Old Monkey

Manchester brewer, Joseph Holt's first ever new-build house in the city. Built on the site of the Queens Arms beer house, it opened in 1993 to great acclaim. The early success of the 'Monkey' inspired Holt to open the Ape & Apple nearby. It is set on two floors where the downstairs is seldom anything less than abuzz with custom and is definitely the main engine of trade. Popular with tourists who venture here from their nearby hotels. There is fixed seating round the edges of the room, but this is mostly a standing drinking area. Meanwhile upstairs has its own bar, and serves food and drink in a more relaxed, comfortable and intimate environment. The upstairs windows provide you with great views of the bustle of the Princess Street junction. On the first Wednesday of the month, the upstairs room hosts comedians sourced by the Trapdoor Comedy Club; these events cost roughly £3 advance or £5 on the door per ticket. Food is served 12-3 Mon-Wed; 12-6 Thu-Sun, where a menu of home-made dishes are the staple fare. The guest ales change once a week, and the guest beer from Bootleg Brewing Co (brewed at the Holt's-owned Horse & Jockey, Chorlton-cum-Hardy) change with availability. The Old Monkey is now the only Holts pub in Manchester City Centre that regularly sells the increasingly rare Mild.