The Crown & Kettle

The Crown & Kettle is surely Manchester’s most beautiful pub. This landmark Gothic building on the corner of Oldham Road and Great Ancoats Street has high, ornate ceilings with descending stonework which used to house chandeliers. But even though it dates from 1734, it feels fresh and modern.

This independent free house is light and bright with an excellent reputation for beer. There’s a great range of cask and keg showcasing everything from Czech lagers to ShinDigger IPAs and more esoteric offerings like a Banana Split pastry sour from Pastore.

It’s a drinker’s pub not a food establishment but they serve dishes from various pop-ups on a rotating monthly residency. Everything from Indian small plates to casual Italian food.

Tables outside are a big plus and on sunny evenings, there’s almost a festival vibe. It’s down in part to the regular ‘happenings’; summer street parties, tap takeovers from top indie brewers, dog socials, and vintage markets.

There’s a community feel to this pub and it’s clear it’s a place people feel strongly about.