The Old Monkey, Manchester

I've called in here many times but never got around to writing a review. I like Joseph Holt's beers, and this one is handy for the city centre, and I prefer it to the Circus and the Grey Horse nearby. And now it's in the Good Beer Guide, which I must say surprised me, as I've never been particularly impressed by the beer here. It's OK, without being outstanding (in my experience). But don't let me put you off. Call in and find out for yourself. (But for the best Holt's Bitter, the Hare & Hounds on Shudehill is the place to go.)

An extremely bland pub I felt with the only decor being Holts promotional stuff. A few of their ales on, the Mild was an eyewatering £4.30 - for a 3.2% beer?? Transient clientele including a number of tourists dining on standard pub food. No reason to come here again.

The Old Monkey has a small bar on the rear wall that faces some open plan seating. The usual Holts Keg selection is available and the bar supports six handpumps that were drawing Holts Bitter (x4) and Two Hoots (x2). There is a small television on the wall that was airing muted Winter Olympics whilst some background music played from the jukebox. Upstairs is a lounge bar that is available for hire. It was rammed up there when I visited on Wednesday evening last week, much busier than downstairs. There are more interesting pubs in the area so I don’t plan on returning any time soon.

Official site of The Old Monkey - www.joseph-holt.com