Manhattan Bar, Hamilton

Please note - the spelling of the pub’s name should be Manhattan Bar.

There has been a bar in this area for many years, formally a "man's pub" called "Watson's" (locally pronounced "Waaaatsins" it then changed its name to "Chequers" and became a trendy wine bar for a while in the late 80s early 90s . Now called the "Manhattan" (for some time now actually) it is back to being a more traditional bar (but not an old man's pub) and must be doing something right as it always seems relatively busy. The Manhattan is located in Hamilton town centre (a short walk form Hamilton Central train / Bus stations), from the outside it looks in need of a lick or two of paint but inside its quite nice - it is a long long narrow pub with the bar itself running along 3/4 of the length down the right hand side as you walk in. It has ample seating with tables and chairs and a couple of small booth like areas and plenty of room at the bar to sit or stand at. Three flat screen TVs are always on (sound low) mostly showing football and horse racing (it also has a "puggy"). Music is usually 60s, 70s, and 80s and is kept low until a bit later at night but never that high you can't hear yourself talk. Clientèle are generally a bit older over 50 with the younger ( 25 - 30 year olds) popping in on the weekend on the way to Glasgow of some other "horror show" club later in the day. Whilst this is a traditional pub it always seem to be relaxed and friendly - Bar staff are very nice indeed and will chat to you if you pop in. Beer and spirit selection consists of the standards (Tennents, Guinness, McEwan's, John Smiths etc) but to me beer / lager costs are a tad high (I feel) for Hamilton but spirits are good value for money - but they pull a nice pint so its not an issue really. Bar has a no football colours policy (although its probably a Celtic orientated pub if anything) but is mixed and I have never seen any trouble. As far as I am aware they do not sell food (if hungry plenty of Subway sandwich type places just outside) and snacks are limited (toilets need a revamp). I like this place and always pop in when in Hamilton on a Saturday (without the car) - Well worth a visit

Once a typical Lanarkshire “working man’s bar,” (called, I believe, Wylie’s) this has been transformed into a more contemporary lounge, catering for a wider range of customers. The bar, taking up almost the entire length of one side of the pub, and the old gantry behind it, are reminders of its past, however. Pictures of New York on the walls are consistent with the new name and loud music, TVs and low level lighting add to the modern atmosphere. A sign on the door says “Over 25s only” and the clientele was mainly in the 30 to 60 age group. The usual staples are available on draught.