The Abel Heywood - Manchester - Pub Reviews

We ventured into the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter and found ourselves at Abel Heywood – a welcoming pub where local ales, hearty British food, and a stylish yet cosy atmosphere create the perfect setting for a meal or a pint. Whether you’re here for a relaxed drink or a refined meal, this pub offers something for everyone.

Name: Abel Heywood

Location: 38 Turner Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1DZ

Phone: 0161 819 1441

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

• Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Based on a mixture of online reviews and my own observations, Abel Heywood is often praised for its welcoming atmosphere, quality of food, and well-kept ales.

Facilities & Entertainment:

• Parking: No designated parking. As it’s centrally located in the Northern Quarter, parking can be challenging, with nearby street parking and pay-and-display options available.

• Darts & Pool Table: No darts or pool facilities mentioned.

• Live Sports: No appearance of live sports. The pub appears to be more focused on food, drink, and ambiance rather than sports viewing.

Food on Offer:

Abel Heywood is well-regarded for its food offerings, featuring a mix of traditional British pub fare and more modern dishes. Popular choices include hearty pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts, all served with a contemporary twist. Breakfast is also a highlight, available from 8:30 AM daily, with options ranging from classic English breakfast to lighter, healthier dishes. The pub's restaurant upstairs is reserved for more formal dining, while the downstairs maintains a relaxed pub atmosphere.

Beers on Tap:

The pub has a strong focus on local ales, primarily from Hydes Brewery. This includes:

• Hydes Hopster: A session ale known for its balanced hoppy character.

• Hydes Lowry: A golden ale with a hint of citrus.

• Hydes Original: A classic ale with a malty profile. The pub often offers up to six real ales on tap, rotating seasonally or based on availability.

Price Range:

££ - Mid-range pricing.
Food prices are generally reasonable for a city-centre pub, with main dishes averaging between £12-£18. Drinks are similarly priced in line with other Northern Quarter pubs, offering good value given the location and quality of service.

Customer Service:

Overall feedback on customer service is overwhelmingly positive. Staff are frequently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming and relaxed environment. There are occasional comments about busyness during peak times, but this is to be expected given its popularity. Overall, service quality remains consistently high, with staff knowledgeable about the beers on offer and accommodating to dietary needs.

Events & Special Nights:

The Abel Heywood hosts events on an occasional basis, typically utilising the first-floor restaurant area for private functions, including birthdays and corporate gatherings. There aren’t specific regular themed nights like quizzes or live music mentioned, but the flexible use of space allows for varied events depending on the season or occasion.

In-Depth Review:

Nestled in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Abel Heywood manages to blend the charm of a traditional British pub with the urban flair of this trendy district. This pub, named after a former mayor of Manchester, embraces a sense of local history while offering a contemporary experience. It's part of the Hydes Brewery estate, a local brewing institution known for producing quality ales since the 19th century. This connection to Hydes means that you’re guaranteed a fresh, well-maintained pint every time you visit, and their range of ales includes some excellent local brews that you won’t easily find elsewhere.

The pub itself is housed in a building with a long-standing history, which was refurbished in March 2024 to enhance both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. This recent update preserved the classic feel of the establishment while introducing modern touches, such as improved lighting, seating arrangements, and a more spacious dining area upstairs. The downstairs bar remains the heart of the pub, with a large L-shaped counter and six hand pumps, often pouring seasonal selections from the Hydes Brewery.

The Abel Heywood attracts a diverse clientele. It’s a favourite for both locals and visitors, drawing in young professionals during the week, tourists exploring Manchester’s vibrant scene, and families on weekends looking for a comfortable spot to enjoy a meal. Its versatility is part of the appeal: you can just as easily stop by for a casual pint with friends as you can for a sit-down meal with family.

The atmosphere is a key feature—cosy and welcoming without being outdated. The main bar area has a rustic yet polished feel, balancing exposed brickwork and wooden fittings with contemporary furniture. The restaurant upstairs, quieter and more refined, offers a more intimate dining experience without losing the pub’s laid-back charm. Accessibility-wise, the pub accommodates families and pets, with dog-friendly areas and ample seating. However, given the city-centre location, there isn’t dedicated parking, which can be a minor inconvenience if you’re driving.

A standout feature is the quality of food, which leans towards classic British with a twist. The Sunday roast is a particular highlight, often praised in reviews for its generous portions and flavourful execution. Breakfast options, served from 8:30 AM, offer a variety from traditional full English to lighter choices, perfect for starting a day of exploring Manchester.

Despite its many strengths, the pub isn’t without areas for improvement. Due to its popularity, it can become quite busy, especially during peak hours or weekends, leading to potential wait times for food or seating. However, this is a common issue for many well-loved establishments in busy urban centres, and the staff’s professionalism typically ensures that the experience remains enjoyable despite occasional delays.

Overall, the Abel Heywood is a fantastic option for anyone visiting Manchester, offering a taste of local culture, quality food, and well-kept ales in an inviting setting. It’s a pub that stands out not just for its name, but for its ability to cater to a wide range of customers, making it a cornerstone of the Northern Quarter's bustling pub scene.

Reviewed by: Pub Reviews Team