Before Manchester's Northern Quarter started to take off catering to the young, trendy, arty types, at the other end of the city centre Cask Bar opened as a haven for continental beer fans.

A wide range of bottled European beers selected for their quality rather than popularity amongst lager swillers is available, chosen by staff who enjoy drinking them themselves.

This is not a big bar, with seating only available for about 40, the majority of that in two large booths, but it can get very busy at times, especially when Manchester United are playing at home.

Food isn't served, but they're happy to allow customers to bring in take outs from the fish & chip shop next door.

The jukebox is also one of three in the city that can claim to be the best, with the nearby Knott Bar, and Bar Fringe being the other two.

Four hand pumps serve local real ales, and nine fonts serve continental kegs. There is also Guinness. A draft cider is also available at times.