Once a suntrap... now this historic Manchester pub has been left in the shadow of a new skyscraper

Fans of a popular Manchester pub have been left reeling by the construction of a new skyscraper towering over its rooftop terrace - with some even calling it a ‘monstrosity’.

The Deansgate pub is home to one of the city’s most loved rooftop bars but what was once a suntrap has been left in the shadow of a new skyscraper. The bar’s views that used to stretch over the southern city centre skyline are now blocked by the tower.

After closing during the first Covid lockdown in 2020, the pub, which started its life in the 19th century, failed to reopen, prompting concern from pub-goers that it may not return. Fortunately, in October 2021, brewing giant Greene King confirmed it had acquired the old school boozer and planned to refurbish it.

READ MORE: Tensions are brewing between Manchester's biggest music venues

READ MORE: The cosy independent café and bookshop that could soon be named the best in the north

It opened its doors once again in 2022 following three months of renovation that saw the pub's two floors completely transformed, along with the outdoor terrace area.

The Manchester Evening News understands the roof terrace has been closed for safety reasons and it is unknown when it will be back in operation.

When it does reopen its views of the Deansgate Square towers will be replaced by a 22-storey, 357-bedroom Staycity ‘aparthotel’ by Manchester-based developers Ask Real Estate Limited (AREL) which was granted planning permission in June 2020. A second application to increase the number of bedrooms in the hotel from 279 to 357 was approved in 2022.

A spokesperson for Ask Real Estate said they had entered legal agreements with the then-owner of the pub, before Greene King and that the owner was 'happy with the