Key Points
- Trof, a Northern Quarter staple since the early 2000s, reopens as The Trof Pub & Dining Room on 1 May 2026 at midday on Thomas Street, Manchester.
- Full refurbishment led by co-owners Matt Nellany and Jamie Pickles (also behind Stow restaurant); building dates to the 1880s.
- New menu focuses on British pub classics with local sourcing: starters like hogget mince on dripping toast; mains including ox cheek pie, beef burger, pork collar; Sunday roasts with beef rump, porchetta, chicken, Knutsford lamb.
- Drinks feature cask ales from Thornbridge (Peak District) and a considered wine list.
- Interior updates include pine wood features, a centrepiece bar, upright piano for a cosy pub atmosphere.
- Original opened by Adelaide Winter and Joel Wilkinson; bought from Mission Mars by Nellany in 2022, partnered with Pickles in 2023.
- Venue known for hosting first dates, after-work pints; aims to serve both drinkers and diners.
Northern Quarter(Manchester Mirror )April 29, 2026 – Manchester’s Northern Quarter is poised for a nostalgic revival as the beloved Trof venue on Thomas Street prepares to reopen its doors on 1 May 2026 as The Trof Pub & Dining Room, following a comprehensive refurbishment. This transformation, spearheaded by local hospitality experts Matt Nellany and Jamie Pickles, shifts the site from its modern bar roots to a traditional British pub emphasising classic fare and community spirit. The move honours the venue’s deep ties to the area while introducing fresh interiors and a menu celebrating regional produce.
What is Driving Trof’s Major Makeover?
The decision to reimagine Trof stems from a desire to evolve the venue amid changing tastes in Manchester’s vibrant hospitality scene. As reported by Daisy Jackson of The Manc, Trof has been a Northern Quarter fixture since the early 2000s, originally launched by Adelaide Winter and Joel Wilkinson – names synonymous with spots like Firehouse, Ramona, and Schloss. The site was acquired from Mission Mars by co-owner Matt Nellany in 2022, with Jamie Pickles joining the following year after their successful venture at Stow restaurant.
Matt Nellany, co-owner and landlord of The Trof, stated:
“It’s nerve-racking to make such a big change to a venue which is so significant to so many people! Ask anyone in Manchester, and they’ll have a Trof story. We seem to have hosted a LOT of first dates here over the years, but we felt that it was time for the next chapter in this beautiful building’s history.”
He further elaborated on the vision:
“We love pubs, and we’ve always wanted to do that elegant, city centre pub which you see so much across London, being able to do that with fabulous northern produce, including cask ales from Thornbridge and meats from Marcus at Littlewoods right in the heart of the Northern Quarter is a privilege we will take very seriously!”
This refurbishment accentuates the red-brick building’s 1880s heritage, incorporating pine wood flooring and features, a central bar, and an upright piano to foster a cosy, authentic pub ambience. According to coverage in Manchester’s Finest, the updates preserve the structure’s character while evoking timeless British hospitality.
Which New Menu Items Highlight Local British Flavours?
Central to the relaunch is a menu curated by Jamie Pickles, drawing from his Peak District upbringing and the site’s location in Manchester’s historic market district. Jamie Pickles, co-owner and head of food, remarked:
“The Trof sits right in the heart of what was Manchester’s market district and hopefully the menu pays homage to that fabulous veg, great quality meat, excellent bar snacks all served with well cellared cask ale and a great wine list this will be a pub truly for Manchester’s people and we can’t wait to get it open.”
Starters promise hearty, seasonal options such as hogget mince on dripping toast, dressed Devon crab salad, roast lamb with gentleman’s relish, and English asparagus with a soft-boiled egg. Mains feature pub staples like ox cheek pie with Ratte potato mash, salmon with trout roe beurre blanc and mussels, a beef burger in a milk bun, and pork collar with cabbage and bacon. Desserts nod to tradition with sticky toffee pudding and a pistachio and cherry Bakewell tart.
Sundays will spotlight family-style roasts: rump of beef, porchetta, roast chicken, and Knutsford roast lamb from Littlewoods, accompanied by roast potatoes, seasonal veg, and gravy. Behind the bar, expect cask ales from Thornbridge Brewery in the Peak District alongside a curated wine selection, ensuring a robust drinks lineup for patrons.
The emphasis on local sourcing from meats at Littlewoods to ales from Thornbridge underscores a commitment to northern produce, positioning The Trof as a champion of regional gastronomy. Walk-ins and dining reservations will be available from opening, blending casual drinking with sit-down meals.
How Does This Fit into Manchester’s Pub Scene Trends?
Manchester’s Northern Quarter has long thrived on eclectic bars, but recent shifts favour heritage-led pubs amid a post-pandemic craving for comforting, community-focused spaces. Coverage in The Manc by Daisy Jackson notes that The Trof aims to bridge drinkers and diners, continuing its legacy as a hub for first dates and after-work gatherings. This aligns with broader revivals, though distinct from projects like Gary Neville’s restoration of the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub elsewhere in the city.
The relaunch taps into a surge for ‘elegant city centre pubs’, akin to London models but rooted in Mancunian identity. Manchester’s Finest highlights how the menu and aesthetics pay homage to the area’s market past, potentially drawing crowds eager for authentic British experiences. No details emerged on capacity changes or pricing, but the focus on quality sourcing suggests premium yet accessible positioning.
Background of the Development
Trof’s journey began in the early 2000s as a neighbourhood bar under Adelaide Winter and Joel Wilkinson, becoming a Northern Quarter cornerstone amid the area’s creative boom. The 1880s Thomas Street building hosted generations of locals, from casual pints to milestone moments. Acquired by Matt Nellany from Mission Mars in 2022, it paired with Jamie Pickles in 2023 post-Stow success. This refurb marks their dream to craft a traditional pub, blending heritage preservation with modern hospitality. Early reports from The Caterer flagged the shift to a ‘traditional British pub’, setting the stage for 1 May 2026.
Prediction: Impact on Manchester’s Pub-Goers and Diners
This development could reshape habits for Northern Quarter regulars, foodies, and casual drinkers by offering a reliable anchor for British classics in a sea of global trends. Loyal Trof patrons may embrace the nostalgic pivot, fostering loyalty through familiar storytelling spaces enhanced by superior roasts and ales, potentially boosting footfall amid economic pressures. Diners seeking quality local fare could elevate the area’s reputation, drawing visitors from across Greater Manchester and tourists, while inspiring similar heritage revamps. However, success hinges on balancing tradition with innovation; failure to retain the venue’s eclectic vibe risks alienating younger crowds. Overall, The Trof stands to strengthen community ties, supporting local suppliers like Thornbridge and Littlewoods, and enriching Manchester’s pub culture for years ahead.
