please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A tiny pub with the smallest bar space I have ever seen. A great experience: like having a drink in someone's front room. Worth combining with a visit to the very nearby White Horse
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Now has two ales on (Tetleys and Robinson Dizzy Blonde). Still worth a visit but can be difficult when busy (as in more than 10 people in the place)
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Very small pub, you are best getting here early or you may not physically be able to get in! Two hand pubs included Tetleys and Robinsons Dizzy Blonde. The beer quality was okay when I went in and the prices didn't seem ridiculous. It's one to say you've been into as it's meant to have the smallest bar in Europe but not one to come back to unfortunately.
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Lovely little trad boozer in the heart of the city centre, not abundant in ales but what I had was more than acceptable. The locals were especially welcoming and the pub appears to be competent at self regulating - as I arrived a gobby drunk was in the process of spectacularly ejecting himself. A very enjoyable visit all round. 8/10
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We were fortunate enough to get a seat in the front room as soon as we arrived and the Tetley's Cask was very good. Didn't try the Dizzy Blonde. The handpainted modern canvases for sale don't quite sit with the open coal fires and the nationally-important historic interior. Because it is such a small place, drinks are brought to your table and it is quite easy to get into conversation with other drinkers. Horse racing and football on the prominent TVs yesterday lunchtime. Liked it here.
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A bit spruced up since I first visited this tiny pub, walls stripped of the old photos & painted white. Perhaps the photos are in storage for when the painting is finished? Only a couple in, so plenty of room, actually one room each. A pint of Tetley's, 3.10, not flash, but I have the taste buds of a goat, & will drink any beer at least once. That was my second Tetley's of the journey & probably the last. In summary, not the pub I remembered, beer was mediocre, but the bar person was pleasant.
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Tiny bar. Decent amount of seating if you get there early enough, a real struggle if you don't get a seat to have a comfortable drink. Lots of character in the pub, friendly staff, limited range of beers.
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Tiny pub with a big welcome. When we arrived, both rooms appeared full, but after a polite request from the barmaid, everyone shifted up a bit to allow us to sit down. Had a couple of pints of Dizzy Blonde and all in all a very pleasant evening.
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Entered with some trepidation, but we were made to feel welcome, our drinks orders were taken at the bar and then we were shown to some free seats round the back and our drinks brought out to us. Can't remember what the ale selection was but I had a nice pint in here and despite being very compact didn't feel uncomfortable at all, even when the seats around us filled up. Definitely worth a visit.
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Excellent tiny pub just yards from where I was staying in Manchester. Possibly the tiniest bar around but always a friendly welcome and top notch beer.
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We made it just before the Saturday lunchtime "rush" (well - as the pub is so small the "rush" would probably involve around 30 people or so!) We were ushered into the back lounge but soon found out that we were sitting on seats normally occupied by regular Man City fans (maturer variety). No hassle however as we all squeezed in and the chat was very friendly. The beer was either Tetley's Bitter (now brewed by Marstons but still tasting OK) or Robinsons Blonde which was also pretty good. The pub is a gem;not only because of it's size (it must have one of the smallest bars of any pub anywhere in the country) but there are loads of old photos all around the walls which make it a very atmospheric place. We had table service - mainly cos we couldn't get out to get to the bar! This is a genuine old boozer of which there are very few left these days so you should make a point of going there to enjoy the beer; the bars and the chat.
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Very, very small pub. Popped in here when the National Winter Ales festival was on. Decent enough but don't expect to be seated!
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Visited this very unusual pub last night. Hand pulled Tetleys was about your only ale apart from Smith's Smooth. It was packed and we struggled to get a seat, however, this pub defo has lots of character and atmosphere, even though it lacks the range of ales. No other reason that the bar is so small...there was a waitress service for the beers though which was a nice touch... overall, well worth a visit just to actually say you have been there...
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Not great ale selection but definitely worth a visit. Unique pub with a tiny bar and very mucg an endangered species these days. Friendly and located in the city centre.
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The lack of space in this pub actually makes for a very sociable vibe - you are more or less included in everyone's conversations by default. Decent enough pint, although no choice.
A real throwback to an earlier age and one that deserves to continue in its unimproved form. Very friendly staff and locals.
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This is a very small pub that is full of character. In fact, it claims to be the smallest pub in Europe. There are 2 rooms of equal size, with the adjoining bar area so small that only around 3 or 4 people plus the barman/barmaid can fit. Both bars have lots of photos, with the rear bar focussing on football pictures. The front room also features a nice tiled fireplace. We were greeted on entry by a man (George?) who found us a table and took our drinks order. As people have said previously, the drinks are then brought to your table. Tetleys is the only cask ale available. But you come here for the atmosphere, more than the beer. An enjoyable experience.
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Charming 'proper' pub selling beer very well, although not big on hand pulled. Friendly guv'nor and locals get an 8 for making a pleasant atmosphere out of the two small rooms and waiter service most welcome. Even when waiting for BestMate to finish his drink did not feel under pressure to buy another.
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This tiny pub, like the nearby Grey Horse, has managed to cram rather more seating than you�d expect. Spilt into two rooms (TV in the rear), with the miniature bar appearing in the corridor as you walk in the door. The young bar maid was very friendly (didn't try to serve us sitting down, perhaps as it was quietish) and the draught Tetley�s was enjoyable. The walls are plastered with photos of (often famous) people who�ve visited what claims to be the smallest bar. Again like the Grey Horse, a small pub makes for a cosier atmosphere, it being easy to strike up a conversation with other visitors.
Overall, a surprisingly enjoyable pub which we shall definitely return to.
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I would be very sad if this pub closed as it is unique. They almost always insist on serving you at your seat, which is very rare in itself - never quite sure whether a tip is expected. The beer is a choice between Tetleys - which is very good by current Tetley standards and various fizzy stuff that I don't care for. No food as far as I know. Quite a busy place, and probably not best visited in a crowd. Have heard some very strange conversations in here - surprised that CID don't pick up on its potential for information. Hey, maybe they do! Really folks, it's so small there is no privacy at all so not a good place to discuss your private dealings.
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A Manchester institution with a tiny bar which just has enough room for one person to stand behind. As mentioned, only Tetleys on the ale front (there wouldn't be room for any more) which, as Tetleys goes, wasn't so bad. Worth a visit but don't expect to get a seat.
anonymous - 27 Sep 2010 20:23 |
Thought this was an excellently welcoming pub, best pint of Tetleys Ive had in years,which is lucky as that is all they had on , there isn't enough room to swing a Mancky cat in here ,two small rooms adorned with photo's half of which seemed to be George Best. They will serve you at the table as the bar is a about a foot long. The loos are surprisingly big compared to the rest of the place. Its right next door to the Old Monkey which isn't I am informed , called that after Carlos Tevez's head.
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Was here a couple of weeks ago and despite other reviews, I didn't find anything to rave about. The welcome was lukewarm and the lager moderately cold. No great shakes although I'd agree it's a "proper pub" not a bar or gastro pub.
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This pub is not a bar. And that's the highest recommendation I can give it ! A pub - old style. Like what a pub should be, i.e. British ! Not American - not that I have anything against Americana - it has its place... But not here. For this is a proper pub ! And yeah, the beer's not brilliant. But this is still a pub. A proper British pub ! And there aren't too many of them left nowadays...
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The legendary Goerge gives this unique pub a warm friendly feel. Only one real ale (Tetleys) but is kept to a fine standard. I thought it was only in the fictional 'Rovers Return' where the barmaid brings you the beer but they do in here! YAMAS
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Visited on the 7th May and the beer was dreadful.
We asked for Tetley's but I think we got John Smith's ou tof the pump!!
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The pub is a 'must visit'. Tiny and covered in memorabilia photos.
Service and beer was so-so. Quite a throwback.
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Well worth a visit at least before it dissappears of the radar - Tetley's is not a beer I rate that much, but it was cask in here and was well kept and suprisingly enjoyable - it can be done!! (take note other landlords). Staff and clientel very friendly. Would really love to see it carry on as a boozer.
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This pub appeared on BBC TV this evening due to the long-standing owner selling up.
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Very busy on our vist, a member of staff guided us to a seat and delivered our drinks order to the table, very impressed with the service but less so with the average pint of Tetleys on offer.
As Holbornboy I wasn't keen on the pictures covering the interior and would consider the pub to be much better without them, same goes for the customer wandering around with a girlie mag sticking out of the back of his somewhat ample trousers.
Worth a vist but not one I will rush back to time and time again
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One of Manchester's must-visit pubs, this Tetley Heritage Inn features on CAMRA's National Inventory and is beleived to be the smallest city-centre pub in the UK (The Grey Horse 2 doors down gives it a run for its money). As you enter the tiny corridor is where the bar, which can only be about 2 feet long, is, and the 2 small rooms are off to the right. They are each about 10ft square yet manage to have about 3 tables in each, along with wall-mounted seating. Each room has a pleasant gas fire and the walls of the entire pub are filled with pictures and photographs of Man City, Man United, Coronation Street and almost every other Manchester-related person you can think of. The rear room also has Sky Sports on a small TV. Impossible not to get talking to the friendly regulars in such a small environment, and you'll be glad. Peanuts and crisps are often provided free of charge by friendly staff.
Possibly the only downside is that Tetley Bitter is the only real ale here, but it is invariably well-kept and I alway seem to enjoy it more than I expect.
You'll probably want to visit at a quiet time to fully appreciate the pub, unfortunately there aren't many of those in here. Weekday afternoons are the best bet. Well worth a visit.
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Attempted to visit fri 4th dec, the doors were locked, went back sat 5th at dinner time and the barman informed us the doors get locked when the pub is too busy. This is another fine example of what a public house should be! Apparently its the smallest bar in europe, i opted for a pint of tetleys ( there is only 4 pumps at the bar), the pub soon started to fill up and the pub had a great old pub atmosphere, there is loads of intresting pictures of celebrities and locals that use the pub, barman was also very accomodating and friendly and made us very welcome, overall an excellent pub
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You have to visit the Circus Tavern if you are in the area, even just so that you believe how tiny it is. They will often close the doors on busy nights though when it fills up. If you can get a spot in one of the two rooms you are lucky, if not then you are stuck in the corridor where the phrases, sorry, thanks mate, oops, no problem, can I just get, will all come in handy. It�s very friendly however and, out of necessity, one of the few places in Manchester where spilling someone�s beer isn�t followed by a request to step outside.
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This pub has the smallest serving area I've ever seen, housed as it is under a staircase. Only one pump, serving Tetley's.
There are two small rooms, one behind the other. I sat in the front bar with a group of Scandinavian men. Every inch of the walls and half the ceiling is covered with pictures and posters. Considering this pub is on CAMRA's National Inventory of Unspoilt Interiors I'm rather surprised that they've done this. Personally I think it looks bloody hideous . And the Tetley's was not good.
I would say check this pub out for it's unique interior but don't expect a decent pint.
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This is what pubs no doubt used to be like, and if you find yourself in Manchester and fancy something different to the numerous modern 'bars'. then give the Circus a try.
It is tiny to say the least, with it's bar squeezed into the main corridor as you enter from the street.
True, it looks shabby from outside, but give it a try, it's certainly interesting.
The only hand pulled beer is Tetleys, it is a shame that the place isn't run by one of the local micro breweries, but the pub is still gem.
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Interesting and busy small pub between the Old Monkey and the Grey Horse. Cask Tetleys.
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Great pub, only small but good ale. Nice whisky (Monkeys Shoulder). Lots of photos on wall of famous people and a great greek guy owner.
Well worth a visit
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A wonderful odiity. Worth a pint just for the experience.
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I overuse this phrase on this site but 'if you like pubs, you'll like this one'.One good beer is better than five crap ones. I think I saw a photo of Barry Cryer on the wall. Friendly, accommodating and unusual, this is one of the greats.
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Tiny city centre pub. The very limited space is matched only by its limited beer range. It doesn't matter, though, as the feel of the place is top notch. Opening hours can be erratic but it's worth going out of your way to pay a visit.
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Tiny pub with limited beer choice. Greeted and told to sit down and your beer is brought to you because of the size of the place.
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Funny little gaff, but a definate original. Choice a little limited mind.
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Lets hope the new owner/landlord will be a little more hospitable than George was to me. I may even consider going back there. Then again, I may stick with Mother Mac's off Lever St - Always friendly in there.
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Still open when I visited in late September.
Its a tiny unspoilt drinking institution in Portland Street. There are 2 small rooms off a central corridor.
The corridor contains the bar counter, which is situated under the stairs and is big enough for one person only to be serving at a time. There is one handpump serving Tetleys Bitter at � 2.10 per pint - expensive by Manchester standards
One of the side rooms is decorated with football photos of past and present United and City players. The pub wisely maintains a strict neutrality between the 2 clubs. Rather oddly, in the middle of all these football pictures is a signed photo of the England Ashes cricket squad in 1993.
The second room ( the front of the 2 rooms )has pictures of various celebrities who have dropped in over the years - people from Corrie, boxers, film stars etc
One of Manchesters must visit pubs - I do hope it is still around next time I'm in Manchester
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I FIRST ARRIVED IN MANCHESTER IN SEP 2006 LAST YEAR JUST FOR A WE CHANGE FROM SCOTLAND+I WENT INTO THIS WEE BAR BY CHANCE+FOUND THE MANAGER FRIENDLY + THE WAITRESS, WHOM ASKED ME WHAT I WAS DRINKING THEN ASKED ME TO TAKE A SEAT IN RM AT BACK, SHE THEN CAME THROUGH+PUT MY DRINK DOWN ALONG WITH A BOWL OF CRISPS WHICH I FOUND UNUSUAL BUT WAS GOOD, I HAD A GD WEE CHAT TO BOTH MAN UTD+MANCITY FANS + I ENJOYED THIS PUB, AS A MATTER I WENT+TRAVELLED BACK TO MANCH/TER A YEAR LATER AGAIN FAE SCOTLAND+MADE IT A BAR I'D GO BACK TO, IT'S SO SMALL, BUT HOMELY WHICH I LIKE+I HEARD IN THOSE PAGES THAT IT'S CLOSED, WELL I HOPE THAT WHOEVER TAKES OVER WILL LEAVE IT'S UNIQUE STYLE AS TO MANY BARS ARE LOSING THERE IDENTITY+STYLE, SO I SAY LEAVE IT THE WAY IT IS TO WHOEVER TAKES OVER, AS TO MANY BARS LOSE THEIR UNIQUE STYLE.
anonymous - 9 Oct 2007 13:45 |
We are the agents for the Circus Tavern and dealing with the sale of the lease on behalf of George. If you have any question please call 01904 793333.
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The lease is for sale (July 07). There is no price given. We have to hope it will stay a pub, but it is a pub from another time and another world; with its counter so small on one can fit behind it to serve and they have to open the cellar door to get to the till!
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I'm shocked to see the treatment meted put to Jaybone as described below. He appears to be someone you could regard as a regular and yet gets turfed out on a whim.
As I previously described, we visited the pub for the very first time as completely unknown strangers from the soft South of England and yet we had no problem getting in, even though we did have to knock on the door. We have been back a second time since, again without a problem, although that was early on a Saturday lunchtime and the door was wide open.
I know that the place is run as something of an invitational institution, but I am amazed that someone such as Jaybone would be treated in that way, especially since he had been greeted so warmly initially.
Jaybone - perhaps you need to visit again soon in a quieter moment and gently ask why you were treated like this.
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I was introduced to this pub about 6 months ago and have always found it to be an excellent, warm friendly place for a few drinks without the hassle or blaring music usually associated with city centre Manchester. Sometimes the door is closed - which I took to be a sign that the place is full - so entry isn't always guaranteed.
I generally go to The Circus for a few drinks on my way home from work on Fridays. The lovely waitress remembers me every time, knows what I'm drinking and brings it to where I'm sitting. Fantastic!
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the landlord George. As usual on a Friday at about 8 o'clock I arrived at the door to The Circus. The door was closed but a couple in front of me had knocked on. The landlord opened the door, welcomed in his 'spanish friends' and shouted to the waitress to get them a drink on the house. I hadn't met the man up to now although I'd seen him around the pub a few times so I introduced myself and asked if it's ok if I come in for a pint. He shook my hand and I came in and was shown to a seat by the lovely waitress who knew what I was drinking. Unfortunately, as I was waiting for my drink the landlord decided for some unknown reason that he didn't want me there anymore. I hadn't done anything to upset anyone as far as I could see and I tried to explain that I do frequent the place, I haven't just stumbled in from the street. The man didn't want to hear and simply said "nonononono". Fair enough, it's within his rights I guess. But I will forever wonder what the reason could have been for his change of mind. Apparently, the closed door isn't a sign of full capacity, it means that tonight it's friends of the landlord only and if your face doesn't fit then goodbye. A shame that such a great place is so exclusive. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's perhaps because at 25 I'm too young to fit into the decor (Although in the time I've been going I've met some great people from 30 to 85 and gotten along famously). This however would be discrimination on the grounds of age which was rendered unlawful by parliament at the end of last year so of course I wouldn't suggest it for a second.
I've rated this a 6. it would have got a 9 as I really do think it's a lovely place but if I can't get inside to drink then it renders the place obsolete to me. I probably won't be returning but I would recommend this pub to people as a fantastic pub full of life and energy from rugby teams singing heartily to guitarists playing all the old greats!
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I have used this pub for 20 years and the Tetleys bitter, I always find, to be excellent. The present landlord, George, is a friendly person and regularly on hand to greet you. I travel 36 miles to Manchester from Leyland and this is always one of my stopping off points. For the older person, there is a photo on the wall of Ronnie Morgan, the ex landlord of the Swan with Two Necks on Withy Grove, sadly no longer standing. Of course, there are numerous other pics. of varying interests.
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Very friendly pub with waitress service even at busy times. There's a living history of the pub in photographs on the wall. There's quite a few pictures of the landlord's previous pub - the Douglas - on the walls too.
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Unique, fantastic...we had to knock on the door to get in, but made to feel very welcome. Tetley's was excellent, had to spend whole time standing in corridor with people squeezsing past evry few seconds, but the experience was none the worse for it. Ladies' loo may be a bit rough and ready for most - no lock on door! Timewarp drinking at its very best...
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Can't possibly visit manchester without a pint or two in here. It's unique and always enjoyable
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Amazing pub!! So tiny yet packed with trivia, photos (see if you can spot Pigeon Joe!) and footy memorabilia. The bar is well possibly not a bar (cider is in cans in cool box under it but there is a great girl who serves your drinks at the table and brings a bowl of crispst. Outside toilets for the ladies which had a copy of the Daily Mirror on the floor - lovely touch!! Everyone is so friendly and you can honestly lose all track of time say in here. Definitely worth a visit.
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An absolute gem of a pub - well worth seeking out. You could spend an entire afternoon just looking at the photos of former Man Utd and City players and actors , actresses. The Tetleys bitter was in good nick on my recent visit. Roger B's brilliant report below says it all and there's little if anything to add
REAL PUBS RULE O K !
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Theres more photos in here,than in a Heathrow baggage handlers house.Two small cosy rooms and a bar which is so small it should be called a ba or even a b.
The tetley draught was a pleasant drop.Its run by George who years ago,used to run the late lamented Douglas on Fennel St (opposite Pips).The Douglas still holds the record for the smallest pool table-with the biggest pockets I've ever seen.You had to have 20/20 eyesight to find somewhere to put your chalk round the side of the table that wasnt pocket...
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Absolute gem, visited for the first time a few months ago and couldn't belive the place, definate must for anyone who hasn't been here.
Only dissappointment was on my occasion there was no bodily contact or a request for my photo.
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This is the cutiest pub in Manchester. It has all the character any one could wish for. Has loads of pictures on the wall (few famous faces with George the owner) lots of football memorabilla as well. Really nice to go and have a beer. Really should go in and see how small the bar is. Well recommended
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The Circus Tavern has been operational for over two hundred years and has survived the ravages of heavy wartime bombing and the subsequent major city redevelopment schemes. This is probably the smallest pub in Manchester and it shows. The bar itself is little more than a cupboard under the stairs, with room for no more than one person to serve and one person to queue. Every inch of bar space is precious. There is not even room for a proper till, the money being placed into a small coin drawer that pops in and out of its hidey-hole beneath the optics. The size of the bar may in fact be the pubs biggest drawback, being only able to stock a limited selection of drinks however all but the fussiest drinkers would appear to be catered for. The rest of the pub consists of two tiny rooms leading from a wooden partition that forms a corridor from the bar. The cosy front room is simply furnished and the lightly coloured walls are bedecked with photographs of local celebrities. The rear room is similar but the d�cor is geared towards the football fraternity. Both City and United's supporters clubs use the pub, an unusual choice of venue given the logistics of having organised meetings in such a small space. One wall of the room is dedicated to the red and white of United with photographs of old players and matches mixed in with various items of memorabilia whilst, in a rare example of football harmony, the adjacent wall pays homage in a similar fashion to the pale blue of City.
The pub is at it�s best when it is at its busiest and most claustrophobic. It is virtually impossible to move without squeezing past other customers and, in a different environment, one could possibly feel quite uncomfortable. In the Circus Tavern, however, bodily contact is necessary, unavoidable and all done with great tact and northern humour. Striking up a conversation with a complete stranger in such intimacy is almost expected and all adds to the fun of being there in the first place. What the Circus Tavern lacks in size, it more than makes up for in atmosphere and ambience. It is truly one of the few great, unspoilt inner city pubs left in the country.
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Called in, for the millionth time, on the 11th June (2005)as usual top ale and friendly atmosphere. Waitress service is the norm during busy periods.
Give it a go!!!
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Excellent pub - small,quirky and original, to say the least. Nearly everytime you go to this pub, you end up talking to someone new - the place is that small that you just can't help getting involved with other people's conversations!
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Splendid little pub,usually only open during the day,2 small rooms rooms with plenty of character/s...
The beer quality can be up & down...but well worth a look....backs on to chinatown.
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if you are a big fat sod go and find another bar to drink in
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A little gem.Quite literally.Fantastic place.V.friendly v.cheap
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A great little pub in the centre on Manchester. Friendly atmosphere and friendly staff. Cheap beer as well...what a bonus
Dave - 15 Nov 2004 17:55 |
Thanks, Dan - as a result of your review, went for a pint there on my first visit to Manchester, last weekend. Great little pub - an old guy on the steps outside unlocked the door to let us in! Smallest bar I've ever seen, but a couple of little rooms meant there was sufficient seating space (on a Saturday afternoon to watch rugby too!) Very reasonable prices, and the bar-staff brought the beer to the table! Excellent - will be my first port of call on any future visit to Manchester.
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Tiny litle gem nicely tucked away. Serves only one lager and a bitter ( alternating, but usually Tetleys)! You wont find anywhere in Manchester with such History. The bar can only fit one barman behind it. The back rooms are very inteesting!
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