A mere hop and a skip away from the burb's main transport links and with the credentials of the Northern Quarter's Port Street Beer House attached, you can see why Chorltonites and City Centre dwellers alike are letting The Beagle lead them to their ideal post-work evening. Its impressive outdoor area blends seamlessly into the bar itself when the large front doors are opened; something that's happening a lot in this uncharacteristic heatwave and something DesignMyNight were very grateful for when we settled in for a balmy teatime treat.
The Venue
Dubbed as 'a beer house with a dining room', The Beagle offers sumptuous surrounds with artwork peppered walls, rough 'n' ready exposed brickwork and perfectly polished dark wood. It's an eclectic mix of traditional and quirky but it works, and while its front terrace makes for the perfect suntrap in the summer months, you can see how the interior would be comfortingly cosy when those cold nights start to draw in. It's also proud of its dog-friendly status, and we couldn't help but coo and squee when (aptly enough) a tiny beagle puppy wandered through the bar (on a lead, of course). A variety of cushioned benches and booths line the walls with plentiful seating at the bar, alongside smaller tables set up with dining chairs. It all feels delightfully relaxed and homely.
Clientele and Atmosphere
You'll find everyone in The Beagle from the aforementioned dog walkers to young urban professionals, yummy mummies to creatives with laptops... it offers something for everyone. It boasts live music, DJs, beer festivals, 'Meet the Brewer' events relating to their impressive array of craft beers, food nights and more. Keep an eye on their website for their latest goings-on. Another aspect of The Beagle adding weight to the idea of each visit feeling different is the fact that rather than a static food menu, a Guerilla Eats food vendor caters the place each week to provide seven days of deliciousness before another takes their place.
Food & Drink
Our visit took place during fried chicken week, and the descriptions on the temporary menu had us salivating before we'd even ordered anything. A staple buttermilk fried chicken base founded each dish, which would then become a burger or salad. The New Yorker with crispy maple bacon and cheese was a no brainer, and its £8 price tag seemed far too reasonable for a meal not only tantalisingly tasty but large in portion size. Fries and homemade coleslaw came as standard, and two burger orders come with a free side of BBQ nachos which were fresh, crisp and delightful. As would be expected from the folks behind PSBH, there's a veritable Beer Bible on offer with bottles from far and wide and some guest ales too. The cocktail menu is small, simple and striking, and our mojitos were amongst the best we've had in Manchester and a snip at £6 each.
Summary
If you're a Chorlton-dweller, consider yourself lucky to have The Beagle within reach; if you're not, it's certainly a place worth travelling for (especially with those super quick trams as an option now). Can you think of anywhere else in Manchester that showcases street food as its main menu, and changes that menu so frequently? Every visit would be different, especially if you took it upon yourself to sample their entire roster of beers. While it's definitely one to look out for in the winter months, you should soak up as many rays as possible on their suntrap of a terrace now that you have the chance. We'll be back for some more Guerilla Eats, craft beers and tasty cocktails for sure.
