please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Sandbar is a bar that I've been meaning to get to for some time. Yesterday, I finally managed to get there in spite of the late arrival of my train. I was greeted by an empty pub, but a decent selection of ales and a cider I'd not previously had. Real ales were Facer's Clwyd Gold & Winter Pale, Phoenix Arizona & Christmas Kiss, Silver Street Saison & Porter & Brass Castle Bad Kitty. The cider was Moss Cider Project All In Hand. With just time for a couple of swift halves, I opted for the cider and the porter. Both were good, especially the porter. A few more people did come in during my visit. But I guess the pub gets busiest when the students are in town. Payment is by card only. At almost 15 minutes walk from Piccadilly, it seems a bit off the beaten track. But there's a good chance that I'll be back one day.
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As good as remembered on 2 previous visits. Mainly students but a few families as well. Really characterful and with good service.
The beer range remains broad, and although there were quite a few real ale drinkers it can mean that cask turnover for some of the range is affected. Of 2 Privateer beers, 1 was good and 1 was average.
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How a bar should be and now something of an old favourite having been on the scene for a decade and a half now. Like a previous interlocutor, I was impressed with the Clwyd Gold and they do have a nice mix of real ales and craft beers. Distressed brick interiors makes you half expect Adrian Sherwood to be on the soundsystem and the location is good between university and city centre.
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Called in again recently. Sampled a superb pint of stout from the aptly named Outstanding Brewery. Okay, it was delivered via keg but if it tastes good, who am I to complain? I'd give 10/10 purely on the stout alone!
Because of the nature of its location, my visits are less frequent than I'd like. The pub has got a very bohemian feel, which adds to the experience in my opinion.
Keep it up!
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First time in a here for quite a few years - only because I don't get down Oxford Road much these days. Friendly service, excellently-kept ale - Clwyd Gold - and relaxed atmosphere. Well worth a visit and still 10/10.
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Popped in here for the first time yesterday. Prices were about average for Manchester. As I entered the place I thought it was quite small, then as I searched for a place to sit, I discovered it had many rooms dotted all over. Nice relaxed atmosphere. I will definitely return.
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reasonable slection of beers but notthe best in Manchester
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Oh dear, how things change over the course of a couple of years.
The beer's exceptionally poor, the prices are extortionate, some staff are, ignorant, politically extreme and/or aggressive, it stinks of grease, it's dank, sweaty, the toilets are fucked and it relies purely on it's location for trade.
But if you like that kind of thing...
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On rerturn visit for Felice Brothers gig at Academy 2 I tried the Phoenix Pilsner for some reason, and it was very tasty, with the same relaxed feel as on a previous visit. Offers pizzas as well, always a good idea.
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As a middle-aged man, i approached this "bar" with a sense of dread and curiosity, knowing it to be a regular haunt of students, faux academics and other assorted alumni. My fears were imaginary however, as the place was empty and very quiet, almost chapel like.
A Rochefort 6 was drank and enjoyed at the price of �3.80, normal for this part of Manchester. Too modern and cold for my taste, although an interesting detour none the less!
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Don't get down this side of town very often as it's a student area and I'm an old git but popped into Sandbar the other night and was really impressed. Great choice of ales and lagers, attentive staff and a good jukey which is all you really need for a good night out. I�ll be back.
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The Sandbar: My new favourite pub. Delicious beer, delicious staff and decent prices (considering the location). I'd recommend everyone to try the mighty 'AllSaints' brewed locally by the ever consistent Phoenix brewery, it'll give you a shiver. It can get very busy especially as the night closes in but if you can find somewhere to stand, slurping here is a most pleasant experience.
It's just a shame that they serve food as it spoils it's rating but at least it doesn't effect the beer.
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great to hear this place is still as alive and kicking and cool as it was back in my old manc days. i was there the day this placed opened in the mid nineties and was in the every week for about 4 years. it always was my favourite place whether chilling in the day or buzzing at night. not been for many years - but will cetainly make it my first stop next time i'm there.
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Err yes we have got all the correct beer glasses! We've had them for quite a few months now. They are hanging upside down above the draft pumps on two newly installed glass racks, I am surprised you missed them.
As you will see some of these glasses are gorgeous and last time we tried this they all disappeared very quickly. So I hope you understand if we are a tad overprotective!
We have copied an idea we saw in a bar in belgium. We require a deposit of one shoe, yes a shoe as a deposit for any customer who wants the correct glass with their beer. This will be exchanged for a very comfortable clog (for safety). An optional �5 refundable deposit will be accepted instead if you do not wish to play our game but we would rather not take the money, it is not as much fun!
We are sorry but the glasses will not be available after 5pm on busy nights
We also have a number of games which are available free using this same system.
SHOES AND DEPOSITS ARE STILL REFUNDABLE IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY BREAK THE GLASS
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Still worth a visit this place, still no "proper" glasses for the foreign beers.
The real ale was in good nick on last visit, both from Phoenix.
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Interesting little bar with several quirky rooms, one feels like an outdoor courtyard, even though you're inside. Has a couple of guest beers on, one is usually from Phoenix, always well kept. It's a bit of a walk out of town, but it's worth it.
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Sorry about the jukebox we were having problems with it and have since had it replaced. We are getting all the beer glasses and we will put them out as soon as we get some flip flops as we will be taking a shoe as a deposit on them. We have had the glasses in before but they all ran away very quickly. Sandbar is growing all the time and we are always interested to hear feedback! Please feel free to email me at [email protected]
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An excellent, straightforward, if slightly spartan place. They've got a very good range of draft ale and a banging' choice of bottled beers. The handpumped stuff is interestingly presented on an old church's hymn board. The juke box is good, but watch out for the disappointingly large number of selections that just don't want to play. If I was almost anywhere in Greater Manchester with a Freedom Pass, I'd make the effort to get to this place.
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A friendly welcome and ales in excellent condition and reasoanbly priced. Also stocks interesting draught and bottled European beers. A refreshing change from the 'manufactured' pubs and well worth a trip down Oxford Road.
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Always popular and a good selection of real ales. Comfortable and unpretentious.
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Comfortably scruffy bar with a fantastic beer range both on tap and in bottles. Popular with students
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A recent addition is the Phoenix Pilsner, an excellent genuine Berlin-style lager that seems to be exclusive to The Sandbar. If you're in the area give it a go as at �2.50 it's a bargain. The staff quality's improved, too, except for the sad loss of Manchester's prettiest barmaid.
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First time I went (March 07) the place was hit and miss.
Gave it another go and much improved. Though the real ale still not up to much. Good foreign beers but no proper glasses to serve them in just bog standard pint glasses ! When I asked proper glasses was told basically to put up or shut up!
Worth a visit though
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Good bar with good selection of real ales and interesting continental bottled beers - all reasonably priced (ales start at �2.05), the cask ale is cheap if not always in the best condition. An eclectic mix of (often mature) students and beer lovers - it looks a bit "trendy" but has a relaxed ambience in an interesting mish-mash of rooms. (it seems to be a couple of georgian townhouses knocked together. All in all, its the best "student" establishment around the university.
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This has the potential to be a great bar, however the bar staff are shocking! I have rarely found such apathetic people.
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Really relaxing bar with good atmosphere, lots of interest and very good beer (eg Moorhouses & cider)- similar to the N/4 bars if not better
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Great beer, sure. Great jukebox, sure. However I have no idea how any of the staff in there keep their jobs as they are all USELESS. I go in often as I work close by but only for the beer, if only new management could take over and see that the staff is changed!
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My favourite pub in the area. Like just about everywhere around the Uni it's not cheap but it's a nice, relaxed environment with a mixed clientele. They usually have an interesting choice of guest beer and the jukebox is damn fine, too.
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best selection of beer in mancehster, nice atmosphere, top jukebox - not full of students which is nice to say its bang in the area, only downside is that it's been a bit cold in there sometimes. good decor too. like it!
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Wow, beer heaven. Something for every beer drinker here!
Only downside is the limited selection of non alcoholic drinks for the designated driver :)
Interior is minimal/studenty but great for a beer without too much loud music being forced down your ears.
budda - 29 May 2006 12:21 |
Fantastic choice of beer (continental bottled and draft) often has Phoenix Navy on tap and all beers kept well. Has a very nice atmosephere and beer is competitively priced. Highly recommended!!
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Decent beer, proper lager, decent belgians(if a little cold.)
Didn't get chance to peruse the jukebox but it sounded good.
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Great atmosphere, excellant range of beers and generally a good pub. Good bar staff.
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Luv this pub!...has to keep its vibe though...and so far its done this by having an everchanging but reliable barstaff-who should all have `chilled` as a middle name...It still has a Victor Meldrew Jukey...ie you always get a "I Don`t believe it"moment when you`re waiting for Thats Entertainment to come on & you hear Frankie baby sparking off about New York...still.....you justavta chill!
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Brilliant selection of international beers, many on draught. Excellent real ales and good selection of tunes on the old juke box. Visit!
Kate - 16 Sep 2004 16:42 |
Excellent range of drinks from 'real' ales to German/Belgium beers and good wines too. Relaxed and casually social atmosphere with friendly and knowledgable (about beer!) staff. You'll love it!
strangecat - 6 Apr 2004 12:55 |
The best range of bear in Mcr. Friendly, laid-back. Excellent.
mike - 16 Oct 2003 17:28 |
Best selection of beer in town and a cool jukebox. Excellent.
Johnny - 27 Apr 2003 14:52 |
