The Deansgate

This little pub is tucked away into a corner site adjacent to the Beetham Tower (Deansgate Hotel, neé Hilton). Traditional looking pub, the rest of the block it sits on is occupied by a currently under construction tower, which wraps around the rear and holds the pub tightly, as if nestled in a tender embrace. The positioning of the pub shows it to be a survivor, a relic of an earlier time preserved – good to see. The pub itself is a Greene King house, with prominent corner entrance – inside, a large central bar with an array of seating. Visited on a Saturday morning, just after opening, so it was relatively quiet, filling up towards 12. Chose to sit in what appeared to be choir stalls, situated to the side of the bar, with little tables for perching a beer. Novel. There is a gaming machine towards the rear, which looked like it might have Thai princess on it. The beer itself was Amstel, a good compromise lager for a place like this – a cold and frosty pint, perfect for a damp day. My liver will not have celebrated, but I did. Beer was £5.55 for a pint – a standard enough price, but not dissimilar to my local in Kent - the days of the cheap northern pint are well and truly over. The pub serves food, a standard-looking Green King menu, although I did not eat here on this occasion I certainly would in future. Unusual mix of customers in there during my visit – a few couples, some loud and irritating hipster types pontificating to each other and a couple of large groups, headed for a drink ahead of a day in the city. The positioning of the pub relatively near to Deansgate Station presumably makes this a natural stopping-off point for those heading to or from the station. Probably also draws a few on their way to/from the museum of science as well, as that isn’t far away. I like a bit of science, although I don’t understand it at all. A bit like maths really. Anyway, I digress – overall, a decent pub, worth a visit for pint or a bite to eat – drop by if you’re in the area.

I can not fault the food or the bar staff. They were both excellent. However, the pub was absolutely rammed with football fans as it was Derby day (not being a football fan this was something I didn't take into account when booking). This did not make for a pleasant dinning experience as we were subjected to very loud chanting, having beer spilt on us and my daughter almost getting sat on by someone whilst we were trying to eat. Whilst this is not a reflection on the pub itself, which is actually quite nice, I think a suggestion would be to plan ahead and section off an area for diners when events like this are taking place.

Kristol and Felan were lovely, friendly & really helpful, Kristol especially so when my friend was delayed and I was sat there alone with enough food for a small village! Leo was here again and was also lovely. All the staff here always are. The food has always been delicious too and was again. I highly recommend it.