |
| Other information | |
| Public transit access | Manchester Oxford Road |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
The Lass O'Gowrie is a Grade II listed public house on Charles Street in Manchester, England. It stands on the west bank of the River Medlock, close to Oxford Road and adjacent to Circle Square, and is noted for its late‑Victorian tiled exterior and well‑preserved interior features.
History
A public house has stood on the site since the mid‑19th century. The present building dates from that period but was altered around 1900. The exterior is finished with decorative glazed tiles and faience typical of Manchester's pub architecture of the era.[1] The pub takes its name from a 19th‑century poem by the Scottish poet Carolina Nairne.[2]
During the Victorian period, the Lass O'Gowrie served a largely Irish immigrant community living and working in the nearby area. In the modern era, the pub serves a predominantly local and student clientele due to its proximity to the city's university and surrounding residential districts.[3]
The pub was formerly a Threlfalls Brewery house and, after a period under Whitbread ownership, operated as a brewpub for several years during the 1980s.[4]
On 6 June 1994, the pub was designated a Grade II listed building.[1]
The Lass O'Gowrie was named "Best Pub in Britain" in 2012 by the Morning Advertiser, recognising its range of events, community role, and real‑ale offering.[5][6]
The pub underwent a major refurbishment in 2014 following a change of management,[7] with further work carried out in 2022 focused on repairs to the building fabric and additional improvements to the interior.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b Historic England. "Lass O'Gowrie public house (Grade II) (1293175)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Lass o'Gowrie". Archived from the original on 7 September 2011. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
- ^ a b Campbell, Jenna (19 August 2022). ""We couldn't be happier": Historic Manchester pub reopens following six-figure refurb". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 25 July 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Lass O'Gowrie, Manchester". Campaign for Real Ale. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ Berry, Mike (14 September 2012). "Great British Pub Awards 2012: Lass O'Gowrie crowned Great British Pub of the Year". Morning Advertiser. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Manchester's Lass O'Gowrie named best British pub". BBC News. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ Slater, Chris (8 January 2014). "Lass O'Gowrie pub set to re-open after major refurbishment". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 15 August 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2026.