The City Arms, Manchester

One of the hidden gems of Manchester though only 100m from the visitor centre. They currently have 6 or 7 guest beers on tap everyday, which regularly change, and not just your usual northern ales like Jennings but ales and ciders from everywhere in the country. The staff are very friendly and most know their stuff. It still looks very "18th century style" when they disappear down the floor hatch behind the bar! You can regularly see CAMRA members doing tasting sessions before they buy. Hardcore! The "upper" room and bar are small but if you can fight your way down the steps to the "lower" room it's quite snug. Yes it is hammered after work on Fridays but only til about 6.30 or 7.00. There's now a small "smoking area" (where I think they used to keep the delivered barrels?) next to the women's loos. The blokes loos have always been tiny and a bit rough but after a couple of pints of Adnams or Shepheard Neame you don't realy care! The Black sheep was especially good last time. It's not as homely as Briton's Protection but for real ale lovers it's definitely one of the best in Manchester city centre

12 Aug 2009 00:07

The Old Packet House, Altrincham

Nice little place. Beers usually good and the food is a step up from the Navigation across the road, though not quite as cheap. It's still true about "your face not fitting" and trouble getting served, especially at weekends. The location is good for transport as the buses to Altrincham and Manchester are just over the road and it's an easy 5 minute walk to the Metrolink tram at Navigation Road for both journeys (when it's up and running again - SUPPOSEDLY in September!). There are restuarants and take-outs over the road. The beer garden is faily secluded but you'd probably only use it in the 2 weeks of summer we get! My relatives stayed here and said the rooms had character (in a good way!) and the service very good. I'm told they have cheesy live vocalists and kareoke some nights so choose wisely! All in all worth at least a pint

11 Aug 2009 23:33