The Mill, Manchester

Having missed my connecting train by a matter of seconds, I set off through Piccadilly station in search of somewhere to while away the intervening twenty minutes before the next departure, eventually finding this rather bland bar. Situated at one end of the upper floor, this is an open plan, single room bar with a curved servery located on the right hand side. It's a bright, bare boarded room with seating arranged by type, from left to right, including comfy armchairs and padded banquettes on the left, high tables and stools through the middle and tub chairs and standard seating closest to the bar. A few small pictures can be seen dotted around the pastel shaded walls and there are a few wine bottles in a glass display case near the front left entrance, but ultimately there is little of interest going on here and it feels as soulless as you would expect a station bar to be. A couple of TV screens were showing a Saturday morning cookery programme whilst music played in the background. A fair few customers were filling up the good amount of seating located around the balcony area which affords a decent view of the concourse below. Sadly there are no hand pumps on the bar, just standard keg offerings including Guinness and John Smiths. I opted for a quick half of the latter and was served by a friendly barman who was part of a seemingly well drilled team. There isn't a great deal to write home about with this place, which just about does the bare minimum in terms of providing refreshment for its transient customer base. I'd normally say I don't envisage a return visit, but it does serve a purpose if you find yourself with a few minutes in hand.

Another dire station waiting room with beer, but this one is a bit better class than the Sports bar at the other end of the station. Lots of comfortable seating along with some stools and high tables. The same overpriced bog standard kegs on the bar as the Sports bar as well. If you're waiting for a train go across the road to the Bulls Head it's streets better.

Well it’s a station bar so you don’t expect much, and don’t get much. Bit of a soulless place and they were insisting on using plastic glasses last time I was there.