The Smithfield Market Tavern, Manchester

I remember visiting this one a few years ago with the wife and walking straight out again as there is just so many “earthy” pubs she can stand being dragged into despite how good their beer may be. But that wouldn’t be a problem nowadays as it certainly is a lot smarter that I remember it. Yes, I agree a bit of the pub feel has been removed and its now has more the feel of a modern Craft beer bar with its ten changing keg taps and six real ales and I certainly wouldn’t have a problem getting the wife into this one now. I went for the Hawkshead Red from the list below and very good it was too.

A street corner pub , now modernised and opened out inside.Six ales were available and my Siren Suspended in Blanc was in good shape. Despite no longer being an old school traditional boozer, this pub had a good vibe about it.

Owned by Blackjack Brewery,who have tidied up the place but in the process have stripped it of pub atmosphere,it feels more like a street corner bar.Open plan ,with a small bar to the middle right and seating both at the front and back,the bar billiards table remains but is covered by a plank of wood,so maybe play is suspended when the pub is busy.An out of tune upright piano is housed in an alcove ,an attempt was made to play it which was at least memorable if not very tuneful. Surprisingly only one Blackjack ale was offered from the 6 ale choice on my trip,their Black Forest Stout was very good.Other ales on were Hawkshead Red and Five Hop,Tiny Rebel By the Beard of Zeus,Almasty Shinook &Azacca and Siren Suspended in Blanc together with Hallets National Treasure cider.A very good range of styles and strengths which in itself deserves spending a while longer than my brief crawl visit.I will be back.

Another quality pub that gets the balance perfectly right between old school boozer and modern hipster bar. Great beer and meat based snacks. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2InlthU