The Briton's Protection, Manchester

Unprepossessing from the outside, this lovely old pub has cosy rooms that on my visit were warm and comfortable. Jennings Cumberland, Tetleys and Robinson's Best were available, and the latter was in fine form. I can't believe its taken me so long to visit here on my multiple visits to Manchester; it is up there with The Knott as my favourite in the city.

Impressive pub with a fine exterior and an even better interior. 3 small rooms two with "real" fires (OK they're gas really but still look good) plus a drinking corridor with pictures of the infamous Peterloo massacre on the walls. Sells Robinsons Unicorn & Jennings Cumberland with a guest ale or two often from Coach House. Beer is pretty well kept with the occasional blip. Can get very busy, it doesn't take many people to get this place full. Sells the excellent Grunt, Gobble, Zoom, Coo Pie (Wild Boar, Turkey, Hare & Pigeon). A quirky place, try it you'll probably like it. I do.

Great looking pub both externally and inside with a well stocked bar. The layout isn't very practical for the area in which it now finds itself and once all the suits arrive after work it can get a bit uncomfortable. Good beer good service and definitely worth a visit.

Don't be put off by the tacky neon signage on the front, this is an absolute must visit pub for anyone who appreciates the kind of pub that are fast becoming museum pieces. The pub dates back to 1811 and the interior is largely unspoilt (the pub is part of the CAMRA Inventory) with plenty to admire, all the more impressive given that there was, I believe, a serious fire here in the 1970's. The front bar is fairly shallow and quite dimly lit with an ornate patterned ceiling. To the left, snaking around the bar to the rear is a magnificent tiled corridor containing paintings commemorating the 1819 Peterloo Massacre. Off the corridor at the back are 2 smaller rooms with several interesting features – numbered doors (as per the original licensing laws), original fireplaces, gas light fittings, calling bells etc. The lighting is kept low and somber, replicating what it would have been like in the days when it was gas lit. Service is through a small hatch in the corridor at the back of the main bar. My visit revolved around the Jennings Cumberland and Robinsons Unicorn which, from the other reports, appear to be the mainstays however the pumps are quite spread out and it was not until I was leaving that I noted 2 further pumps so I reckon I missed out on some further choices. They also claim to have over 300 whiskies. There are several interesting displays of old jugs, bottles, cigarette cards etc dotted about. I found the service first rate although it may appear to be a bit stuffy to some – the place is frequented by classical musicians from the nearby Bridgwater Hall which gives it a bit of an eltist feel although I did not feel unwelcome despite wearing a football shirt at the time. No TV's or music as far as I could see which would only spoil the ambience. A top pub all round and very nearly maximum points from me but I would need to have a couple more visits to justify it…and they should get rid of those neon signs!