Bulls Head, Manchester

The Bulls Head is just over the road from Manchester Piccadilly Station, but feels a million miles away once inside. The traditional Victorian interior is single room with a curved bar on the rear wall that support eight handpumps and a standard and premium keg range. During my midweek afternoon visit last week six of the handpumps were operational. In the front left corner is a raised seating area that was roped off, but I did spot an interesting fireplace that is worth a look. Down the right wall are raised benches that face high tables, and at the end of this row is another fireplace. To the right of the bar is a flight of stairs that lead up to five en-suite bedrooms. Under this stairs is a check-in desk. The television was off and some 1950s and 60s music was playing in the background. The service was very friendly, but it was surprisingly quiet with only two other customers. The pickings around here are a bit slim so this place is certainly worth a visit if in the area.

Attractive Marston's (ex-Burtonwood) corner pub opposite the south entrance to Piccadilly Station; been meaning to visit for years, but finally managed to stop by while waiting for a train. The traditional wedge-shaped, and slightly split-level, interior must have been remodelled and refurbished at some stage but it still retains some character. Five of the eight handpumps were in operation, dispensing Pedigree, Jennings Cumberland, Lancaster Bomber and two Banks's beers - Sunbeam and Mild. I went for the last of these, only to be told "we don't do mild" (despite standing directly in front of the pump clip) so I probably got overcharged for my cheek when I pointed this out and got my perfectly good pint of the stuff!