The Marble Arch

Marble Brewery is a bit of an institution in Manchester – and The Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road is where it all began! It was the very first pub in the Marble family (which now also includes 57 Thomas Street and Marble Beer House in Chorlton), and the listed building was the site of the brewery itself until 2011. The long bar has 11 hand pulls that dispense both their own beers and selected guest ales, and there is a good selection of bottles, too.

The food is stupendous – much more than pub grub, but just as hearty, with a real emphasis on flavour and freshness. Pie, fish and chips and daily specials are all present and correct, while an added bonus is the cheese menu, complete with history, geography and tasting notes for each one.

There is a roaring log fire in winter months, and a dedicated dining area for those looking to come especially for food, which many do. It's great for groups of friends and families, and is incredibly popular with the after-work crowd. In fact, this place is a super all-rounder. The only drawback is the location – even though it's only a short walk from the city centre proper, it's far out enough to feel like it's in the middle of nowhere.