The Old Monkey, Manchester

It's a Holts's pub, so you know what to expect. Cheap tasty mild and bitter in a slightly shabby pub. This one is a bit different though as it's pretty decent, especially since the refurbishment, given the large amount of people that pass through. Also has an upstairs bar that seems to be a bit of a secret (damn, that's blown it). Can be packed downstairs and 2 deep at the bar, but if you go upstairs it's quite peaceful, easy to get served and it has great views over the milling throngs on Portland Street. It's a decent pub.