Manchester is a city full of hidden architectural gems, full of character and capturing the spirit of bygone times. These sit at the heart of an ever moving modern tech-savvy city and are often the very places workers choose to relax and socialise in at the end of a busy day. Such places also provide striking settings for all manner of dramas and can adapt themselves to suit any timeframe.
One such place is the instantly recognisable public house, Peveril of the Peak. This ever-popular watering hole has starred many times on small and silver screens and along with some other favourite hostelries, this gem sits central in March’s Location of the Month feature.
Amidst a City Centre landscape populated by buildings of varying architectural styles from times gone by, Peveril of the Peak on first sight, cries out to be explored.
Built in 1820 the brightly coloured tiled exterior stands in stark contrast to more muted surroundings. Much folklore surrounds this hostelry. Was it named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel of the same name? Perhaps, as has been reported, it was named after a stage coach that took two days to travel from Manchester to London? Nobody knows for sure and that in itself adds to the mystery and is to be celebrated. The polished wood interior is intimate and the perfect place for a cosy date which is how the pub made its appearance in Fool Me Once in a scene when DS Sami Kierce and his fiance share a drink after a dance lesson.
Interestingly TV crime classics have and do favour this particular pub. Cracker, which starred Salfordian Christopher Eccleston alongside the late Robbie Coltrane, played scenes in Peveril of the Peak as did the more recent police procedural hit, The Bay.
There are several other popular places that deserve mention when it comes to Manchester pubs in the spotlight. The Star and Garter in Piccadilly has become a fixture in Sky‘s much-loved series, Brassic and not far away stylish Common starred in the second series of Sherwood, a ratings winner earlier this year.
Deansgate is of course one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, packed with workers and shoppers by day and revellers indulging in the party spirit by night. Scattered along the street are a number of popular spots for a night out including Scholfield’s Bar where Significant Other, starring Katherine Parkinson and Youssef Kerkour filmed scenes. Close by is The Salisbury which featured in ITV series Bancroft which starred Sarah Parish.
So – next time you are out in Manchester and stop off for a drink don’t be surprised if the place you find yourself in looks familiar. It might just have co-starred in one of your favourite TV treats.