retiredmartin

January 2026. Manchester.

A “dry” night in Manchester isn’t complete without a second pint on the way to the match, Port Street Beer House getting its annual visit on the basis you can see it from the Head of Steam.

I really should like PSBH more; it’s quirky, friendly, encourages a mixed crowd,

and the Cruffatin from Pomona is a chewy NBSS 4. I’m not actually allowed to say this (as I told lovely reader/top guy Kev on the journey back to Sheff, I like ALL beer), but it’s not quite to my taste. Should have had the Kernel.

Proper Old Skool bitter, mind, and makes a change from pale/murk/sours.

And a thoroughly modern pub, particularly upstairs where the City fans and card players congregate.

I really should visit when there’s a spare table though, the seating options always disappoint.

Suddenly famished, I make a rare pre-game stop at Tony’s Chippy, where the tiling is as good as any Black Country pub,

and the steak and kidney pudding (not pie) takes this into NP&CSS 4.5 territory. Made up for a poor draw with the Seagulls, who would have nicked those chips in Brighton.

It’s just a shame City can’t provide heated seating areas along Beswick Street to enjoy your chips and gravy before a match. What’s the point of all that oil money ?