The Smithfield Market Tavern, Manchester

Somehow this is my first visit, although it never looked that enticing in its previous incarnation before being refurbished and taken over by Blackjack. Anyway, it is now an excellent tap house than has quite an attractive appearance in the various seating areas (one of which features a bar billiards table), even if the furniture and decoration remains at the unfussy end of the range. Seven handpumps offering four of its own cask beers (including the Pub Ale ordinary bitter, £4.20), guests from Bowland and RedWillow and a cider. Also has four more of its own craft keg beers from a shiny fount on the counter plus five more (and an equal number of guests) from the ten more taps on the bar-back.

Paid a visit to the Smithfield on Saturday evening. There is a table by the door where you have to wait to be seated and check in using the QR code or old fashioned pen and paper. There were no tables available but we were allowed to sit on the sofa and have a look at the beer menu. Once a table became free it was quickly cleaned and made available for us. There were four cask ales available including ones from Blackjack and RedWillow. Orders were taken efficiently at the table and drinks arrived quickly. We stayed for a couple of drinks and during that time somebody came over to swap our menu over as one beer had gone off and another come on to replace it - now that's what you call service. Staff were friendly and attentive and this made for a pleasant relaxed drinking experience. Definitely recommended.

Visited last night after finding the Rose & Monkey next door to be shut for a tickets-only live music event. Not my first visit to the Smithfield and won't be my last. Always has a selection of Blackjack beers as well as guests on cask. I noticed some craft keg taps on the back wall but can't remember what was on offer. Pub games were being played including darts and something with a wooden block on the end of a string over a table that I have no idea what it was. Worth a visit.

didn’t really do anything for me despite obviously trying its best. an ale emporium kind of place with a lot of choice but I found the beer on the expensive side and the pub modern and somewhat characterless. I wouldn’t want to put you off calling in but I just don’t think it’s that great.