The Royal Oak, Manchester

Most people in here seem to be lonely old men making use of the bank and bookies either side before settling down for a day's racing whilst being fed and watered at give away prices. The cavernous interior encircles an island bar and whilst there are a few comfortable corners areas, the lack of any partitioning means that there is very little intimacy about the place. There are multiple TVs + Big Screen showing various sports and 2 pool tables at the rear. In front of the raised area at the front of the pub is a dance floor (complete with mirrorball) and I can only guess at the horrors that are put on here in the name of entertainment All food (except Sunday Roasts) is under £3 and whilst the menu is hardly adventurous, it does represent excellent value for money. The beers are however shockingly bad and I would defy anyone to claim that Green King IPA smooth is their favourite tipple. I will give the barmaid the benefit of the doubt over my suvvern accent for pouring me the totally wrong pint and subjecting me to this pint of monstrosity. With no Real Ales I guess I should have stuck to Strongbow or better still, walked out. It's clean and tidy but I certainly wouldn't give it much of a positive recommendation.