256 Wilmslow Road has been a student haunt for many many years, in a stunning converted church it sits at the heart of Manchester's student village, Fallowfield.

Originally The Queen of Hearts pub it was bought by Hydes Brewery in April of 2011 and quickly refurbished into a stylish student pub and live music venue. Opening in September 2011, the building is spacious and open plan, on first entering the establishment you 're greeted with a London Underground style reception consisting of white tiled walls with an underground station font spelling out 'Owens Park'.

You're then taken through to the large open former church hall consisting of original high stained glass windows, high ceilings with original molding, wooden beams and exposed brickwork. The bar fills the whole left hand side of the establishment, painted in soft grey tone and showing original gothic church design carved into the wood,  it is a subtle installation in contrast to the harsh red of the exposed brick. Rustic iron shelving illuminated by modern strip lighting showcases a wide range of spirits on the back wall whilst a line of 5 industrial pendants hang above.

The theme of industrialism runs heavily through the establishment with its use of industrial style lighting and rustic exposed décor. You could also class the bar as an 'arty' venue with its wall feature montage of Oasis canvases and a spectacularly trendy light bulb installation that spells out the numbers '256', plus the use of more light bulbs featured in a hovering square feature above the dining area. An eclectic mix of furniture from chesterfield style leather to perspex and chrome are dotted around the restaurant area creating a trendy laid back vibe.

Finally a glass fronted mezzanine overlooks the ground floor and bar area boasting more eclectic seating and tables with trendy bronze globe style pendants suspended above.

To recreate the look of 256 in your home opt for an industrial backdrop of exposed brick, black and white art work, rustic metal furniture and industrial style pendants. Here's some of our own designs to inspire you...