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Demolished in 1993, the Tommy Ducks Pub is thought to derive its name from one-time landlord Thomas Ducksworth. The story is that the sign-writer ran out of room and settled for Tommy Ducks over the door!
The pub’s origins are uncertain, although records show it was open in the 1880s. It consisted of four terraced cottages knocked together on East Street with a shipping warehouse next door.
Glass-topped coffins were said to be used as tables inside the pub which served Greenall Whitley beers as the exterior sign proclaims.
Some great photos of Tommy Ducks – and in a change from the many nice exterior shots, these are interior… https://t.co/wAmVeaxgpO pic.twitter.com/BNx1E7WOER
— Pubs of Manchester (@Pubs_of_Mcr) February 17, 2022
During the late 1980s and 1990s, the Tommy Ducks found itself standing almost alone as buildings were demolished around it to make way for planned new development. Its nearest neighbour ended up being the Midland Hotel.
A campaign to save the pub building ran out of time on February 12th 1993 when a preservation order expired. Demolition crews moved in the next day.
As our modern image shows, the former Tommy Ducks’ site over the road from the Midland is now occupied by a Premier Inn.
Built by the Midland Railway, the Midland Hotel itself was opened in September 1903 to serve Manchester Central railway station.
Now a major city venue and exhibition centre, the station was once the terminus for trains from London St Pancras.
Former daily newspaper editor and group editorial director for leading national media brands, Malcolm is a regular contributor to the iNostalgia National History with a love for our national heritage.