Unicorn Hotel, 26 Church Street, Manchester

Built in 1924 and standing at the junction of Church Street and Joiner Lane, the Unicorn is a rare Manchester example of an “improved” inter-war public house, little altered and well preserved both internally and externally. The internal planning, range of facilities offered and restrained decoration reflect the changes in attitude and liberalisation of licensing rules during this period. Improved pubs were generally more spacious than their predecessors, often with restaurant facilities, function rooms, etc., gardens, and consciously appealed to a mix of incomes and classes.