Iconic Manchester student bar which shut suddenly hits the market in hunt for new landlord

The Footage, located on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor Street in the heart of Manchester’s university district, was a favourite student bar for decades until it closed suddenly in May 2024. 

Originally built in 1915, the building started life as the Grosvenor Picture Palace cinema. It was granted Grade II listed status by English Heritage in 1974. According to the building’s profile on the English Heritage website, it was the largest cinema of its kind outside of London when it was first built. 

Over the years it was also used as a bingo hall and later a snooker hall. It was turned into a pub in 1990, when the Firkin Brewery bought the building. First it was called Flea and Firkin, but then changed its name to Footage and Firkin a few years later. 

At the time of its closure, The Footage was run by Crafted Social, which is part of the Stonegate Group responsible for around 4,400 pubs around the country, including the Slug and Lettuce and Be At One franchises.

In April, the company announced it was struggling with around £2.2billion debt, but it is not known whether this led to Footage’s closure a month later. There was some speculation online at the time that the closure was partly due to problems with the building’s roof and the costly repairs it needed.

Footage’s lease is currently listed on Rightmove for £1 or ‘nil premium’ and is described as “a fantastic opportunity to take on a new lease in Manchester City Centre.” It is being marketed by Christie & Co, Pubs & Restaurants.  Set over two floors, the pub has a capacity of around 620. It includes a full commercial kitchen, several different seating areas and a bar on each floor.