Joshua Brooks is hailed as one of the UK's best nightclubs; but during the day this tiny nightclub is a more adequately sized pub serving draught beers and classic pub food. Just off Oxford Road, it's a stones throw from both Oxford Road and Piccadilly Stations and is popular with students at lunch time due to the delights they serve up.
The Venue
Upstairs is the traditional pub area but combined with a modern twist. Expect a large bright room with tall leather booths and eclectic wooden tables and chairs littering the dining area. Bare brick walls throughout give it a simple look which is modern and the ceiling alcoves are covered in beer mats boasting the guest beers and ales served over the years. Black boards showcase the days specials and offers behind the vast array of spirits on offer. It's a much calmer venue during the day with many students gracing Joshua Brooks to bag a booth at lunch time. This is stalk contrast to Joshua Brooks' evening clientele where you struggle for elbow room on one of their sell out nights in the basement. There really is something for everyone, from the student to the local or young professional looking for a relaxing place for some lunch away from the centre of the city.
The Atmosphere & Clientele
So as you've probably gathered the atmosphere in the day is completely different to the evenings at Joshua Brooks. With a predominately student clientele, it has a lively atmosphere from those grabbing a coffee and a slice of home-made cake to those nursing a hang over from the night before with one of their great pub meals. It's a hit with smaller groups during the day making the afternoons pretty chilled out and great for a catch up with friends or even a working lunch.
The Drink
Famous for its extensive craft beer and ales which are proudly displayed around the bar; Joshua Brooks also has a well thought out and lengthy scotch menu alongside bottled beers and ciders. Their beers range from local ales to popular imports such as Brooklyn Beer which is served on draught (a popular choice). Their food menu is predominately fuss-free favourites including Fish & Chips, Pieminister Pies and Home-made Beef Burgers. For lighter options, their salads and toasties are also delicious. Cheese & Ham and Roasted Tuna toasties are packed full to the brim with fresh ingredients and come with a generous helping of fries and a side salad to munch on. Their vegetarian options, such as their Haloumni Salad come with tiny pots of couscous and houmous and are packed full of cheese and fresh veggies - a great healthy and indulgent way to fill up at lunchtime in Manchester.
Summary
It's almost impossible to believe that such a chilled out and relaxed pub is also the lively Joshua Brooks that sells out hugely popular club nights. Classic fuss-free food and great beer make this venue stand out from your average pub and it's free from the spit and sawdust of your typical local boozer. Ideally located just a short walk from the city centre, you'd be a fool not to check out Joshua Brooks.
