Bank, Manchester

This occupies a handsome Greek Revival building that is some 200 years old. Originally built to house the Portico Library (which still occupies the upper floor), the pub occupies the former newsroom. In the 1990s this was part of the Firkin brew-pub family, so was styled as the “Forgery & Firkin” (that said, it never brewed on the premises, instead being supplied by the Flea & Firkin across town). Now however, the Bank is part of the Nicholson’s chain and so has something of an emphasis on cask beers with the regular offerings being supplemented by guests from around the country – and often from unusual micros. The largely open-plan interior is neatly split up and retains many original features that give it an air of grandeur. In some respects it is evocative of a gentlemen’s club, with a quiet, solid and purposeful air. The pub may close early if it is very quiet at the last hour. The house beer Nicholson's Pale Ale is brewed by St Austell.