Dulcimer, Manchester

A micro pub since 2007 - it must have been one of the originals. Not in the GBG guide - there are 4 in Chorlton that are - and you've guessed it - Pint of the day was in here. Red Willow are going from Strength to strength and perfectly kept here.

The Dulcimer has bench seating in the front windows and a serving counter along the left wall that faces seating up the right. There is more seating at the end of the bar and beyond is the rear exit to a beer garden. The bar supports five handpumps, three of which were unused. Steel Fish Brewing’s Small Achievements and Mobberley’s Mosaic were the ale options. A limited craft keg selection was also available alongside Guinness. Upstairs on the first floor is a large area with bar that is available for free hire. The split level wooden floor raising towards the front windows acts like a stage area. Further upstairs are the toilets in the rafters of the building. An ill placed window in the gents next to the urinals gives the lucky residents some choice views of the Dulcimer members. The barman was polite, but I found this place to be a little too studenty for my liking.

Visited on Saturday evening. Five hand pulls at the bar with one off, the remainder offering Wainwright, Beatnikz Midtown, Beatnikz Captain Planet and RedWillow Wreckless. The Midtown was £3.00 for two half pints, which seemed an absolute bargain (especially for the area). There was one woman behind the bar who just appeared to be watching everyone else work (and not stepping in when customers were waiting) which seemed a bit strange. However it didn't take long to get served. Standing room only at the time of our visit but we found a quiet area of the bar to perch at. Further seating is available upstairs, but at the time of our visit this was in use by a private party. Unfortunately you had to pass through this private party to get to the toilets, and trying to squeeze your way past a massive crowd of oblivious pissed office workers was not ideal. Another Chorlton venue I would be happy to return to.

Inviting-looking 'ale and folk' pub (converted from a small shop) - part-way in size and style between a micro-pub and an old-fashioned alehouse. Plain, traditional furniture and decor in the bar. Also has further seating, another small bar counter (not in use when I visited) and the live music space upstairs. Four of five handpumps in operation, offering Wainwright, Six O'Clock Annuit Coeptis (£4.00), Salopian Holly Bush and Blackjack Black Maria. With a friendly welcome, efficient service and a good atmosphere, this one is well worth seeking out.

Possibly the best venue in Chorlton, it offers a nice relaxed atmosphere, also with occasional live bands upstairs. Very good beer choice. Great place for a real ale.

Neat little bar on one of Chorlton's main roads. It's not very large, but it is very nicely done with lots of bare brickwork and artworks all around the walls. A real mix of customers during my early Friday evening visit and a friendly barman helped with the atmosphere in the bar. 5 handpumps on the bar including one for real cider. I had a pint of Hardknott Azimuth which was in good condition. It's a bar I will definitely call in again.