The City, Manchester

Reminded me a bit of the Smithfield in layout and atmosphere, if not in beer selection. I think real ale is a recent addition and there were three ales on, one of which was a 6% Imperial Stout. I had the Atlas City Pride which was far from good but not so much that you'd send it back, well not in this place anyway. Most of the punters were drinking keg Boddies, lager or Guinness. I wouldn't want to judge the pub on one visit and one pint but it does look to have some way to go yet to become one of Manchester's real ale crawl pubs.

First visit to this pub as I had heard there were a couple of Acorn beers there, and I was not disappointed by the beers at all. Both beers tried were excellent. The pub I believe is pretty new to real ales and the bar itself looks pretty new. The decor is dated in the long room with comfy seating leading back from the bar area to a pool table and what appears to be a space for entertainment. Was a locals pub rather than touristy and was friendly. The 3 handpumps will probably be devoted to Acorn ales, but I will look in again when next in Manchester.