Castle Hotel, Manchester

Official site of the Castle Hotel - www.thecastlehotel.info

Official site of the Castle Hotel - www.thecastlehotel.info

Looks nothing from the outside, and on first glance you might think the same inside (until you see the 9 handpumps serving the full range of the Robinson's ales from nearby Stockport). An increasingly rare example of an old fashioned city boozer, but any real ale drinker will find the five-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens worthwhile.

One of Manchester’s historic pubs and a Robinson’s house. It’s always been a bit scruffy and remains so even though I think they’ve had a bit of a refurb recently. I remembered it as having a plethora of knick knacks and tat behind the bar but most of that is gone now. Also gone is the macabre mosaic which allegedly included the ashes of a long time landlady. Back in her day you’d likely get thrown out for having the temerity to ask for a pint of Old Tom, it was halves only. Lost a bit of character but still one to visit.