I was lost for a word to describe the colour of this historic Manchester pub. But then I found it – chartreuse! I’m not sure I’ve seen tiles quite this colour before!
This 2-storey mid-Victorian building was given its current ceramic exterior in a remodelling exercise in around 1920. The green and yellow tiles at ground level are striking at any time, but when the sun shines (admittedly that may be a rare occurrence in Manchester) they truly stand out. The first floor has cream tiles with terracotta window surrounds, which calmly offset the bolder colours below. It is not surprising to discover that it is now a Grade II listed building.
You don’t find many pubs with tiled exteriors these days, and I don’t know any with such a mix of colours, patterns and textures. On a nice day you can sit on the benches outside and soak it all in.
Its rare exterior is matched by an unusual name: Peveril of the Peak was the name of the horse-drawn stagecoach that journeyed from Manchester to London via Derbyshire in a nippy 23 hours.
Inside is a delight too, with dark polished woods, stained glass and traditional bench seats.
The pub has had its moments of celebrity fame: in 1996, three episodes of Cracker were filmed here, and it also featured in Coronation Street and X Factor. During the Second World War, it achieved less salubrious fame as a brothel for GIs. Nowadays, you can get your kicks by playing 1950s style sokaball. Great fun, even though I have no talent for the game at all!
The only drawback here is the opening hours. Nancy Swannick has been landlady here for over 40 years and now seems to open at hours that suit her rather than her customers. Not to worry though; another of my favourite Manchester pubs, Briton’s Protection, is just down the road so if the Pev isn’t open, just pop in there instead.
Peveril of the Peak, 127 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JQ
Travel with Intent 
A blog on the Pev?! How fabulous!! Its one of my favourite pubs ever and the site of many a great evening playing Pool ( not sure if they still have the table? ), listening to New Order on the juke box and eating the cockles and shrimps delivered by the Seafood Man most evenings!! Ask some of the old locals about the guy who used to step through the door with a wicker basket full of goodies and yell “Seafood y’all” at the top of his voice!! Used to scare us half to death!! Great pub, great memories, great post!!!
LikeLike
I can’t remember if there was a pool table last time I was there. I played table football. Last time I was there it was closing when I arrived at 21:30! And I think the days of cockles are long gone. Sadly. Glad to hear I brought back good memories.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
9.30pm?! I thought the landlady’s son(s) had taken over the pub but must be mistaken! Definitely brought back some great memories though so thanks!!
LikeLike
I remember him.. he used to should “crab sticks” too… The jukebox was a really old beauty but it kept going..
LikeLike
Someone should start up the Seafood y’all tradition again as it makes a change from the cliche red roses that everyone seems to try to foist upon city centre drinkers these days!! If only I had a basket and a booming voice!! And yes, the jukebox was a classic. Love it!
LikeLike
This is the best looking pub I’ve ever seen. I mean it. I would love for my house interior to look so ornate and eclectic. The chartreuse tiles are perfect. Thank you so much for sharing!
LikeLike
Thanks for giving me the word to describe it. I would never have thought of chartreuse!
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
haha no problem! I wouldn’t have thought of it until this week either 🙂
LikeLike
Fantastic! I would be in this pub all day and night! Love it!
LikeLike
It’s probably the beige on the upper floor that is making you feel at home 🙂
On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 11:37 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
>
LikeLike
wonderful images. love all the architectural details of the building.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on msamba.
LikeLike
What a beautiful building!
LikeLike
Nice shots! 🙂
http://www.pienilintu.blogspot.fi/
LikeLike
Nice photos, such character to these which you don’t get these days.
LikeLike
Indeed, a fresh coat of pant is as much as you can normally hope for
LikeLike
Those tiles are exquisite and so beautifully maintained.
LikeLike
Yes, it feels a little more run down inside, but not alarmingly so
LikeLike
A beautiful building! The patterns around the door are gorgeous!
LikeLike
Yes, the colours and textures are pretty special
LikeLike
Impressive pub.
LikeLike
Lovely colour and a beautiful name for it 🙂
LikeLike
You certainly can’t miss this pub!
On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 7:42 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
>
LikeLike
Fascinating facts! The number of Victorian and Edwardian tiled pubs is small, but most if not all must be listed by now so must have some degree of protection for the future. I don’t know about chartreuse being unusual for pubs but surely enough fireplace surrounds rejoice in this colour!
LikeLike
I don’t think I’d want it in my lounge!
On Mon, Aug 11, 2014 at 7:42 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
>
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike