Calico!, Manchester

Have been to the Allotment a few times now and on my most recent visit I'm sure there was even more faux greenery than on previous occasions. The central bar is quite small and the hand pulls offered two ales by Thornbridge, Jennings Cumberland and Greene King IPA. There has been a house ale previously but I didn't notice it this time. I had the Brock by Thornbridge, which was OK but a bit on the thin side for a stout really. I can't remember what the other Thornbridge ale on offer at the time was. I'm sure I will be back again at some point.

A very gardenish theme with plenty of Herby, flowery plants dotted around. No cauliflower, cabbages, onions, beetroot kinda things that most allotments have but hey ho. 4 handpumps dispense 4 different ales that no allotments have so that's a bonus. All in all a pretty nice place.

Very strange bar, definitely different. As Peter says, the pub floor is partially covered with synthetic grass and it's full of items that would be more associated with a garden centre rather than a pub. A good atmosphere though on our Sunday early evening visit with lots of people eating food. 4 handpumps on the bar with 3 on, serving Moorhouses Blonde Witch & Premier alongside Prospect Silver Tally. The Silver Tally and the Premier were both in good nick. Worth a look in for the decor alone nevermind the well kept ale. We'll call in again to see how it's doing once the inital rush has calmed down.

A piece of the English countryside is brought to the heart of Manchester as the allotment is now open and unrecognisable from it's former incarnation Nickleby's.This is a fun plot for drinkers and diners with the owners stating they aimed to create something quintessentially British with a vibrant atmosphere. You enter on a bed of grass and instantly notice the centrally located island bar made from corrugated iron.The pub has it's own herb garden and there is potted vegetation lining the walls with a living wall of plants plus lots of trowels,spades and watering cans ect. There were 4 hand pumps on the bar although only 3 seemed to be functioning on my late afternoon visit.For any gin drinkers the pub has an excellent collection.The pub opens at 12noon daily and meals are available until 8-30

Now open again and called The Allotment Bar