A?chuch is hoping to ?anchor? its community ? after transforming a pub into a coffee shop.
Vinelife Church Manchester?bought The Whitworth off Oxford Road and turned it into the Anchor Coffee House. The venue still boasts the original bar and tiles from its former life as a city boozer.
The ailing pub was snapped up after the congregation raised ?100,000 in three months.
Manager Catherine Pedley said: ?The workmen who converted it said they used to drink here and were interested in what it has become.
?I think because of its prominent position, people have been happy for it to be made into something that they can use ? we?ve still had a few people coming in thinking it?s a pub.?
The Anchor is a registered charity and doesn?t pay wages or take tips. Churchgoers helped with the rewiring, plumbing and decorating, and now staff it.
Catherine, 38, from Trafford, said: ?We aren?t taking tips ? any money given will go to charity.
?The church had a vision to set up an individual, urban coffee house available to everyone ? but also a place that we can minister out of.
?I want the atmosphere to be an extension of the home where people feel peaceful and relaxed.
?And we?re going for excellent coffee ? we want it to be known as a place of excellence.?
The premises also have space at the back to hold gigs, exhibitions and training courses.
Vinelife church, which has been based in Manchester since 1989, holds its services at Manchester Academy school.
The coffee house opened its doors earlier this month and is hosting an official launch event on Monday (January 14) from 2pm to 5pm.
Opening hours are 8am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday.
Upcoming events include an exhibition of landscape photography next month.
To find out more, call 0161 248 8772, follow @AnchorCoffee or visit www.facebook.com/AnchorCoffeeHouse.
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