The Marble Arch

George Orwell may have named his ideal (and imaginary) pub The Moon Under Water but Wetherspoons on Deansgate was not what he had in mind. It’s The Marble Arch which has all the qualities that mark it out as the perfect boozer.

There’s a varied clientele (oldsters, youngsters, hipsters, posties) and an excellent selection of beer on tap – both their own and guest appearances. With its porticoed entrance, resplendent tiling and famous sloping floor, it’s a beautiful pub that’s full of the grandeur of a bygone age. There’s a real patina of history, not just a few knick-knacks thrown together for an unconvincing olde worlde charm. Come for the beer – it’s reason to visit on its own and the bar is everything a pub should be.

But stay for the food too. There’s a separate dining area and some substantial British dishes. It’s the sort of food you’d hope to find in a place like this and you won’t be disappointed. Bar bites and starters comprise things like paprika crackling, warm baked pretzels with mushroom ketchup and haggis scotch egg. All done well.

Mains are a mix of burgers and classics like a smashing featherblade pie with their own Manchester bitter, fish and chips or chicken with truffle mash and burnt leeks. They do a good Sunday roast too.

There are no desserts. At The Marble Arch they are definitely puddings – their sticky toffee being a case in point but it’s the cheeseboards which are our top recommendation – they’ve got quite a reputation.

With a hearty meal like this, they’ll have to roll you down that sloping floor and out of the front door.

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