The Bulls Head - Manchester - Pub Reviews

The Bulls Head’s richly painted Victorian exterior on London Road immediately draws the eye of passers-by near Manchester’s Piccadilly Station. The Bulls Head (84 London Road, Manchester, M1 2PN) is a traditional British pub (and hotel) in the city centre, claiming roots back to 1786. Today it stands as a local landmark – CAMRA’s local branch even calls it “Your Local in the Heart of the City” – offering a cosy, old-school vibe for visitors and Mancunians alike. Inside, the space is surprisingly open-plan yet warm: polished wooden floorboards, mismatched tables, and a raised seating area by the front windows evoke an intimate atmosphere despite the central location. Longtime manager Paula Wilkinson and her team ensure a welcoming greeting for everyone. As one real-ale reviewer notes, “the welcome is second to none” and newcomers quickly feel part of the community. In short, The Bulls Head combines Victorian charm with friendly, professional service and well-kept ales, making it a true Mancunian institution.

Facilities & Entertainment

• Parking & Transit: There is no private parking lot (the street has pay-and-display zones) – instead, the pub’s excellent location near Piccadilly Station makes public transport your best bet. In fact, Piccadilly Rail Station and the main bus/tram interchange at Piccadilly Gardens are literally steps away, so trains, trams and numerous bus routes (e.g. 192, 201, 203–207, 219) serve the area.

• Pub Games & Atmosphere: The Bulls Head is a classic “Quiet Pub” (CAMRA categorises it as such). You won’t find dartboards, pool tables or big-screen TVs for sports here. Instead, conversation is the entertainment. The pub often hosts a weekly quiz night, and patrons sometimes play board games from the shelf. The mood is relaxed and communal – think local gossip and travel stories over a pint, rather than loud music or sports broadcasts.

• Connectivity: A friendly touch is the free Wi-Fi (ask behind the bar for the password). If you need to check email or maps while sipping a pint, it’s available on request.

• Accessibility & Pets: The ground floor has a level or gently ramped entrance and is mostly one open room, so it’s reasonably wheelchair-accessible (although some Victorian-era nooks can be snug). The pub welcomes well-behaved dogs at the staff’s discretion, which adds to the community feel. (Note: the upstairs hotel rooms are only reachable by stairs, so they’re not wheelchair-friendly.)

Food on Offer

The Bulls Head provides a full pub kitchen from around noon to late evening. According to the pub’s information, there is an “amazing restaurant inside the pub” serving food from 12:00–22:00. The menu is hearty and unpretentious: expect traditional British pub fare (think fish and chips, burgers, pies, bangers and mash, etc.) done well. There are also international influences – the kitchen offers some Portuguese, Spanish and Italian-inspired dishes alongside the British staples. In practice this means you might find a mild curry or tapas-style sharing plate on the menu occasionally. One particular highlight is the Sunday roast: a generous plate of roast meat (or a vegetarian nut roast) with all the trimmings that many locals rave about. Portion sizes tend to be generous, making the £10–£15 main meals a good value for the quantity. While the menu isn’t very large or gourmet (no fancy fusion here), most patrons find it very satisfying. Even vegetarians/vegans usually have at least one good option (for example a veggie burger or a salad), though the focus is clearly on classic comfort food to pair with the ales. In short, you can grab a genuine pub meal at honest prices without leaving the building – perfect if you’re a hungry commuter or arriving traveller.

Beers on Tap

Beer is a major focus here. The Bulls Head is owned by Marston’s, so you’ll see many Marston’s ales on handpump. Regular cask beers often include Jennings Cumberland Ale and Marston’s Sunbeam (both classics), as well as guest casks permitted under the tie. In fact, the cellar typically runs five or six cask ales at once, most supplied by Marston’s family breweries. For example, you might find Marston’s Ringwood Boondoggle, Banks’s Mild or Jennings Sneck Lifter among the staples, with a couple of rotating specials or seasonal brews rounding out the line-up. Importantly, landlady Paula has even added an extra handpump specifically for real cider, since cider has no tie; this means the pub can offer a changing selection of genuine (often local) ciders in addition to its beers. Whether you prefer a light bitter or something maltier, the focus is on quality – CAMRA reviewers note that “the beer is always well kept” here. The staff take cask condition seriously (Paula personally tastes each cask to ensure it’s perfect), so pints come out fresh and properly conditioned. If ale isn’t your thing, the bar also stocks the usual lagers and draft lagers, plus a range of spirits, wines and soft drinks. Still, it’s the real ales and ciders that shine, underlining the pub’s reputation as a top real-ale venue.

Price Range & Value

The Bulls Head falls into a reasonable mid-range price bracket for central Manchester (roughly “££”). Expect to pay around typical city-centre rates: for example, pints might be in the £4–£5 range and main dishes roughly £10–£15 (check the latest menu for specifics). While not the absolute cheapest pint in town, most customers agree the prices match the quality. One CAMRA reviewer pointed out that “prices are not particularly cheap (probably due to its location), but the beer is always well kept”, suggesting a fair trade-off. Portions are hearty and ingredients are fresh, so overall value is high. There are no sneaky service charges – you order and pay at the bar – so tipping is only up to you. In general, visitors report leaving satisfied that they got solid food, a well-kept ale, and friendly service for the money. Compared to a soulless chain pub, The Bulls Head is seen as a great value for the experience it delivers.

Customer Service

Friendly, professional service is one of the pub’s standout features. The staff at The Bulls Head have earned a reputation for warm hospitality. Many reviews note that bartenders and the owners readily chat with patrons and remember names, making everyone feel like a regular. Indeed, CAMRA writes that here “you can strike up conversation with patrons and staff instantly” and that “the welcome is second to none”. The pub has a long-serving team: for example, Paula Wilkinson (now licensee) has been behind the bar for years and is praised for her dedication to quality real ale. She even personally tastes each cask before it’s poured, underscoring the hands-on care. Service tends to be efficient – even on busier nights the staff keep orders moving – but never rushed or curt. Regulars and newcomers alike say they feel treated like friends rather than strangers. The general consensus is that The Bulls Head offers excellent customer service: attentive but not obtrusive bartenders, prompt drink refills, and a genuine willingness to make your visit enjoyable. In short, the warmth and professionalism of the team reinforce the pub’s cosy, home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Events & Special Nights

The Bulls Head keeps the calendar simple but engaging. The weekly pub quiz is the main regular event, drawing teams of locals on quiz nights (the quiz is even mentioned on CAMRA’s entry for the pub). Aside from that, you may spot special beer-related promotions: for example, seasonal ale festivals or guest cider tastings occasionally appear, reflecting the pub’s real-ale focus. The team also celebrates common British pub occasions – in the past they’ve participated in Beer Festivals and charity beers – although there’s no loud gimmick culture here. One highlight is that the pub earned recognition from CAMRA: it was chosen as “Pub of the Month” by the Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA branch in April 2014, a nod to its quality cask ales and community status. On big national match days (e.g. World Cup soccer or Six Nations rugby), the staff might put a game on a TV if there’s demand, but unlike sports bars this is done quietly and is not the main draw. Overall, most “special nights” revolve around communal, low-key fun rather than flash. Keep an eye on the noticeboard by the door or their social media for announcements of any one-off beer events or pub gatherings – but even on a regular weekday, the lively crowd and friendly banter provide enough buzz.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Inside The Bulls Head, the atmosphere is unpretentious and convivial. The decor is classic Victorian pub style: dark wood panelling, a polished old wooden bar, and comfortable seating. The mix of well-worn sofas, vintage chairs and stools against the wooden floorboards gives it a lived-in feel. There’s even a bit of eclectic charm in the little raised platform by the bay window at the front, and the semi-circular bar along the back wall. On a typical evening you’ll hear a warm murmur of conversation, punctuated by laughter as the quiz night or a staff joke goes around. Music is very low-key (usually just background tunes), so it’s easy to talk across the table or make new friends. The pub can get busy: after-work hours and the weekend evenings are packed with a mixed crowd of office workers, students, and travellers. Even then, it never feels chaotic; instead, the crowd is settled and friendly. The blend of people – university students, professionals off work, tourists seeking an authentic pint – gives the pub a lively but welcoming buzz.

The main floor is largely on one level (with only a small step at the entrance) so it’s reasonably accessible for wheelchairs. Inside, the aisles around the bar are somewhat narrow due to the old layout, but staff will always help make room or bring your drink over if needed. The toilets are on the ground floor, though the space is compact. Dogs are allowed at the manager’s discretion, and it’s common to see a quiet pup or two sharing the warmth of the pub (especially during colder months). On warmer days, a couple of high tables out front let you drink outdoors, which is a nice perk – though these fill up quickly in good weather. In sum, The Bulls Head’s charm lies in its cosy authenticity: it feels like a traditional local pub dropped into the heart of Manchester, rather than a newfangled bar. The historic features and polite service give it a comforting nostalgia, yet it never comes off as stuffy or dated.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated on the corner of London Road and Fairfield Street, The Bulls Head couldn’t be more central. It sits literally opposite the main taxi rank and entrance of Manchester Piccadilly railway and Metrolink station, making it extremely easy to reach (the pub’s own website boasts it’s “just a few steps from the Piccadilly train station”). Outside the front door you’ll find Piccadilly Gardens – a transport hub lined with shops, cafes and the Chinatown arch. Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre is only about a 5–10 minute walk west along Market Street, ideal for a post-shopping pint. Also nearby is the Printworks complex (cinema, restaurants and bars) and Canal Street’s nightlife is a bit further up to the west. If you stroll north through the city streets, you’ll hit the colourful Northern Quarter district (boutique shops, street art and craft pubs) in under 10 minutes on foot. The area around Piccadilly Gardens has other entertainment options too: for example, the Palace Theatre (a historic playhouse) and the Manchester Opera House are just a few blocks north, and the Royal Exchange Theatre sits in the city-centre a short walk away. In short, whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s plenty to do around the pub. Coming by car is trickier, as on-street parking is limited (check parking apps or use one of the multi-storey car parks near the station). Fortunately, almost every bus route through the city centre stops at Piccadilly Gardens, and the tram line runs right in front of the building. This connectivity means you can easily make The Bulls Head your first stop after a train ride, or your last port of call before heading home from a night out in Manchester.

Overall Impression

The Bulls Head is the kind of city-centre pub that feels both historic and homey – a place where Manchester’s past and present mingle over a pint. Its Victorian corner exterior and traditional interior give it immediate character, but the real magic is in the details: the immaculately kept ales, the hearty pub food, and the genuinely friendly service. This pub stands out in Manchester’s crowded pub scene by doing the basics very well. Yes, it can get a bit cramped when busy, and yes, it’s a bit less flashy than a modern bar, but those are small prices to pay for authenticity. Most visitors end up remarking on how they felt instantly welcomed and well looked-after – not an easy feat in a big-city pub. All told, The Bulls Head represents excellent value and an unbeatable atmosphere for its location. Many leave with fond memories of an excellent Sunday roast or a lively quiz night in the snug bar. Whether you’re starting a night out with friends, meeting a colleague for lunch, or just popping in after a train journey, you’ll find the Bulls Head’s combination of history and warmth very hard to beat.