The Trafford & Hulme Branch Pub of the Season for Spring 2016 is The Bar in Chorlton.
The Bar on Wilbraham Road is one of the longest standing pubs in Chorlton and sister pub to The Knott, city centre and The Macc, Macclesfield. As one of the first of the new breed of ‘café/ bars’ in the area they were at the forefront of the revolution that now sees 30 real ale outlets in a square mile of what was once described as a ‘beer desert’.
Over the past close to 20 years it has gathered a loyal following and now arguably has the most diverse clientele in Chorlton. The 3 areas of the pub are open plan, yet separate enough to give a sense of intimacy, particularly in the small snug in back past the bar. The larger area to the left on entry hosts a weekly quiz and music nights and also serves as the main dining area, a full menu is now being served.
The long area in front of the bar has a lovely tiled fire place and there are 8 hand pumps on the bar, 4 either side of the large pillar. Beers are mostly regional and more often LocAle with offerings from Pictish, Acorn, Marble and Magic Rock frequently on the bar. Real cider is also available, 4 bag-in-box are usually found in the fridge.
Blackboards behind the bar advertise the offerings including ‘craft’ keg both foreign and domestic. There’s a patio to the front where smoking is allowed and a beer garden to the rear where it isn’t. A few things have changed over the years, but they don’t do cocktails and still don’t sell Stalla!
The Pub of the Season award will be presented on Thursday 21st April from 8pm. It’s located opposite the Chorlton Metrolink stop and several bus routes go close by.