Exchange Lounge @ Novotel, Manchester

Exchange is the bar of the Novotel located to the left of the hotel’s reception, but it is run as a city centre bar and most wandering off the street wouldn’t notice the Novotel link. Premium and craft keg options are available from the serving counter across the rear that faces high tables and some sofas that run around the floor to ceiling front windows. The table football felt a bit out of place, but the dance music beat in the background suited the thirty something crowd that had assembled on a recent midweek evening before Christmas. If I was staying in the hotel I’d consider having a drink here before moving on to somewhere more interesting, but I’ll not be walking in off the street again.

This bar is part of the Novotel, which isn't initially obvious as it has its own separate entrance and external signage on Portland Street. It's very pleasantly decorated and was pretty busy on my Friday, late afternoon visit. No cask ale, but there are a couple of well known craft beers available. I've been in a lot worse.