October 9, 2009
How nice to see this classic place back in form again. Visited this pub (then callled the Beer House) several time around the turn of the century and it used to be a fantastic place, the best pub in Manchester. Then it started going in the wrong direction, and my last visits three or four years ago were quite disastrous. So it was with some fear I entered again in July 2009. But I was glad to see it back on its feet again. Well they didn’t have 12 handpumps, but 4. But the beers were well kept and the turnover seemed to be quite good. Nice and cosy bar area with a few tables for seating. Friendly and efficient service. Quite calm atmosphere with some local customers. Didn’t try the food, but it looked very nice. Since it’s located right between Smithfield Hotel and Marble Arch, you might as well stop by for a pint or two before crawling the 200 meters to the next pub. I’ll be coming back, so you just keep up the good work.

August 21, 2009
A quick stop during RBESG, and that was enough. A few casks and bottled Leek beers. Got some to take out for 3 pounds a piece.

August 21, 2009
Very average place. Smallish selection, some bottles (crappy Leek fruit beers :P ). Ok for a quick visit.

July 30, 2009
Okay place, a few casks on and a good few bottled beers - even Leek fruit beers. The bar was a little worn-down and the locals were in the younger segment. But fairly cozy still.

July 23, 2009
Quick visit during RBESG 09. Bit shabby looking bar, worn out with some carpets here and there. A few micros on tap besides the usual suspects here, but they weren’t on top form.

September 27, 2008
Once the Beer House, Manchester’s foremost scooping pub, which went through a number of successful changes of management before the final ones basically nailed the coffin shut with their incompetence and attitude. Closed and boarded for a while, it was due for demolition but by a strange twist of fate has probably been saved by the current economic slowdown as, a few years back, any square metre of land free was being built on around Angel St. Now being run as a gastropub upstairs and bar downstairs, the food side is under the control of Robert Owen Brown, a local chef legend, although the bar downstairs has already increased it’s beer range and is becoming more adventurous. So, although it’s nothing like it used to be, I’m really pleased the pub has survived and is well worth supporting - who knows, if we support it enough maybe it will return to a dozen beers in years to come? Here’s hoping...