The Briton's Protection, Manchester

The beer selection is much as described by the previous reviewer, with just one beer from a Manchester brewer, JW Lees Bitter, with three national brands (Pedigree, Old Peculier and Tribute) and Butty Bach from Wye Valley and one that I didn't recognise, Beartown's Skinful. I went for the local beer, but was shocked to pay £5.25, exactly 50% more than I had paid earlier for Joseph Holt's Bitter at the Hare & Hounds across the city. The only differnce: that pub is owned by the brewery, this is owned by a pub company.

Visited following the departure of the previous governor to find the inside unchanged as far as I could tell. However at the bar, five of the eight hand pulls were in service and only one of those offered a local beer - Mancunian Blonde - with the rest all big nationals eg Marstons Pedigree, Wainwright, St Austell Tribute, and something by Theakston. There was a rather unpleasant smell of vomit and sweat in the front bar, both the back rooms were full, so we retreated to the unlit beer garden. The interior would give it an extra point for me but the nasty smell in the front knocks a point off, so 6/10 for me based on this visit. Unless the ale selection improves, I won't be seeking this out again in a hurry.