Pub of the Month April - Sandbar
The Sandbar
120-122 Grosvenor Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock M1 7HL
Sandbar
The Pub of the Month for April is Sandbar on Grosvenor Street in Chorlton-on-Medlock. Jack Lyons has been along.
Opened in 1996, Sandbar was one of the first modern bars in Manchester – and certainly the first in the heart of the University area. Originally importing bottled beers from Europe when no one else was, the bar now concentrates on locally produced beers on cask and keg, furthering its environmental credentials, which accounts for its long-term popularity with both students and lecturers from the surrounding colleges.
Originally three Georgian townhouses, Sandbar is a veritable time machine which has witnessed Georgian, then industrial, Manchester and now finds itself in the city’s Knowledge Quarter. Frequent painting and photography exhibitions line the walls. Regular events include life-drawing classes and free Yoga among others. Also, check out the Cabinet of Curiosities. Outdoor seating is provided at the front and side of the buildings.
Cask ales confront you immediately on entering. with a pulpit-like bar of eight handpumps, include house beers Facers Clwyd Gold and Phoenix Arizona, and a line for Courier Brewing (down the road in Ardwick), they also aim to have a stout/porter and a traditional cider. There’s a hymn board displaying beers on tap. Food comprises a selection of (very tasty) homemade pizzas.
Sandbar has been quietly excellent for years now, while at the same time remaining slightly below the radar. However, it's been a regular in the national Good Beer Guide for many years, and won ‘Best Pub/Craft Ale Bar' in the Manchester Food & Drink Festival awards.
All this is overseen by general manager Dave Williams and his team. Dave has been at Sandbar for twelve years and the smooth operation shows a sure touch by all concerned. It's not the first time Sandbar has been Pub of the Month, but this further award is well overdue. Join us on the night of Thursday 17 April when we present this well-deserved award.