Archives for “ale” tag

Traditionally known as All Saints, the area south of the city centre is home to a smattering of great bars and eateries and as well as Manchester’s university campuses. Top among these are Grosvenor Street’s Deaf Institute and its opposite neighbour Sandbar, which sprawls across the ground floor of two rambling Georgian houses.

Established 16 years ago this has always been a rough and ready venue, with junk shop furniture, bare floors and exposed brick walls, but fashion has caught up in the years since it opened and you’ll recognise its style from many newer bars. It certainly doesn’t put off the hoards of real ale fans who flock here to sample local brews, and the huge range of continental beers the bar imports itself.

Although packed with locals, students and academics in the evenings the place is an oasis of calm on weekdays, when European-tinged meals are available 12:00 – 19:00 and pizzas until 21:00. The WIFI’s free and, unusually for this city, there are several outside seating areas, including a secluded garden. And if the Manchester skies don’t encourage sunbathing you can always just stare at the walls, where you’re likely to see local artists’ paintings or photography.

If that’s not enough Sandbar hosts regular music, cabaret and beer- and whisky-tastings, securing its reputation as a boho haunt without any sniff of pretension. So if the city centre proper’s going alcopop crazy jump on almost any south-bound bus – you can be here in five minutes.

Beer festival: 29 May-2 June.

Five minutes walk from the city centre is Marble Arch. This is the sister bar and older relative of Marble on Thomas St. If Thomas Street is the younger one with the cool haircut, then Marble Arch is the older wiser one with the great record collection.

Stepping in this pub is like stepping into a time machine from the new Manchester. The amazing glazed tiles from floor to roof sparkle and leave you glancing at every single one for the duration of your stay. What lies under your feet is pretty breathtaking too with its mosaic floor that runs the full length of the main room.

The clientele is varied, like most of Manchester’s drinking establishments, with its old regulars to the cool indie kids of the Northern Quarter. And with all of the new city centre apartments that surround, this old relic also brings the affluent young professionals.

The pub has a micro brewery on site so can keep the stock of beers flowing all the time.  I could easily work my way down the bar trying every one of their creations.

If you are hungry, please try the small restaurant at the back of the building. The menu is a good mix of traditional British cuisine, but with a new twist.  I have heard nothing but good reviews and I am planning a trip soon, just as long as I can get in as it always seems busy.

I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to drinking. I’m a Northern boy who likes his real ale and I’m not afraid to let people know. One of my favourite places is right in the heart of the Northern Quarter called Marble, which is one of a handful of pubs run by the local Marble Brewery. One of the newer bars on the block, it has a great reputation for its amazing line up of beers from around the world.

There is an ever-changing selection of cask beers from its own brewery, with the kegs sitting on the bar itself. With around 100 bottled beers from the four corners of the globe; you will have trouble picking your favourite.  I say start at the top and work your way down.

The clientèle varies from the cool kids of the area to the older, real ale lovers. With limited room in the long thin room, the maximum space for people is about 50. But there always seems to be a seat available, so you can sit and enjoy that well deserved drink.

A must eat has to be the cheeses. My favourite name on the list is the Stinking Bishop, which wasn’t as stinky as I expected. You can get varying amounts of cheese, depending on how greedy you are feeling, or choose from great selection of sandwiches.

Come along, grab a pint, play some chess and watch the world go by.