The Old Monkey, Manchester

Visited on Saturday afternoon. Like its two neighbours, this is a pub I had not been in for about five years. I don't recall being that impressed last time, which is probably why I left it so long. At the bar now are six hand pumps, four of which were Holts (Bitter, Mild, Two Hoots, IPA) and two by Bootleg (Chorlton Pale Ale, Urban Fox). For those that don't know, Bootleg is owned by Holts and is brewed at the Horse & Jockey in Chorlton (or certainly used to be). We had the Chorlton Pale Ale which was OK, certainly better than your average Holts beer, and two halves set us back the grand sum of £3.06 so you can't complain about the price. There is apparently a room upstairs which can be hired as a function room. We weren't stopping for food but looking at the blackboard menu above the bar it seemed to be reasonably priced. Probably not one I would rush back to, but I wouldn't avoid it like the plague either.

This is a large corner Holts pub, which at first glance looks a little dull - plain brick, modern looking with bland signage. The inside is a single room downstairs with a pool and darts room (unseen) above. The bar room, in which they serve food, is in white and patterned paper, with wood panel and a wood floor. There was soft background music and a silent TV. Service was very friendly and there was a good and mixed clientele. There were 5 handpulls, as well as crafts: Bitter, Humdinger, IPA and a decent MILD and Dark Delight Choccy Stout. Another nice place and one i would return to.

Its not a bad place. Lots of Holts beers on with about 6 that I could see. Some are keg by the way. One of 3 virtually next to each other.