The Angel

We had an internal debate about whether to class The Angel on Rochdale Road as part of the city centre, and it just about squeezed in. It’s situated in the newish NOMA development near the Co-operative buildings, but it was there long before the property marketeers came up with that NYC-style rebrand. NOrth MAnchester indeed.

The Angel is a pub for people who like their pubs to be pubby – in that it’s nothing fancy but it has everything you need for a relaxed pint without any posturing, either from the decor or the clientele. There’s a log fire upstairs, a functional beer garden out back, and a low-lit dark wood interior that makes you want to settle in for a session, if your day allows it. It’s an old building that could do with a cash-injection but the rough edges are part of its charm.

On the taps you’ll find real ales from small independent breweries, including their house ale The Angel which is from Howard Town Brewery in Glossop. The range is good with eight to ten on tap at any time. They sell real ciders too. There’s also a piano and it’s not just for show.

It might not look like it, but The Angel has a proud heritage of excellent food. As well as a pint, call in for Carlingford oysters, rarebit gougeres or spiced lamb croquettes with labneh. Not exactly scampi. There’s also a highly-recommended Sunday roast.