The Brunswick, Manchester

The first thing to note is the outside seating at the front, getting ready for the day that continental cafe culture hits Piccadilly (although this may be some way off, given the weather, and thus the large awnings are pretty much essential). Inside, this is quite an upmarket bar-lounge with modern furniture and decor around the various seating areas. It didn't really look the place to offer real ale, but there are three handpumps facing the front door offering Hobgoblin, Theakstons and Thwaites Bomber (pricy at £3.40). NB - It has lost the 'Brunswick' part of the name in the latest refurbishment.

Bowled in here as the first stop on a mini-crawl of Manchester as it was just up the road from my hotel. Not that impressed to be honest; If you've been to the B Lounge off Deansgate it is more of the same here; Theakston's Best and Thwaites Bomber kept but I doubt in brilliant condition; I had a San Miguel and moved on fairly swiftly. Stank of disinfectant which didn't improve matters.

popped in there a couple of times in the afternoon while waiting for a train at the nearby Piccadilly station, very clean pub, nice lager