Black Dog Ballroom

Booze, food and pool is on the menu at Northern Quarter’s Black Dog Ballroom, a New York-style speakeasy hidden downstairs at the iconic Manchester institution that is Afflecks. Diner food usually comes in the form of 2-4-1 pizzas, the double patty Dirty Cop Burger and loaded fries, while cocktails are inspired by cities and states in the good ole US of A.

There’s the likes of pimped-up beef chilli mac’n’cheese or a club sandwich and fries for a fiver special offer, while morning fodder served from 11am includes a breakfast bagel with fried eggs, bacon, sausage patty and jack cheese, and a hearty vegan breakfast. There’s also vegan chkn and waffles, funghi fries topped with garlic mushrooms and vegan cheese, and sweet and savoury pancakes (although vegans might steer clear of the chicken and bacon stack with maple syrup).

From California to Washington, you can take a road trip through the cocktails, highballs and copas menu, while beers include Sierra Nevada Pale, Anchor Steam and Kona Big Wave, hailing from off-campus state Hawaii. Usually open until 4am (5am on Saturdays), happy hour runs 4-8pm and there’s free pool on a Wednesday. Did we mention there are pool tables? Don’t forget to shoot some, if you can still see straight.

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