The Marble Arch, Manchester

Absolutely outstanding beer, decor and food. Its current rating of 7.6 by no means does it justice. It is probably the best real ale pub in Manchester, and not in the way that Carlsberg is 'probably the best lager in the world'.

With an appetising menu of both food, ale and a wide selection of international lagers this pub is a Mecca for real ale aficiondo's. The fact that it is always busy is a testament to this.

13 May 2009 01:56

The Dutton Hotel, Manchester

Very welcoming backstreet boozer only a stones throw from the MEN. Always has a standard Hydes Original on pump which is kept in an impeccable condition which can be also said of the guest beer which is usually on (usually a Hydes Festival Beer).

As for the previous post I have not made the acquaintance of the former 'Ulsterman' landlord but the current landlord is Manchester born and bred and is very friendly and has an expert knowledge on keeping beer (trust me it is that good). A must visit which should really advertise itself more!

13 May 2009 01:52

The Whitworth, Rusholme

The Whitworth has now been open for a solid 2 years. A great pub with a lot to offer. Previously a Marstons' boozer but now, to the best of my knowledge, under no brewery management. The Whitworth usually has two ales on both of which are Hydes, which makes sense due to its proximity to the brewery but not under their management due to the absence of any brewery branding. The beers are usually a standard Hydes Original/ Jekyll's Gold and a Hydes Festival Beer/ Guest (e.g. Spin Doctor, Mumbo Jumbo, Sacre Bleu etc).

This very pleasant pub opposite Whitworth Park boasts two spacious rooms with a connected beer garden (where smoking is permitted). There are obvious efforts to rejuvinate the pub with the weekly holding of a quiz night (Tuesday 9.30-10.30) which is brief, relaxed and great fun) with the first prize being alcohol.

Well worth a look in if in the area, especially on Tuesday night for the quiz, as it is relaxed with a good mixed crowd of locals and students and well kept ale. Their is also a good range of lagers, Heineken, Becks, Stella, Kronenberg etc

13 May 2009 01:45