Gastropub classics in Manchester

“Great spot for always having at least one gluten free beer on tap, usually a couple. I'm a big fan of when they've got locals like Brightside. Generally a good atmosphere whenever I come. Sometimes a lot busier than others, probably event related as it's very close to a number of live venues. That said, I can often find a seat in the second, quieter room pictured below. I would appreciate GF food options, but I understand this is exceptionally difficult considering they do pizzas. The music is almost never particularly loud, which means you can always converse. The only setback would be that some of the beers can be pricey, but this is absolutely to be expected given they are quality craft beers rather than mass products, and I say this is one of the few spots where it's worth it”

“Great service and very friendly staff with good food and drinks.”

“Marble Brewery are one of the best brewers around in my view. Their new tap has hit the ground running. On my visit, there was Pint on cask, in addition to 9 varied keg offerings and a full fridge. Great use of the space given its purpose and a place I'll return to.”

“Great real ale pub fab selection of low alcohol bottles and 4 hand pumps at a sensible price”

“Cloudwater Taphouse is a bit of a hidden gem. Slightly off the beaten path but nice and close to Piccadilly Train Station. They have a large selection of their own ales and guest ales available and they also have regular, varied cultural events on. It's a super chill vibe. Take in your beer to the backdrop of some interesting music or get a ticket to one of the art house film nights with themed food.”

“Fantastic pub,superb atmosphere and excellent bar staff...don't serve food..”

“Beautiful food, quiet ambience fresh and clean atmosphere, the only thing that let's it down is the restricted parking with only a few parking spaces at the front of the restaurant”

“Great beers and top staff. Has become our local now!”

“He the best meals we’ve had in the local area. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Great selection of food and super tasty. Well worth a visit.”

“Love this pub inside and out. It’s got so much history and charm. The building used to be the Manchester & Salford Children’s Mission back in Victorian times, where they ran a kitchen for kids and the homeless. Now it’s this brilliant underground pub, and you can still see the old glazed brick walls when you head downstairs, which just adds to the atmosphere. I’d love to see more of that story told inside. There are a few old photos up, but no info with them... a bit of context would make it even better. Doesn’t put me off going though, it’s still one of my favourite spots in Manchester.”

“Tried here for the first time today when we arrived we were greeted with open arms and seated straight away which was a shock because it was soooo busy..the food was really good with a very generous portion and really good value for money.. Drinks menu was massive and beer and cider was so cheap.. Excellent place and well worth a visit..”

“I stayed at The Lamb Inn for one night with a friend while visiting the Peak District. We arrived late, but the staff were very accommodating and provided us with the keys right away. The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and breakfast was absolutely amazing—definitely a highlight of our stay. The only minor issue was that the shower leaked at the bottom, so the water didn’t drain properly. Other than that, everything was great. The inn is conveniently located for exploring the Peak District, though you will need a car to get around. We even spotted some Highland cows nearby, which was a lovely surprise. Overall, a comfortable and enjoyable stay—I’d happily recommend it for a visit to the area.”

“Lovely olde worlde country village pub serving fine food and ales offering some tasters and nibbles with our beers as the afternoon games session commenced! Great atmosphere will be back.”

“Family meal, first visit. What a lovely place. Such a friendly welcome and great service. The food was excellent, the best italian I have eaten for a long time. Varied choices all got great reactions. This was the first visit but we will be back.”

“Stayed at travelodge lodge central arena as we were staying in Manchester seeing a show, ordered Don Bravo at 11.30pm, arrived before midnight however was missing 2 chips. I rung them and within 15 minutes they had delivered 2 piping hot fresh chips. Food was really good, service was great. I would recommend as well as order again. Thank you.”

“Lovely panelled local with lots of rooms. Robinson's beer kept so well. Very friendly and helpful service. Just missing Dizzy Blonde on the pumps.”

“One of the best pubs in Manchester! Has a wide variety of beers and ciders to choose from, the staff are incredibly friendly, the interior is very cosy and beautiful and it also has a cute little beer garden for the sunny days as well as an upstairs floor is usually hosting some kind of event! We had an amazing time and will definitely be coming back! 10/10”

“Always a fan of the Wharf for a special time, and you can't beat it on a Sunday for a roast, pie, or Asian-fusian salad. Ideal for a date or a classy yet casual catch up with pals. A great selection of pints that are local, broader UK, continental Europe, and classics. They always have at least one gluten free beer on tap at a time, this time was the Brightside Bitter, but often have an alternative option. There are food options for all with the menu having extensive catering for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. The staff are allergen aware and I have never had a problem eating here. They offer veggie and GF savoury pies and roasts, and GF fish and chips, as well as desert options which is a rare treat. The good is reliably hot and tasty, never rushed. They can run out of popular dishes especially by late on a Sunday, but that is to be expected of a place this busy. I had the crispy beef salad (GF) which was very flavourful and had perfect textures. Parking can be validated to avoid paying anything using an iPad at the bar. There is an accessible entrance, I believe an accessible loo too. Upstairs toilets are always very clean, as pleasant as a loo can be.”

“Beautiful restaurant, all decorated fir valentines. We had 3 course set meal which was delicious. We ended up taking some of the sharing platter home as we just didn't have room. Staff were very welcoming and attentive so defo 10/10. X”

“If there was an option for 6 stars, this pub would get it. Came here after a walk in the area and walked in to friendly staff and a warm fire. It was a weekday so not so busy we got a table straight away. You think it can't get better. It does. The pie was amazing, mash was amazing and gravy was amazing too. Such lovely food we had to get dessert and that was, as predicted, amazing. Can't wait to come back here again and try the other food on the menu, really exceptionally good pub to come.”

“Food was absolutely amazing. We give up on curry’s after having so many bad ones. My daughter goes to the nursery next door and we have said we need to try sheikhs. So glad we did. Fantastic staff and the best curry/food we have had out for a long time. Definitely our new Thursday treat”

“Great friendly pub x wish it was my local”

“Lively, friendly pub with a good atmosphere. Enjoyed the live music. No cask ales but pleased to see a mild on which was excellent.”

“Saturday 19th July 2025 Today i visited the best real ale pub in didsbury A really good range hand pulled ales on offer a propper edwardian pub with small rooms and staff and locals suprb This pub for real ales the best pub in Didsbury”

“What a great pub that gets 5 stars from me ...theres a good choice on drinks at good prices and some great deals ...theres a nice beer garden, kid and dog friendly. Not had food so cant star rate that.”

“Just had a lovely family lunch here, I can highly recommend the fish and chips, although all the meals looked delicious. The staff are friendly and helpful, the pub is cosy with a great beer garden that has a selection of climbing frames for the kids. Would definitely recommend a visit.”

“Great for watching sport,TV end of most tables. Nice and friendly atmosphere. Good beer and not too expensive.”

“Drink prices are surprisingly reasonable for a music venue, a major positive that doesn't put a major dent in your wallet. Overall, "Gorilla" holds a special place in my heart after last month's incredible gig. It is hands down one of the best places in the city to catch live music and an absolute must-visit for any music fan.”

“Lovely food. Never had jammie dodger cake. Have to go back if it's only for another slice of cake. Photo below.”