The Rising Sun, Manchester

A selection of 4 real ales - particularly enjoed Greenfield Brewery's "Silver Owl."

However, as we came to top up our glasses one last time "for the road", the bar lights went out and the sparklers were being unscrewed. We asked the bar staff what time they closed, and they said the bar had closed already! We had been sat drinking at the bar for the past 45 mins or so (the pub wasn't too busy).

There was no flashing light, no ringing bell, and no thoughtful "one more lads - we're about to close" from the bar staff - seeing as we were sat at the bar with empty glasses and they knew they were about to close.

Matters got worse when we double-checked with the landlord (who had allegedly 'called time' 15 mins ago from the end of the bar - 5 yards away - we heard no such call).

Having given up the ghost on getting another pint, we asked if he knew of a local taxi number, at which point he became abusive and aggressive, and - shall we say - "walked us to the door." As part of our final pleas, we explained that we were responsible drinkers and members of CAMRA, and only wanted one more pint given the bar's unnannounced closure. His awful comments regarding CAMRA will also be shortly be shared directly with them!

As long as he remains in charge, I have vowed never to set foot in the place again.

26 Jul 2014 13:02