By most metrics, New Year’s Eve in Manchester this year would be considered a washout. A chilly, determined and miserable drizzle had been coming down in sheets since mid-afternoon, and Canal Street was fast turning into an actual canal. But you wouldn’t know it to step inside the Shiredale pub in Harpurhey .
Perched on the edge of a 60s estate, this flat-roofed watering hole appears to be defying the culture of decline seen by pubs across the country. READ MORE: LIVE: Mancunians brave the rain ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks display as flood alerts issued - latest updates Warm and welcoming, with old fashioned Christmas lights in primary colours twinkling at you from the wall, over striped banquettes packed with families and groups of friends determined to have a good time, this place could warm you up on even the most miserable Mancunian evening. A family place in every sense of the word, it’s been run by husband and wife John and Debbie Thompson for ten years.
Their daughter Katie is behind the bar with her mum, and John’s sister Sarah also works there – though she’s happy to be on the other side of the bar this evening. Landlady Debbie Thompson with regular Jackie. (Image: Kenny Brown) “We’ve been really busy over Christmas, it’s been great,” said staff member Sarah.
“On Boxing Day we were rammed, we had customers waiting at the door when we opened.” Landlady Debbie agreed, though she conceded that the so-called Mad Friday had been very quiet thi.