Woodhouse Gardens Inn, Manchester

Saturday early evening March 2015. Party of 13 had pre-booked but arrived half an hour late and our assigned place had been taken. However, they did bend over backwards to accommodate us and were able to clear enough room for us to sit shoulder to shoulder. I have to say for 5pm on a Saturday this place was extremely vibrant and it almost took us back to the old days when bars were continually three or four deep. There is a restaurant also attached in a back conservatory but this was fully booked that night. Menu is typical pub food with most food groups covered and the meals were well prepared if not spectacular. The prices are a little on the high side for me for the quality of food produced but the plates were big and the food arrived hot. They go for the 'quarter a potato' wedge chips and for me these left a lot to be desired as they lacked any real taste. However, the biggest issue we had was arranging 13 big plates on 5 round copper top tables and we almost had to eat by taking turns as somebodies elbows were always in your way! However, the service was excellent and the waitresses were all professional and courteous and I guess on a less busy night this would be an enjoyable experience.

J W Lees Beers