The Gaslamp, Manchester

Inconspicuous cellar bar near the Albert Bridge. Although the white-glazed bricks in the bar and Back Parlour don't exactly give a homely feel, the place has a good atmosphere with conversation being the order of the day. Three of four handpumps in use when I called in, with Brewsmith Brown Ale (£3.40), Kirkstall Citra Session IPA and Pamona NZ Pale on offer.

I like the Gaslamp. Have been a handful of times over the past few years and decided it was time to refresh my memory last Friday lunchtime. I was the first customer in at 1pm but it started to fill up shortly after, so I timed it just right I think. Four hand pumps at the bar, at the time of ordering one of these was still being pulled through. I had the Kirkstall Mosaic Session IPA which I think was £1.85 for a half. Nice ale, not overpowering, as you would expect for a session. By the time I was ready for another the fourth ale was on and when I noticed it was Dry Stone Stout by Hawkshead I decided it was the one to go for. Superb. The others available were something by Abbeydale and something by Squawk (possibly a red). The tables have a menu on which lists the regular bottled beers they have available (as well as non-beer drinks). An interesting place, good ales, well worth a visit. Free Wi-Fi if you like that kind of thing.

Not quite as good as the Brink, but not bad. My beer of choice had just gone off, so I had the more expensive Blackjack Deerhunter. Despite the coffee influence I found it OK. Worth a revisit.