Sadler's Cat, Manchester

Working my way back to Victoria (where this is strategically positioned). Interesting little space, with a quiet atmosphere for a Friday night at 8pm. A Cloudwater tap, with plenty of keg and cask choice.

I've had this place as one I'd wanted to visit since it was the Pilcrow. It is a surprisingly large wooden hut-like building overlooking Sadler's Yard, which is a courtyard surrounded by high-rise office buildings. The pub had not long opened when I arrived midway through a Friday afternoon. I was the first customer in and when I left, there was just the barmaid remaining. A couple of cask ales from Cloudwater were on - Zappa In Your Heart & Coming Home. I had the Coming Home, which was quite a tasty stout which belied its 3.8% ABV. As you'd expect from Cloudwater, the focus was on craft beers. Printed lists on the bar showed the selection - Cloudwater Helles, Happy Christmas, Super Happy Fuzzy, SoCal, Light Later, Somewhere Within, Step Up, Volley, Cherry Gentle Breeze, Kold IPA, A Fire By The Bines, My Continuous Improvement Chocolate Orange & Single Hop Series: 4/4 Riwaka & Cloudwater/Two Chefs Fully Baked. I found this a strange sort of place. Hopefully it gets busier later in the evening, as otherwise I can't see it surviving. The cold winter months probably don't help either, as I'd imagine it's much more popular for outdoor drinking in the summer. However, I'd happily return. It's quite unique and I did enjoy the beer.

This weekend saw my first visit since this became the Sadler's Cat, which is a Cloudwater venture. Three cask ales at the bar, two from Cloudwater and one guest. Various keg options too, as you would naturally expect. People were eating inside, but I think the food came from a hut just outside, so not sure if it is directly linked to Sadler's Cat or whether they are separate but have an arrangement going on. Wi-Fi is available (no registration required). Music was playing on Saturday evening, courtesy of a DJ in the corner. Not deafening but definitely louder than background music. Doesn't seem to have changed massiveley since its time as the Pilcrow and I would be happy to go again.

Official site of Sadler's Cat - www.sadlers-cat.pub

Official site of Sadler's Cat - www.sadlers-cat.pub