The plan to transform 'cottaging' row toilets into a south Manchester café

24.07.2022 - 10:39 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Cash-strapped councils have closed hundreds of public loos across the country to make savings in recent years – and sometimes costs are not the only factor. One toilet in South Manchester, which has stood derelict for more than a decade, was closed down after reports of 'cottaging' taking place in the toilets.

But now, the old toilets in Northenden Riverside Park, which had been used as a meeting place for gay men for years before it was shut down, could be brought back into use – as a café.

Pub landlord John Rogers has had the green light from Manchester council to turn the block off Mill Lane into an environmentally-friendly vegetarian café. Once open, The Cloakroom Café will sell local plant-based products, some sourced from herbs, fruits and vegetables growing on the site itself.

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Tea and coffee will be locally blended and ethically sourced and most of the fresh sandwiches, cakes, ice cream, drinks and snacks on offer will be vegan – something the suburb still lacks, according to the publican. Customers will be encouraged to walk or cycle to the café, which is located near a busy car park on the banks of the River Mersey, rather than drive.

And John also promises to provide passers-by with a place to pee for free. "Northenden is our home and we love it," he said.

"We want to make a difference here rather than travel to other areas to set up shop. We are passionate about food and drink and we want others to experience our passion too.

"Bringing a disused, abandoned building back to life and then using it to bring joy and excitement through food, quality and provenance is our dream, but