The Salutation Pub — Restaurant in Manchester

I used to frequent the Sal when I lived in Hulme, long before it was taken over by the University. It was at that point a little rough around the edges, and it's future didn't exactly look bright - still, Frank Sidebottom was an ad-hoc performing regular, and that made it all OK. Fast forward to one winter's night in 2022, and although it clearly hadn't moved an inch, it looked and felt like it was in a completely different place - from the outside, lit-up and surrounded by shiny and modern looking University buildings, you feel like you're in some kind of grandiose museum - unusual, but I quite like that. If this is what it takes to save a wonderful building like this, then so be it On the night of me and my friend's visit, England were playing in the football World Cup so we were in need of some urgent respite away from the tanked up hoards of Christmas jumper bells and nowty security guards. Inside, the pub was refreshingly calm, and happily the interior hadn't changed much - the exquisite ceiling design was still in place (rest assured the pattern pre-dates the birth of a certain Austrian dictator's political party). The ale - provided by Bollington Brewery - was confidently given the thumbs up by myself and all in my party. I had Bollington Best - it was fresh and light tasting. They also do food, but I'm yet to indulge. The staff, which at that point seemed to be made up mostly of University students, were friendly, chatty and very helpful. All in all I'd say this is now one of the best pubs in Manchester - a few minutes walk from the city centre, but a world away its late-night slightly...

Used to love going in here, really nice little pub with a good atmosphere. Been recently disappointed by the food recently.. one guest ordered a burger which was pink all the way through.. not cooked properly at all and not worth the money considering you have to pay for chips separately (when they used to come for free). Received some of the loaded fries one day which were delicious and came as a big portion, but ordered another day and they came in a small bowl barely warm and the cheese wasn't melted like it was on the previous occasion. There is no consistency to the quality of food which has put me off buying it in future. Some staff lack customer service skills when ordering at the bar, not a big problem but a smile wouldn't harm. The place itself is welcoming and warm, a fantastic location and a great place for a drink for MMU students.. just a shame that the food isn't up to...

The toilet was an eyesore. I have never seen anything like it. Flies everywhere in the toilet, even with about 3 punters in the bar on the day I visited, the toilet smelt of wee (urine) perhaps this explains the swarm of flies, this suggests that the toilet hasn't been cleaned in a long time. For a pub adjacent to the Manchester Metropolitan, a hub for students, this is not just a horrifying let down but an absolute lack of commercial sense. That pub should be a hub be a hotspot for students and uni staff but obviously it's unhygienic state will be off putting to anyone seeking to relax. This pub potentially presents a public health risk. With the flies loafing in the toilet, think about what will happen if the flies get out as likely and then start contaminating punters drinks and food. I wanted to order some food but as soon as I saw the toilet I lost my appetite and abandoned my...