Manchester's brilliant bars have made the city the envy of the north - and as Andy Burnham manages his first few feverish days in Downing Street, his thoughts may well drift wistfully to the pubs he's left behind.
So what are his favourites? Since I was a student in the city 30 years ago, the sticky-carpeted spots we loved (from The Grapes near UMIST to Fallowfield's Queen of Hearts) have been surpassed by cooler bars and a whole new Northern Quarter. And in an interview with The Manchester Evening News, the new Prime Minister revealed the ones he loves most. Since moving to London and the South East, dishing out nearly £8 for a pint has become painfully common. But, with pints from £5.50 and glasses of wine starting at £4 in Andy's favourite haunts, they are well worth a visit...
The Temple
One of Andy's top picks as it's 'right next to my office', this legendary, underground dive bar brims with character. Accessed down a flight of stairs from Great Bridgewater Street, Temple (often known as The Temple of Convenience) started life as a Victorian public toilet. Today, it's famously small, dark and gritty, with poster-stapled walls, graffiti-scrawled and one of the best juke boxes in the North.
Rain Bar
Located a short distance from Oxford Road station, Rain Bar is housed in a former Victorian warehouse and umbrella factory. Regulars praise it's beer garden, which overlooks the Rochdale Canal and the back of the original Hacienda building.
Peveril of the Peak
Another Great Bridgewater Street favourite of the Prime Minister's, the 'Pev' is historic, unpretentious and has a selection of great cask ales. It's also exceptionally photogenic with a green-tiled exterior and original woodwork, Famous for pouring one of the city’s best pints of Guinness.
Society
This vibrant, all-day venue at 100 Barbirolli Square is praised for it's 'cool vibe' and named by the PM as his all-time favourite people-watching spot - 'you can sit out there and people do just drift by'. Tucked away next to the Bridgewater Hall, it brings together street food, a cocktail bar, wine bar, and taproom. What's not to like?
