Manchester's Hidden Pub Gems - A Student’s Guide to CAMRA Favorites
Uncover Manchester’s hidden pub gems favored by CAMRA. Ideal for students seeking unique places to hang out during Welcome Week.
The Peveril of the Peak
The 'Pev' is a famous Manchester institution, still run by the city’s longest-serving landlady, with 51 years of service as of 2022. A splendid etched mirror hangs over the fireplace in the snug (formerly the Smoke Room), commemorating the first forty years of her tenure. The pub, like its landlady, is a great survivor. It stands as a small triangular island of civilized drinking, shorn of the rest of the original terrace but surrounded by much taller office and apartment blocks of both 19th and 21st-century origin. The glorious green tiled exterior hides an even more splendid interior, full of polished wood, stained glass, and traditional bench seating along the walls – much of it with the original bell pushes that once summoned bar staff to take customers' orders.
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The Angel
The Angel is found huddled within a flurry of new development in what was a notorious slum area, known as Angel Meadows. The horrendously busy junction on Rochdale Road makes it a hard place to reach at times, but it is worth making the effort.
Formerly having 13 handpulls, often with the majority empty in previous years, a recent cellar refit and reinvigorated focus now see 6 cask ales consistently available, across a broad range of styles and changing breweries.
As a historic pub, refurbishment works are slow and expensive; however, they are making progress. The plumbing in the Gents, long closed for the necessary improvement, has now been suitably reinstated, with very few changes made to the tiling. The outdoor temporary arrangement may be retained for outdoor summer events.
The Lass O’Gowrie
From the outside, this looks like a splendid Victorian glazed tile building, and thankfully the inside evokes that traditionalism too. The walls show the pub's support for north-west performers and characters, alongside modern and period photos of Manchester. Very popular with students during term time, it can be rather lacking in vibrancy during academic breaks. Refurbished in early 2014 to a high standard, this kick-started the improving fortunes of this former Threlfall's Brewery house. Six handpulls adorn the bar. There is a snug tucked away at the back for small informal gatherings or a larger function room upstairs for up to 40 people.
Entertainment during the week involves the 'Big Fat Stupid' quiz on a Thursday, and the upstairs function room is promised to be used for more events in the future. Note the clever use of decking built over the River Medlock to create a smoking balcony opened by comedian and former pub regular Johnny Vegas. Voted 'National Pub of the Year 2012' in the Great British Pub Awards. Discounts of 20p off a half and 50p off a pint for CAMRA members. Also the site of the first Pisoire in Manchester, evidently depositing into the Medlock!
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The Gaslamp
The Gaslamp is an interesting pub. Opened in 2010 and housed in the former Manchester & Salford Children's Mission building, the pub has an impressive frontage, but you could easily miss the small doorway that leads down to this basement bar.
On descending the dimly lit stairs, the room you enter is certainly different for a pub - Victorian glazed brick walls and little in the way of decoration. The bar is along the wall to the rear and is a sparse wooden affair. On the bar are four handpumps. The real ales on offer are interesting - no "famous" national brands here - the beers are selected from the pub's own Brewery (Pomona Island) and smaller interesting breweries, many of whom are not seen regularly even in Manchester's multi-ale houses. There is also an interesting selection of Whiskies available with a regular "Whisky of the Month," many by Chorlton Whisky.
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The Molly House
A former worsted tailor's shop in a street behind Canal Street that may well have started a new movement in the village, it opened as a bar and cafe in December 2010. Not just a bar, it offers 20 different teas, specialist coffees, and high-end spirits. The name derives from the London molly houses of the 18th & 19th Century. Set on two levels, its decor is described as post-Victorian decadent shabby chic. 'The Tea Room,' where the kitchen is sited, has the cask ale bar together with food servery.
There are 4 handpumps, though not all may be in use. It is furnished with wooden tables, chairs, and benches. Upstairs in 'The Bordello,' the decor and lighting are more intimate with sofas and a fireplace. An outside smoking and drinking terrace opens off this room. Food service is from 1 pm till 8:30 pm, serving tapas with vegan options available. The beer range specializes in local brewers, and the policy is to serve examples of many different beer styles.