Minshull Street Crown Courts, Manchester...

This building is a bit of a hidden gem. Most people, when asked about the courts in Manchester or, indeed, making an appearance in them, think of the 1950s building on Crown Square now loomed over by one of Manchester's most iconic modern buildings, the Civil Justice Centre. These set of courts are tucked away on Minshull Street between Piccadilly Gardens and the Rochdale Canal. You can see them while you enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail at one of the canal side bars on Manchester's famous Canal Street. They are built of red brick and the local honey coloured sandstone in a style liked by the Victorians, Venetian Gothic. You can recognise the style by the pointed arches. There was quite a vogue for this style and little bits of Venice pop up all over the city centre. It's a handsome building.