Dukes 92, Manchester

Smart bar / restaurant in a recent extension to a much older building. Very modern, but not unappealing, interior. Large canal-side terrace. Real ale used to be available, but the pair of handpumps have been removed, so I went for the 'house' Albert's Brew (£4.70) which (on enquiry) turned out to be from the local Brightside Brewery.

A very modern mainly eatery place that does have 2 cask ales amid the pop. A pleasant outside area for a drink. Not as expensive as I thought it was going to be.

Modern bar / restaurant joint in fashionable Castlefields. No ale from what I could work out, and the regulation lagers. Food was in decent nick and given the location reasonably priced; Still, not one I can imagine many on here would visit given the choice. Very much a 'young person' sort of hangout.

Once upon a time this was a stable block,it's been a bar since 1991 though. It's in a great location adjacent to Lock No. 92 (Dukes Lock) on the Rochdale canal, hence the name. It's been refurbished and extended several times since 1991 and has now lost whatever character it ever had. It's got a large and often crowded outside area along with a restaurant. Inside it's one large barn with wooden floors and comfy seating. There are 3 handpumps on the bar each has a clip on it saying try one of our cask ales. I tried to, but they didn't have any, the barman said "Oh it'll probably be on soon" This is at 5 p.m. on a Friday evening, pathetic. I left.

Official site of Dukes 92, includes menus and wine list - www.dukes92.com

Official site of Dukes 92, includes menus and wine list - www.dukes92.com