The Bar - Chorlton

Trafford branch had a great evening recently at the Bar in Chorlton.

The event being the presentation of the Winter Pub of the Season award to Jenny Pearson, the manager (on the right). The beer was on wonderful form, namely Ginger Marble, Manchester Bitter and JP Best from the Marble brewery, Phoenix, Thirsty Moon and Pictish Alchemist Ale, closely followed by Brewers Gold. The branch would like to thank Jenny and her hardworking staff, who kept the beer flowing all night and for the wonderful buffet which was provided for everybody.

“Relaxed” was the buzz word when I asked for comments about The Bar. From the “snug” feel in front of the open fire to the street café exterior “relaxed” was the main criteria. Newly redecorated, the seating ranges from settees to pews, to suit your mood and company.The owner, Lance DeBechevel, has been involved with The Bar for 16 years and the manager, Jenny Pearson for 3 years, with a 6 month stint at the sister pub, The Knot on Deansgate. Specialising in beers from around the world and local ales, the draught beers have proved to be more popular than bottles, but Jenny is very keen to maintain a good and regular supply of bottled beers for those who prefer them. A new innovation is to stock bottles of Marble Brewery’s “Tawny” for home consumption, one of the few outlets in Chorlton. House draught ales are from Marble Brewery, with regular guest beers sourced from Phoenix and Pictish. Other guest beers are obtained specifically from local breweries, in the same way that the food produce is sourced from local suppliers, reflected in the recipes for the specials menu selection.

In conjunction with the Knot, The Bar holds a number of festivals throughout the year, with 25 beers from local breweries. Such is the interest in the festivals that they will become a regular feature, possibly occurring on a quarterly basis. Other special events have included the launch of the latest Marble Beers. Full of flavour, they are free from additives, made from natural ingredients and the beers are made using organic malt and hops, GMO free yeast and water and as such are the first draught real ales to be approved by The Vegetarian Society. Often available is JP Best,  recently awarded Best Beer Brewed in Greater Manchester at Manchester Food and Drink Festival.

Since the smoking ban and the more recent redecoration, The Bar has seen business develop and grow. New customers have arrived and adopted the place, adding more character to that provided by the regulars. The pavement drinking area is still being developed, with a cast iron canopy being erected shortly An extensive food menu and relaxed atmosphere has attracted people of all ages, with wet sales echoing that enthusiasm. 

Jenny was keen to deny any worries of competition from the new bars opening in Chorlton, believing them to bring in new customers rather than taking existing ones away. She pointed out that some of them had taken ideas from the Bar, a real compliment.

The Bar is one of the few pubs in the area that open late and this seems to have meant that people are staying to relax longer, rather than rushing in at last orders.  Closing times remain 12 midnight on Thursday, 12-30am on Friday and Saturday.  Food is served from 12 midday to 8pm and there are plans to serve special snacks from 8pm to 10-30pm. These might include stuffed peppers, cheese and biscuits and savoury platters.  There a also special nights, Monday being steak night – 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £19.95, Tuesday is the Tea Party – home-made cake and coffee for £3.50, Friday special – a one-pot meal, bread and butter for £5. Monday night is also quiz night with a theme, including complimentary canapés for all teams.