The Mancunian Way: In the shadow of a skyscraper

First we had The Briton’s Protection, then came The Lower Turk’s Head. And now you can add The Deansgate to the list of historic Manchester pubs in danger of being overshadowed by skyscrapers.

The 19th Century boozer at the bottom end of Deansgate already called Beetham Tower a neighbour. And now it’s also being dwarfed by construction work on a 22 storey ‘aparthotel’.

It means views that used to stretch over the southern city centre skyline from its popular rooftop terrace are now blocked by the tower. And punters are not happy about it.

“It's ridiculous isn't it? A really nice beer garden ruined,” said one. “Last summer, great views and sun trap. Won't be now,” added another.

The pub remains open while the work is going on, although it’s understood the roof terrace is currently closed for safety reasons. A spokesperson for Ask Real Estate, the original developer, said: “Before acquiring the land adjacent to the Deansgate Pub we entered into legal agreements with the owner of the pub which dealt with all aspects of construction and rights of light.

“The owner was very happy with the arrangements, and subsequently sold the pub to Greene King. Specialist hotel developer Dean Street Developments is now delivering the Aparthotel.”

The row between Manchester two’s biggest music venues has been cranked up a notch. And as befits a battle of such heavyweights one of the solicitors has been quoting Mike Tyson.

As we reported in yesterday’s Mancunian Way, AO Arena is at loggerheads with Co-op Live over the new £385m venue’s plans to open until the early hours, claiming the licence application is ‘simply unlawful’.

But during a two day hearing at the town hall, Co-op Live hit back accusing Arena bosses of making a ‘ludicrous