The Ostrich, Manchester

The Ostrich is a 300+ year old pub across the road from Heaton Park. I imagine when there is an event in the park it gets a lot busier than it was during my visit early on Tuesday afternoon. A short corridor from the front entrance leads to a bar area with U-shaped serving counter to the right. The three hand pumps were all badged with Holts Bitter and the usual keg was available. I counted five separate rooms, one on the left of the aforementioned corridor and another to the right, which also houses a dartboard. A small snug area with tables and fireplace is on the left wall faced by the bar and in the left rear corner is another room with an impressive model ship mounted in the wall behind some Perspex. Another room, with a pool table, is found in the right hand side off the pub on the way to the toilets. I think that every room has a television for showing live sport and there is a jukebox in the bar area. All of the televisions were off during my visit as the football was yet to start. Out the back is a large beer garden with patio area and picnic strewn lawn beyond. The doors open daily at noon and close at 23:30, except for Friday and Saturday when the pub closes at 00:30. I found the service to be very friendly, and the five or so old locals at the bar were all in good spirits. This is certainly one of the better pubs in Prestwich and I would have no problem returning.

Charming unspoiled pub,with still quite a few of the original wooden features still intact.