The Smithfield Market Tavern, Manchester

Our most recent visit to Manchester concluded with a visit to the Smithfield Market Tavern, a pub I hadn't been to for over 15 years. It wasn't owned by Blackjack Brew Co. the last time I was here. Being on the edge of the Northern Quarter, this one can get quite busy on a Saturday. However unlike the nearby Bar Fringe, we managed to not only get served but also to grab a table. My comments on another pub site still ring true. With the pub stretching back a fair way, it does become quite dark and dingy to the rear where there are no windows and alas the table we found was against the rear wall. Blackjack beers on were their Best Bitter, Irk Street & Cross Keys. Other cask ales were Verdant LightBulb & RedWillow Faithless 220 Riwaka NZ Pale. The cider was Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, whilst craft beers were Blackjack Hazy Meadow, Aspin Pale, Flagstone, Dancing Saloon & Irwell Depths, Yonder Strawberry Foot & Sureshot From Meccano to Legoland. The draught cider was Broadoak Pheasant Plucker. Bar billiards and darts can be found to the left of the entrance. Hopefully I'll be back again without leaving it another 15 years.

Somehow this is my first visit, although it never looked that enticing in its previous incarnation before being refurbished and taken over by Blackjack. Anyway, it is now an excellent tap house than has quite an attractive appearance in the various seating areas (one of which features a bar billiards table), even if the furniture and decoration remains at the unfussy end of the range. Seven handpumps offering four of its own cask beers (including the Pub Ale ordinary bitter, £4.20), guests from Bowland and RedWillow and a cider. Also has four more of its own craft keg beers from a shiny fount on the counter plus five more (and an equal number of guests) from the ten more taps on the bar-back.

Paid a visit to the Smithfield on Saturday evening. There is a table by the door where you have to wait to be seated and check in using the QR code or old fashioned pen and paper. There were no tables available but we were allowed to sit on the sofa and have a look at the beer menu. Once a table became free it was quickly cleaned and made available for us. There were four cask ales available including ones from Blackjack and RedWillow. Orders were taken efficiently at the table and drinks arrived quickly. We stayed for a couple of drinks and during that time somebody came over to swap our menu over as one beer had gone off and another come on to replace it - now that's what you call service. Staff were friendly and attentive and this made for a pleasant relaxed drinking experience. Definitely recommended.

Visited last night after finding the Rose & Monkey next door to be shut for a tickets-only live music event. Not my first visit to the Smithfield and won't be my last. Always has a selection of Blackjack beers as well as guests on cask. I noticed some craft keg taps on the back wall but can't remember what was on offer. Pub games were being played including darts and something with a wooden block on the end of a string over a table that I have no idea what it was. Worth a visit.

didn’t really do anything for me despite obviously trying its best. an ale emporium kind of place with a lot of choice but I found the beer on the expensive side and the pub modern and somewhat characterless. I wouldn’t want to put you off calling in but I just don’t think it’s that great.