Old Market Tavern, Altrincham

A large imposing building in a prominent spot on the main road through town, the Old Market Tavern is the place to visit in Altrincham for a wide selection of real ales, many from smaller and local breweries. The building is grade II listed, and was once a coaching inn, its former name being The Unicorn. The main bar has a beamed ceiling, some exposed brickwork and a couple of feature fireplaces. An area to one side is carpeted and is set up with speakers and a lighting rig for the live music which takes place on weekend evenings. An area returning back to the left of the bar has a dartboard, and further over to the right a separate room houses the TV which shows sporting events, the main bar being TV free. The beer is the star here, eleven handpumps on the go serving at the time Cottage MGB and Win on the Dogs, Brains SA, Courage Best, Deuchers IPA, Timothy Taylors Landlord, Blakemere Cosmic IPA, Green Mill Brewery Pot Black Porter, Phoenix Arizona and George Wright Northern Lights. Additionally there were a couple of ciders, Westons and Old Rosie. Food is remarkably cheap, baguettes £1.75-£2.10, baked spuds £1.35-£2.10, chilli £3.50, sausage, egg and chips £3.00. Service was good and friendly, the clientele of all ages and from all walks, a top rate pub.

Excellent selection of some fairly unusual beers, with in the region of a dozen handpumps on the go at any one time. It just lacks something in the way of atmosphere, which may be to do with the layout of the place, with one huge bar where presumably at one time there would have been several smaller rooms. Definitely the place to go in Alty if it's beer you're after.