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Books > Food & Drink > Beverages > General
Manchester is a modern and cosmopolitan city that is also home to a
range of old and traditional public houses. Many of these
establishments have retained their distinctive heritage, with some
dating back to early modern times and many having witnessed key
moments in the city's fascinating past. The nineteenth century in
particular was a pivotal time in Manchester's history, and middle-
and working-class daily life outside the factory was often centred
around the inn, pub or alehouse. One's 'local' was a focal point
for sociability, a centre for transportation, discussing politics,
business transactions, and hosting meetings. This was also a key
time for legislation that impacted on drink culture. The 1830 Beer
Act and the arrival of the beerhouse radically changed the nature
of drinking in the city. Brewing giants began to monopolise the
industry by mopping up hostelries in an ever-growing tied-house
system, which affected the style and quality of pubs, and these
effects can often be seen in pubs that have survived into modern
times, mainly through their architecture and design. Despite a
current climate of pubs closing on a regular basis, the pub as an
institution constantly reinvents itself to survive and many of
Manchester's old-fashioned hostelries sit alongside modern offices
and apartments. In this book, author Deborah Woodman takes an
engaging and illuminating look at pubs in the city centre, which
highlights a novel aspect of Manchester's history. Featuring a
superb selection of colour and black and white images, Central
Manchester Pubs will be of interest to locals, visitors and all
those with connections to this exciting city.
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