please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This is a reasonably large place with a few separate seating areas for are punters. On the bar there was Deuchars IPA, JW Lees Atomic Ale, Leeds brewery Gingerbread Stout, Wychwood Dryneck, 4 pumps were left unclipped which seemed a shame. I went for the Dechars at 3.30, quite a decent pint and in good nick. They advertise that they do a CAMRA members discount (50 p on pints, 20 p on halves) There's also plenty of spirits behind the bar. It seems to be a place that is bog on Deuchars as there are posters dedicated to it. I have also heard that Theakstons Old Peculiar is meant to be regular here and I have had here before but was not present on this occasion. As a place I would say it is the best for the pubs in immediate vicinity of Oxford Road and it is certainly an old building. It would be a shame if it was demolished as the last poster says.
|
Due to be demolished don't know when but it's something to do with extending Oxford Road train station. Such a shame, why can't they do what they did for shambles raise it and move it,we are losing too many impressive buildings to grey miserable characterless contraptions.
|
Another striking pub exterior, coupled with a comfortable but standard interior. A medium size crowd on a Saturday afternoon watching Olympic highlights (spoiler alert: this review is 6 weeks old). A nice pint of Deuchars IPA (3.30), and the bar bloke coupled his efficient bar service with cleaning the prints scattered on the pub walls, spectacular multi-tasking. Not a stand out pub but a comfortable one.
|
Had the opportunity to call in a couple of times recently while waiting for a train, so thought it about time I updated my review.
A couple of weeks back, the hand pumps were offering Caledonian Golden XPA, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Robinsons Trooper, Theakston Old Peculiar, Wainwright (if I remember rightly) and Hobgoblin. 8 pumps in total with 6 in active service. I had the Golden XPA at £3.30 for the pint and found a nice quiet corner to relax in with my pint. The Golden XPA was lovely - would recommend it.
Visited again a couple of nights back, the selection had changed but again there were 6 of the 8 pumps available. I didn't note all the ales but the Double Cross IPA by Theakston took my fancy. I also noticed there was at least one dark ale available. Unfortunately the Double Cross IPA was a bit of a let down - I could not identify any of the hoppiness claimed by the pump clip and to be honest it just reminded me of a mediocre pint of Theakston Best Bitter but a bit paler. Blander and creamier than I would have expected - disappointing. One to avoid next time. The pub was busier than my previous visit but I managed to find a corner to perch at.
Would still recommend the pub and would happily call in again for a pint.
|
Very busy when I called in on Monday night. Good selection of real ales on the bar. Tried a pint of Regimental IPA which was good. Good pub and hope to call in again soon.
|
This is a decent pub you could easily miss from the main road. Always had a good selection of real ales when I have been in, and no complaints about the quality. There is a fair amount of space inside with plenty of seating but without making the place feel too crowded. A nice atmosphere and a nice pint.
|
Well this is a big improvement on the Grand Central round the corner (see my review). This is not so much a rock pub, more student/indie style. The beer is reasonable and the staff were polite and service was good. Despite my attempts to strike up a conversation with several people nobody really wanted to talk to me. But there was no hostility and next time i visit Manchester i will pop in again.
|
WHat a difference a bit of time makes. Now serving relatively well kept ale at competitive prices (they couldn't ignore us for much longer). Still becomes crowded and sweaty but in general, improvements have been made all-around.
|
good atmosphere and well-kept beer, very handy if you've got time to kill before catching a train from Oxford Road station.
|
A superb back street boozer with a good beer selection and knowledgable staff. Hidden away but well worth searching out
|
Surprised to read a bad review about the ale in this pub as I found it excellent. This is is a rock pub but is also very welcoming and clean inside. Myself and my brother stayed in here for a couple of hours the last time we visited Manchester and enjoyed several pints, all of which were excellent. It was nice to find a friendly pub where we could play pool while listening to good music.
|
Ale always on top form, nothing variable about it.
|
Thanks, Dave. Love you too.
I have had several evenings in the Salisbury over the last few weeks and, sadly, found the beer very variable. In comparison with the pubs in that area, then 'Yes', it was better - however, it did lack consistency and did not encourage me to ask for more.
Sorry if you took that as sarcasm, it was intended as a constructive comment. The pub has a good atmosphere, good staff and great clientele.
If you want to see how it could be done, I would suggest you check out my review(s) of The Cricketers, Keighley - and, then, pay them a visit. Try a Tuesday night, you won't be disappointed.
And, no, I won't call you names...
|
They only boarded it up for the riots methinks. As for the guy below, have to say Salisbury ale is always tip top. So take your sarcasm somewhere else. Knob.
|
URGENTLY REQUIRED: A immediate vacancy exists for an experienced and dedicated cellarman (M/F) to take over responsibility for ensuring that our wide range of cask beers are presented to our customers in perfect condition.
Sadly, although I would love to love this pub, it is let down by its product.
:-(
|
I walked passed yesterday and it was boarded up. Not sure if that means its closed down or just a reaction to the riots. The pub on the corner Grand Central is a better rock pub anyway.
|
I used to prefer it before the modernisation refurb. Now the prices have been over inflated. I like metal and rock music so I do sometimes come in occassionally. However you do find some ignorant I know it all pricks in there.
|
Great rock pub, lovely staff!
|
It's a rock pub. Yes, in the evenings, the jukebox plays rock and metal, and loudly at that, but that's not a problem. It's still the finest rock pub in Manchester, even though it is cleaner and better furnished, with a little less atmosphere than it had back in it's real heyday. Beer is better though.
Pukon - 28 Mar 2011 00:16 |
I really wanted to like the Salisbury, but it just didn't gel for me. Ales were reasonable and priced as I'd expect in the city centre, but the crowd just didn't reflect what I was expecting given the classically tiled exterior. And yes, the music was a little on the LOUD side.
|
Blimey brings back memories - used to spend many hours in here when I was a student in Manchester back in the 1970s. In those days there was a choice of Watneys Red Barrel, Guinness and Fosters.
|
Not been in here for years, used to be proper rough and ready.. was pleasantly surprised. Beers were excellent and atmosphere was great, even if the music was a little loud for my liking.
|
Still the place to be in Manc, great ale and friendly folk with a top jukebox. What else you need?
anonymous - 16 Feb 2011 22:34 |
Full of character, good beer looked after. You'll find all types of folk in here, everyone welcome. Always have a good crack with the doorman, bit of a legend with the locals. Nice to see places like this still about. Old Peculier recommended!!
|
Been visiting here on and off for a few years now, always greeted by friendly staff and the ales are excellent, my husband says the best in Manchester but then he's a bit of a rocker at heart so i expect his opinion is influenced by the jukebox! Nice beer garden at the back too.
|
An odd fish this one. Part biker pub, part mosh pit, part student gaff. Ale was pleasant enough, but the atmosphere was weird (and I know that doesn't help, no friendly, not unfriendly but a bit clicky perhaps).
|
I used to drink in here about 8 years ago before the refurb and it used to be awesome! Now I'm afraid it has gone down the shitpan! We used to get hammered in here before staggering into Jillys Rockworld which has sadly closed and re opened as a bleeding Tesco Metro!
|
Good selection of drinks especially ales but always feel uneasy when you go in there, like you've turned up uninvited to a birthday party for past-it bikers with an attitude problem and a masculinity complex.
|
Ruddy marvelous. Great pub with top beers and a good jukebox. It's a got a new beer garden at the back which is nice, especially in the week when it isn't too busy, great to sit and chill and have a beer and a smoke.
Would defo recommend.
anonymous - 14 Jul 2010 19:11 |
I have never been so badly treated ! This is a pub that I have, historically, used quite often to meet friend off the train for an evening in Manchester and then for the last drink till our various train times but not anymore. Last night i was bullied and abused by the most obnoxious doorman on a power trip. I was, as he pointed out, in the wrong to leave the pub with a drink to go to the undercover outside area (which I thought was a comunal smoking area). As a non smoker, I havent had cause to find the smoking area of the Salisbury before. The doorman told me off like I was a 12 yr old school kid, refused me re-entry to the pub where my friends were and took my drink off me & threw it on the floor. I shall never go to this pub again. I was humiliated by the way that I was treated. Shame really cos the pub itself is ok. Looks like your loss is another licencee's gain!
|
Once a regular bikers pub, now a regularly unpleasant pub. Full of nutters, over priced and with poor quality beer. Get out.
|
The "goth" memorabelia has gone because the staff who liked rock have gone
|
Had another fantastic night at the Salisbury on Halloween. All staff we're in full costume, the pub was decorated really well and the coffin in the beer garden was a real treat.
Thanks again to the Salisbury for another great night.
|
Cracking pub.. A friend was the DJ for years before setting off for the med.. The door staff remembere me after 5 years, which is so very nice as they were under orders to let no more in.. Cheers lads.. it was nice to get out of the rain and into Manchesters most convenient and probably best pub.
|
god, i love this pub so much. why is there nowhere like this in leeds? if you like rock music, it's the pub for you. great atmosphere, ale and jukebox. a must for a few pints before and after an academy gig.
|
Love this place. Best...Jukebox....Ever
|
Called in for a pint between Xmas and New Year, first time we've been in for a few months. Is it just me or has some of the Goth memorabilia gone? Really nice looking pub with great wood and glass. Had a pint of Wadworths Olde Timer, really well kept beer it was too. Always a friendly welcome, good pub.
|
One of my favourite Manchester bars, enjoyed a couple of very good Abbot Ale in here on Wednesday. Underneath Oxford Rd station but you can hardly hear the trains. Pub is a bit of a favourite for people before going to gigs or to Rockworld nearby, so it has a definitely rock slant to the music. Very welcoming.
|
Before it gets full of people, this place is a bit like a hall of mirrors (go there when it's quiet and you'll see what mean). It's got a bangin' range of beers and a great atmosphere - a pint of Holts Pioneer went down very well with some thrash metal. Is that really Hendrix's guitar on the wall over the bar?
|
Good pub, very much rock/metal oriented, good selection of stuff played at a decent volume, but could still hold a conversation (important). Toilets a bit of a state by midnight, but it does get very busy, give the staff a break they get hassled to death
|
The Wench woman lived above the pub for a good few years
|
Whilst this is more my young Basil's style than mine - I'm a lady, you know, I must admit I found this most agreeable and was soon ensconced in some gin whilst rockin to Wumpscut.
Basil finds the selection of beers here most impressive and loves the ambience, even if sometimes it is standing room only.
|
The Guvnor here, sorry for some of the bad reviews...
it seems that if someone is refused entry for whatever reason they come on here and whine.
our doorstaff are regularly commented on for being the best in town - maybe some people get mixed up or cannot handle their liquor..
we haqve a time with the smoking ban nd we are doing what we can to accommodate this
the barriers are there to seperate our customers from some of the nare-do-wells that hang around the back of GC swigging lambrini and white lightning cider (see the spar)and so they can at least have a fag without being pickpocketed or thrown up on,,,
a smoking area is being made ready soon so another option will be available soon. As for plastic glasses - well its the law of the land and if we are looking after someone not being glassed then please put up with it - or get your pals to mind your beer while you have a quick fag. we've just redecorated again and we're getting there. the wench woman? lets hoped she's moved cos if its so bad why do you still come in???
please call in and give me any feedback you wish - i'll always acomodate any sugestion or comment but if you wanna remain anomynous and moan - go moan about summat else.
i'll do whatever i can to keep this boozer going in these difficult times - rock still is the salisbury and we consistanly win awards for our ales. come and give it a go again if you weren't happy last time.
john
|
This used to be a splendid pub - open, eclectic and full of character. By god it has plummeted in my estimation.
The price of the beer, the bar staff, the general ambience is a pale shadow of former glories.
We all know the problem. The security staff are ridiculously surly and abusive. One person the other night asking to go in and check where his friends were was told to 'F*ck off you fat f*ck!'
Avoid at ALL costs.
|
they've got these barrier things up now, smoking ban (ugh) I suppose. Doorman kindly informed me I needed a plastic glass to drink outside which, as an ale drinker, I wasn't best pleased about. But if it means being able to to smoke and drink, and not be hassled by the drug-taking no-hopers who frequent the area I'm not bothered. The smoking ban has stumped many pubs; here's one doing trying their best to do it right. carry on (more grouse beater PLEASE!!).
|
Super pub, loads of character. Ales of all variety, kept well, especially the famous Old Peculiar. Check out the best jukebox in town and sup a quality pint.
anonymous - 12 Jun 2007 02:40 |
I bobbed in here after a gig a couple of weeks ago after a hiatus of 6-12 months, and it's got to be said the place has gone downhill since then. The door staff were an absolute joke, the usually friendly faces both behind and in front of the bar were all scowls and attitude. Can't believe it's changed so much.
Suggestion - actually get some door staff who have more than a 1 word vocabulary, with a bit of personality and wit, maybe even some manners (shock!).
anonymous - 27 Feb 2007 15:14 |
Was disappointed on my last visit in September, when I had a very poor pint. Used to be very good.
|
Caled in on Friday, after a 3 year hiatus, was pleasantly suprised, cos nothing much had changed. The speckled Hen was still top notch, and the juke box was great. Will make more of an effort to make this a regular haunt again.
|
blinding pub if you're into rock. good stop off on the way to the academy. pool table, fantastic jukebox, friendly people and good ale. one of my favourite pubs.
|
many a bad pint had here. now avoid it totally
|
I am on about the fact that the new jukebox sucks and after the re-ferb the place wasn't the same...
|
I am glad to see the back of the shithole to be honest. Gone are the days when the spirit of metal was in that place. Still the Grand Central is no better...aside from that I am glad that I am moving away from Manchester...
|
Not been in here in years, next time I come home I will definately make an effort, seeing the photos brings back a lot of memories.
Used to be our first port of call when going out with mates from work, glad to see they have kept the charm of the place
Giving it 6/10, until I visit
|
Good pub. This is usually my first stop as I get off the train. Always very welcoming. A real winner!
|
I have nothing against the staff, my comments were from a couple of ni8ghts where it was dead... If the managment or staff are reading this - I hope this is better.
|
After reading back my comments, I'd like to re-aafirm them: What I meant was that the intake of custom wasn't as much as before... Hope this clears anything up
|
Nah mate, with the present and previous managment running it, the one great name of the Salisbury has had the soul well and truely sucked out of it and is slowly turning into a 'Garrett Lite'... It's meant to be rock, not rock-themed.
|
Great to see a photo of one of my old haunts, this pub was once a hang out for us musicians when not rehearsing at Little Peter St during the late '70's early '80's, including Joy Division, Buzzcocks, Foreign Press, Frantic Elevators (Mick Hucknall) I bet their spirit lives on in the walls of this place.
|
I am totally in love with this pub. The staff are great, juke box is amazing, really friendly people. Its a must visit whilst in town on a night out.
|
Decent friendly pub, with good selection of rotating real ales... generally a rather "rock" clientele. Far better than any of the other local Oxford Road pubs.
|
just been in there this weekend for the first time in ages..GET THIS..no scallies! The only reason I stopped visiting my favourite pub in the world is no longer a 'reason'. The new management seem to understand the great points, whilst stamping down on the bad ones. S+N or not..it's the place to be. And a full cask ale menu at weekends!! Heaven. Where's Chris Singleton? And why am I bothered?!!!
anonymous - 8 Mar 2006 03:01 |
Ive only recently started coming to this pub with some friends i hadnt seen for a while.i think its great,the music is good-cuz u can choose it urself,its got a pool table,double vodka redbull is only �2.50 and one of the guys behind the bar is absolutly stunning!enough said!
|
Old jukebox gone..not sure why, but new jukebox being updated all the time with the older stuff- so fine. New management (think it's new..chris no longer there thank god) have gotten rid of a lot of the scrounging layabouts. Quiz night cool (BOGOF on REEF!!)..new super chilled beer and Baltika (the lager of kings) just installed. New menu is top quality at stupidly cheap prices (don't they want to make any profit?!!) This pub is finally getting the T.L.C. it deserves. Rock on.
anonymous - 4 Dec 2005 08:33 |
quite dodgy and a recent visit yielded flat lager.
|
This is such a cool pub. I've just recently moved to Manchester and this was one of the first pubs i visited. The food is quality simple food of good value. Quiz night is also a fun chilled night.
anonymous - 5 Oct 2005 21:39 |
Great pub, Good variety of drinks, great prices, decent juke box. Very friendly and attentive staff who make you feel welcome.
anonymous - 2 Sep 2005 10:32 |
The Salisbury was my pub of choice...until I turned 18 and could get into the decent pubs. The only good thing about it is the fantastic music on the jukebox. Otherwise it's a hole full of aged rockers, old men, and dodgy drug-dealing types.
I much prefer Grand Central, just around the corner.
anonymous - 20 Apr 2005 18:12 |
How the hell can they get away with these times?
Chris is ruining a Manchester tradition here and before anyone says "It's not a pub, it's a business", that's arse too cos it did tons of cuisness AS a pub when Mark was there
|
Seems that we are only open Monday- Thursday from 5pm onwards now :(. Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:30am :D !!!!!
|
New management, anyone coming in to see Mark will be dissapointed - He's not there anymore...
Luke - 3 Sep 2004 13:31 |
Is the Salisbury going to remain as good as it was. That is the question. The new management are awful.
anonymous - 22 Aug 2004 03:02 |
The waitresses are nice!!! Angie you rock!
It's cheap! and the service is very nice...
Nice place to go and relax...
Hi from Spain!
|
Bear in mind that last comment isn't a regular occourance, just saying why do they do it?
Luke - 16 Aug 2004 13:14 |
This pub is still brilliant but I will never for the life of me find out why dumb scally types choose to come in here to start trouble when they know they're just going to end up outside on their arses... do not go into a heavy metal pub if you've got a problem with heavy metal
Luke - 8 Aug 2004 19:38 |
top pub,top staff,average prices and crap decor :-) oh and juke box rocks!
david - 20 Jun 2004 18:43 |
Excellent pub, nuff said
Deano - 27 Apr 2004 02:42 |
It always seems to be ridden with local layabouts who buy nothing and scrounge of the upstanding regulars - nevertheless, it should be said the aformentioned layabouts, however moribund they look, are harmless - just don't feed them!
Cuthburt Poovcock - 17 Mar 2004 12:54 |
Sorry Pauline, you must have gone to a different Salisbury to the rest of us, if it is, indeed how you say it is, how come they manage to pack the place out with happy customers every night of the week?
Luke - 8 Mar 2004 22:09 |
poor service. poor beer. high prices.
pauline starrk - 2 Mar 2004 20:21 |
I practically live at the salisbury, I love it THAT much.
wench- suzy - 1 Mar 2004 02:53 |
The Salisbury is THE best pub in the whole world, I will never be parted wit it.
Suzi - 1 Mar 2004 02:47 |
Oh, man! So close to being an absolute winner in my book! Agree with the comments here - the bar staff are great (met by a very friendly bloke on my first visit), a nice selection of real ale (the Old Peculiar was great), and the jukebox is ace.
I just wish that the interior was original - when you see the outside, it looks perfect, but it's obvious that it's all been ripped out inside and replaced with stock Scottish and Newcastle fittings, which are getting very worn & mucky very quickly. It's also very bright in there - not what I was expecting from a rock/metal kinda place. And for the first time in Manc I was harrased for change by the circulating scrounger.
So, plus points - friendly staff, excellent beer, top jukebox. Bad points - decor sucks, mucky chairs / tables, local scrounger.
I think I'll be back...
Andy - 11 Feb 2004 13:37 |
Go after 7 and there's wall to wall people... Still the best rock/metal pub in Manchester - Decent staff, decent beer, decent people, decent pool table, decent tunes...
Luke - 2 Feb 2004 22:34 |
A great pub-Manc instituition.Go in at 6pm on a saturday evening and there will be football casuals,goths,heavy metalers and old men all having a pint.
fred fencehead - 24 Jan 2004 00:28 |
This is a fantastic pub, I consider it my local even though it's about 5 miles away. The people that go there are all very nice, and make it feel very welcoming and relaxing. The music that they have also helps create this, and they have high quality beer on too.
Rick - 10 Oct 2003 22:55 |
The Salisbury is without doubt the best pub in Manchester I've been to, I have been regularly going there (on Fridays) for the past 3 years or so,it has an excellent jukebox and friendly bar staff.
Simon - 10 Oct 2003 13:26 |
A wide church indeed but no one is made to feel unwelcome.Used to be my first point of call when trains from South Manchester stopped at Oxford Road.Now if forms one end of the evening, either first pint or last (with its 2 o'clock bar).
Can't fault the music or the beer which is varied and excellent.
Bring back the video jukebox !
|
Always good music in the Salisbury. A fairly alternative crowd which usually means no tossers in stupid caps and shell suit bottoms tucked into their crap socks. And bad trainers.
Nick - 8 Oct 2003 12:40 |
We stayed in Manchester for one night and this was by far the best pub we found. It is simply a proper pub without all the corporate nonsense that abounds in city centre drinking establishments these days. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, good jukebox and NO THEME (hooray).
Steve Ranger - 20 Jun 2003 08:38 |
Probably the best rock/alternative pub in Manchester. Does attract a strangely mixed crowd but always a nice atmosphere.
echo - 9 May 2003 17:59 |
the beer is watered down and it has a bad atmosphere. The only good thing about this pub is that it plays good music!
hannah - 30 Apr 2003 04:40 |
good all rounder with a great atmosphere! friendly people good tunes good staff and good beer. never any trouble there. the flabby bar staff are great too
bob - 9 Apr 2003 22:59 |
The pub is fab, staff are great, clientele is mixed and a good time is always to be had!
Simon - 9 Apr 2003 12:25 |
The Salisbury has some of the best beer and the best barstaff I have ever seen - it definately has the best jukebox selection around m/ m/ - whoever said fat barstaff with flab obviously hasn't been... It's my local and I love it!!
Luke - 8 Feb 2003 22:00 |
Rock on, it has the best juke box in the world. and guest ales too - BTW the bar staff are cute lol
Fred Gray - 12 Aug 2002 18:52 |
good music, friendly bar staff
|
