The Smithfield Tavern

The prime example of a modern day pub executed to perfection, The Smithfield is a Blackjack Brewery taphouse on the periphery of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats areas, where a sterling line-up of craft ales are given the friendly, approachable setting they deserve.

With a reassuringly traditional ethos at its core, The Smithfield clings on to the best elements of classic pub era (a dart board, board games, comfy, mismatched furniture and an enviable selection of nuts) while ditching the archaic ones (sticky floors, the stench of stale beer and a band of slightly racist bitter drinkers propping up the bar) to create a Skinny award-winning, CAMRA-recognised neighbourhood boozer with bags of charm.

While Blackjack's own creations tend to dominate the taps, you’ll also find beers from other locals including First Chop, Manchester Brewing Co. and Track, along with favourites from further afield.

With friendly staff that’ll begin to recognise your face within no time, it’s the type of place that was practically made for wiling away the hours with the Sunday papers and a small, well-behaved dog sat on your lap – in fact, being so good at accommodating our four-legged friends, there’s even a corner of kitsch dog paintings adorning the wall. Like we said: charm by the bucketload.

The Smithfield Tavern was one of the Best Pub winners in The Skinny Food and Drink Survey 2017, as voted by The Skinny readers. See the results in full here.

[Jess Hardiman]