Nicholson's Old Wellington, Private Space

About Venue

The Old Wellington is the oldest building in Manchester city centre, a half-timbered Tudor structure that has stood since 1552 and outlasted empires, a bomb, and several city-wide redevelopments. Built next to the original Market Square during the reign of Edward VI, it became a draper's shop in 1554 and served as the family home of the Byrom family for generations - John Byrom, born here in 1692, went on to invent one of the earliest systems of shorthand. The building was licensed as a pub in 1830, became The Wellington Inn in 1865, and was eventually renamed in honour of its historic character. When a redevelopment programme threatened its original site in the late 1990s, the entire structure was dismantled timber by timber and re-erected 100 metres away, reopening in 1999. It is now a scheduled ancient monument and one of the most recognisable buildings in the city.

Today The Old Wellington is part of the Nicholson's collection and wears its heritage without apology. The bar runs a serious range of real ales, with Nicholson's Pale Ale brewed by St Austell Brewery as the permanent house ale alongside a rotating guest selection from specialist breweries. The gin range is extensive, and the food menu centres on proper British pub classics - the handcrafted pies are a particular draw, with a beef shin and ale pie that has earned its own reputation among regulars. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, with a gluten-free menu available throughout.
The pub sits at Cathedral Gates in Manchester's Cathedral Quarter, steps from Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square, the Corn Exchange, and Shambles Square. Victoria Station is a 3-5 minute walk, providing direct rail connections across Greater Manchester and beyond. The Metrolink Victoria stop is equally close. There is no on-site parking, but Q-Park Deansgate North is approximately 0.1 miles away, with several other city centre car parks within easy reach. The pub is dog friendly.

About this space:

The Private Space at The Old Wellington puts your group inside Manchester's oldest building - a Tudor timber-framed structure dating from 1552, complete with original exposed beams, stone floors, and the kind of atmosphere that no modern event venue can replicate. The dining rooms span two floors and can be hired for groups of up to 50 seated or 50 standing, with restaurant-style service throughout. In-house catering runs from buffet packages to full table service, with British pub classics at the heart of the menu - the handcrafted pies in particular are worth planning your event around. A comprehensive gluten-free menu is available.

The space is fully private when hired, with Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, flipchart, and natural light included. There is no PA system or projector, so it works best for social events, private dining, and smaller corporate gatherings that do not require AV presentations. The alcohol licence runs until midnight, and TENs are available for events that need a little more flexibility. The pub is dog friendly. Note that private hire is not available on Saturdays, and Friday bookings carry a higher minimum spend threshold.

- Capacity: 50 seated / 50 standing
- Pricing: from £400 minimum spend Mon-Thu and Sun; from £1,000 minimum spend on Fridays
- Sessions: 11:00-23:00 Mon-Fri; 11:00-22:30 Sun; Saturday closed for private hire
- Alcohol licence until midnight; TENs available
- In-house catering, buffet packages, gluten-free menu
- Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, flipchart, natural light included
- No PA, no projector, no AV equipment
- Wheelchair accessible; dogs welcome
- No on-site parking; Victoria Station and Metrolink 3-5 minutes on foot

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