Founder's Hall, Manchester

The Founder's Hall has been open for a few years but today was my first visit. At the bar, seven cask, all their own (JW Lees), with multiple of their keg offerings too. My Berry Rumble was priced at £5.55 a pint (£2.80 half), which seemed expensive after a trip to Spoons but on reflection under £6 a pint is probably pretty fair for Manchester city centre. I'm not always a fan of Lees beers but this one was nice and in decent condition, so fair play. Food is served. The tables have QR codes so you can scan and order from your table, should you wish to do so. Appears to be dog friendly. Toilets are downstairs in a basement area and are pleasant enough. There is outdoor seating to the front, some of it sheltered under the arches and some more exposed on the edge of Albert Square. I wouldn't be in a mega rush to re-visit, as Lees beers aren't usually my thing, but I can't knock the selection they had on or its condition.

Substantial modern pub opposite the old town hall, a definitely more appealing than in its previous Duttons incarnation. Although under a modern office block, parts of the ceiling have been given slight arches that give the impression of a much older cellar-type construction (although the picture windows help dispel that notion of course). Sensible mix of modern furniture and some traditional decorative features throughout the partly sub-divided seating and dining areas. Also has plenty more tables under the arcaded frontage and out on the pavement. Four core JW Lees beers plus the Fruited Ale from the bank of seven handpumps along a pair from The Boilerhouse small-batch range: Twin Fire Ruby mild (£5.55) and Round Trip pale ale.

Now rebranded as Founders Hall and serving as a Lees showcase. Bar/restaurant with a smart modern interior, all themed around the brewery. Their full range of 7 cask on, and you can get a flight of three if you want. In fact, one gent did this before me which took the barman ages to put together. I tried the cask Black Rose milk stout which was gorgeous, like a dessert in beer form. It’s a decent place if a touch too modern for me and beware the prices, we’re a long way from Middleton here.

Facebook page of Founder's Hall - www.facebook.com