The Bowling Green, Manchester

The Bowling Green is a proper, nearly no-frills pub hidden away behind the Royal Infirmary, which is a little odd because you almost keep imagining that escaped patients might suddenly dart in still wrapped in bloody dressings.

Mercifully, this image has resided in my head only and yet to manifest itself into reality.

In essence, what you have in the Bowling Green is a pub that serves a good pint and offers enough seats for you to sit down and chat endlessly. It's refreshingly old-school in that respect.

However, there is a twist to this tale. You may well find yourself dreamily sipping away at a pint of Black Sheep and listening to the clink of the pool table before your eyes rest on the chalk board menu.

While you decide whether you want to snack on a bowl of chips or not, you'll find that there's the option of buying a burger made from kangaroo or the chance to chow down on crocodile or wild boar.

Seriously.

It's an unexpected boon in a place that primarily serves to be a pleasing pub of the past.

The beer is cheap and the crowd are alright. Take a gang of mates in there and there's a chance you might not move 'til kicking out time.

And let's not forget the big old lovely pub-dog who comes and plonks himself lovingly at your feet.

Tucked away behind Manchester Royal Infirmary, this traditional pub is a great place for an after work pint. There’s a pool table and a juke box and the bar offers a decent selection of beers and real ales. The food is excellent, with some unusual choices on offer (kangeroo, wild boar). Also puts on a great quiz night on a Wednesday

This pub is right next to Manchester Royal Infirmary and close to many of the university buildings so expect it to be busy around lunch times.
A much more traditional type of place than some of the surrounding boozers, The Bowling Green serves some of the best beer and food in the area.

Despite the traditional setting, this place does serve some slightly less traditional food. Kangeroo burger anyone? How about a wild boar and apple sausage instead? The prices are reasonable for both food and drink, although if you’re a greedy guts like me, you’ll find the portions a little on the small side. The home-made chips are worth a visit themselves!

A great after work pub if you spend your day near the University. They have a pool table and are fixing up the back so the outdoor seating is on the upside. The bartender is very friendly and he occasionally brings his sheepdog with him, who sprawls out on the carpet practically begging for love. Three pounds for beer, 70 p for crisps.