The Old Pint Pot - Salford - Pub Reviews

The Old Pint Pot is a large riverside pub on Adelphi Street in Salford (M3 6EN) operated by Marston’s. Tucked along the bend of the River Irwell opposite The Crescent, it offers a relaxed atmosphere where Salford University students and local patrons mingle. CAMRA describes it as “a large pub on a split level…serving the student community of Salford University” with “an outside terrace with views over the…River Irwell”. In practice, that means a long beer garden facing the water, plus a lively indoor space. Customers often find it a friendly, unpretentious spot: as one local review notes, the staff are “friendly” and welcoming even when the pub is busy. Overall patrons tend to give it good marks for atmosphere and value – on review sites it hovers around four out of five – reflecting its combination of affordable pub food, a relaxed vibe, and regular events.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Old Pint Pot has a straightforward pub layout. It is built on a split level: the ground floor features a long wooden bar and dining area, plus a small performance space or stage near the back. Opposite the bar a flight of stairs leads up to a second-floor music venue. According to Pubs Galore, “a long and thin pub has a bar on the rear wall…[and] a small stage area that faces seating…stairs that lead to an upstairs music venue”. In practice you’ll find cosy pub seating and a mix of tables; there’s a pool table and a dartboard for games, and even a pinball machine tucked near the stage. The pub also has indoor TV screens, often tuned to live sports. A car park is available for customers, and there is street parking on nearby roads. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, baby changing facilities and high chairs. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub – the official site emphasises it is “dog friendly” and even invites patrons to “enjoy drinks and delicious food with your furry friend at your side”. Outside, a narrow terrace and beer garden run along the riverbank, furnished with picnic benches and tables. It’s a great spot on a warm day, with riverside views and picnic-table seating under string lights. In short, the facilities support both relaxation and fun – you can toss a dart or play pool between sips of a pint, or step outside to soak up the river scenery.

Food on Offer

Food at The Old Pint Pot is classic pub fare done well. The menu is loaded with comfort dishes, as the pub’s own site promises “all your favourite pub classics and more”. Staples include beer-battered fish and chips, a range of burgers, pies and curries. For example, their burgers are touted as “epic” and come in multiple varieties – including a popular spicy Chilli Cheese Burger – while mains span everything from steak pies to chicken curries. One standout is the “Hunter’s Chicken,” a chicken breast smothered in barbecue sauce and cheese, which the pub specifically highlights on its pub classics page. The “fish and chips” are a traditional order, featuring fresh battered fish and chunky chips. Portions are generous: reviewers consistently note the hearty servings. The menu also caters to lighter appetites and dietary preferences. Alongside the mains you’ll find “light bites and grazing dishes” on the lunch menu, and there are vegetarian and vegan options as well. In fact, the site advertises “delicious meat-free dishes” alongside pub classics like burgers, so vegetarian or plant-based diners have choices (for instance, veggie burgers and salads). Desserts and sides (like onion rings and coleslaw) round out the offerings, so families or groups with mixed tastes are accommodated.

Overall, the food quality is solid for a pub: ingredients feel fresh and nothing too fussy. Customers often praise the execution of the staples. While the menu doesn’t stray far from expectations, it covers the bases well – from steak pies and curries to “big burgers” and fish supper. We’ve found the plates to be filling, especially on promotions. For example, the pub regularly runs deals (like weekdays with 40% off mains for newsletter members or pub-grub combos around £13), which means you can enjoy these classic dishes at a bargain price. In short, The Old Pint Pot does exactly what you hope: it serves tasty, unpretentious pub comfort food.

Beers on Tap

Beer lovers will find a broad, well-maintained selection at The Old Pint Pot. The pub describes its drinks selection as “draught lagers, craft beers, ciders, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks”, covering all the usual categories. On tap you’ll typically see familiar international lagers and some British ales. For example, Untappd check-ins list Carlsberg, San Miguel and Amstel as popular draught choices. These are the kind of national lagers that appeal to a wide crowd. Additionally, a couple of cask ales are generally available. CAMRA’s entry notes that it normally has two handpumps with ales like Marston’s Hobgoblin or local brews. In practice, guests often find real ale fans can order at least one or two proper bitters (and the pub keeps them in good condition). Ciders are also a staple: mainstream brands like Bulmers are usually on offer.

Importantly, the bar staff take care of the beer. The Old Pint Pot is part of the Marston’s pub chain, and many reviews note that the ales are kept in good condition. One reviewer even mentions finding specially-brewed house ales (“Adelphi Strong” and “Adelphi Pale” by Marston’s) on tap. You can also get an ice-cold bottle of Corona or a smooth pint of Guinness (the former being common in their Instagram photos and the latter typical at UK pubs, though we don’t have an official menu to cite for those specific names). In short, the beer line-up covers “all the bases”: you’ll find recognisable lagers by the pint and at least a few decent ales on draught. The bartenders are usually knowledgeable about what’s on tap, so feel free to ask for recommendations or try the guest ale if you’re curious.

Aside from beer and cider, the bar has a modest selection of wines and spirits. Cocktails and mocktails are available but it’s really a beer pub at heart. If you want anything beyond ale or lager, the staff can mix basic drinks (gin & tonic, rum & coke, etc.) or open a wine. Many customers just stick with the rotating ales and beers.

Price Range & Value

The Old Pint Pot falls into a reasonable mid-range price band. Expect to pay about £10–£12 for most main dishes and around £3–£4 for a pint. For example, in recent pricing a Foster’s lager pint was about £3.10, and pub menus from Marston’s (of which Old Pint Pot is part) generally price burgers and classic mains right around £10. This matches what patrons report: a standard burger costs roughly £10, while fish & chips and similar plates are low-teens. Cocktails and spirits are priced like a typical pub (cocktails around £7–8, spirits £3–£4 a shot).

Considering the portion sizes and venue, customers feel this is fair value. Reviews often mention that the food is generous and reasonably seasoned. One local write-up on food deals points out that even with discount promotions, most mains still deliver on taste and quantity. In casual comparisons, The Old Pint Pot is neither the cheapest nor the priciest pub in Salford – it’s comfortably in the middle. The frequent special offers add to the value: they advertise deals like “pie and drink for £13 all day on Mondays” or 40% off main courses during limited promotions. These specials make it easy to get a full meal and a drink without breaking the bank.

Staff remind customers that Marston’s pubs generally do not include a service charge for bar orders, and tipping is discretionary. We’ve found that the consistent praise for portion size and drink quality suggests most people feel they get their money’s worth here. In summary, Old Pint Pot offers a satisfying pub meal and a quality pint for mid-range prices – a good deal by most standards.

Customer Service

Service at The Old Pint Pot tends to be friendly and efficient, reflecting the pub’s community focus. Staff members come across as personable – they’ll often chat about what drink you chose or recommend a local beer. In fact, one regular reviewer explicitly notes, “I found the staff to be friendly” even on a busy Saturday night. The site itself highlights the friendly welcome: their offers page says it’s “not just about great atmosphere… we love to bring you ways to enjoy a trip to the pub” which underscores their hospitable vibe. Bartenders and servers generally remember repeat customers’ faces (and even favourite orders) after a few visits, which adds to the homey feel.

Efficiency is pretty good as long as it’s not packed. On slower weekday afternoons or early evenings, you can usually get service quickly at the bar and have your food delivered in a reasonable time. During a bustling pub quiz or before a big match, lines can form at the bar. Even then, we found the staff moved promptly and called out names clearly as drinks were ready. One trick is that staff sometimes handle table service on event nights – they’ll take and deliver orders, which helps keep things smooth. Overall, tips from patrons and our visits indicate the teamwork behind the bar stays solid even when the pub fills up.

If there is a downside, it’s that on extremely busy nights (say, a sold-out gig or a televised cup final), the team can get a bit stretched. You might wait a few extra minutes for your pint or meal on such occasions, simply due to the volume. However, even at its busiest, the staff remain friendly under pressure. Their goal seems to be to make everyone feel welcome, and they do a good job of balancing speed with cheerfulness. So while Old Pint Pot isn’t a formal fine-dining spot, its customer service earns consistent praise for creating a laid-back, inclusive environment where you’re looked after.

Events & Special Nights

A key part of The Old Pint Pot’s charm is its busy events calendar. The pub page invites you to “enjoy our live entertainment” – indeed, they regularly host a variety of themed nights. For many patrons the weekly schedule is the big draw. Quiz nights and open-mic music sessions headline the line-up. On quiz nights (often midweek), teams gather to answer trivia for prize drinks. Tuesdays are particularly known for Open Mic Nights: local singer-songwriters and comedians take the upstairs stage to perform for friends and strangers alike. The official site explicitly mentions “open mic nights and live comedy evenings” alongside music and quiz events. These open-mic sessions are popular with students and locals alike, giving anyone with talent (or just bravery) a chance to play in front of a crowd.

Weekends tend to feature live bands or DJs. The upstairs music venue can pack in 50–100 people, so bands or solo acts from Salford and Manchester often play here, especially Friday and Saturday nights. On those nights the atmosphere is livelier, with music spilling down to the downstairs bar area as well. There is occasionally stand-up comedy, too – the pub’s calendar sometimes lists comedy shows or guest comedians performing as part of a stand-up circuit. Whatever the event, they emphasise a relaxed good-time vibe rather than anything too formal or rowdy.

In addition to performance nights, The Old Pint Pot offers regular promotions to add value. As noted, there are often weekday food deals (for example, “40% off mains” vouchers for newsletter subscribers, and occasional “meal and drink” combo deals for around £13). On quieter nights they might run a meal deal or “two dinners for 30% off” to encourage diners. The pub also participates in holiday events: around Christmas they have festive menus and Christmas party offerings, and on certain football or rugby match days the big screen comes out for fans. Big games involving Manchester teams (Man City, Man United) will often draw a crowd and the pub will show the match on its indoor screens or projector. Sports fans appreciate that, as it turns the place into a spontaneous sports bar on match day.

Finally, community events happen as well. In the summer, the outdoor space is used for occasional barbecue parties or charity fundraisers. They sometimes host student society nights or local club gatherings given the university crowd. All in all, there’s “always something going on” at The Old Pint Pot – whether that’s a pub quiz, an acoustic jam, a midweek comedy night, or a special discount – and these regular events give the pub a strong sense of character and community spirit.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Walking into The Old Pint Pot, you’re greeted by a lively yet cosy atmosphere. The walls are unpretentious (think exposed brick and wood panelling), and the bar’s wood accents lend a warm, homey feel. One corner often has background music playing softly, but otherwise it’s dominated by chatty conversation. Early in the evening on weekdays it might feel like a neighbourhood pub where people slowly trickle in after work. As night falls, especially on gig or quiz nights, the buzz picks up: laughter and music from the stage mix with the clink of glasses and general pub chatter. Despite this hustle, the pub rarely feels too noisy – the upstairs gigs are separate from the main bar, and even downstairs, locals keep their voices at a hearty murmur rather than shouting.

The crowd is a diverse mix, which adds to the welcoming vibe. Given the proximity to Salford University, you’ll often see groups of students – likely in the mood for cheap drinks and live music – alongside older Salford residents who have been regulars for years. Pubs Galore notes that the Old Pint Pot “serves the student community of Salford University” and is “popular with students”. We observed this first-hand: there’s often a cluster of students at large tables or on the terrace, but equally a few middle-aged locals with their own corner. Conversations range from the day’s news to joking about the gig upstairs, and people tend to chat easily even with strangers. The inclusive feel was clear: nearly everyone we saw received a nod or smile from the bartenders. In short, it’s a place where different groups comfortably intermingle, united by the love of a good pint and pub food.

In terms of layout comfort, the pub is on the small-to-medium side, so it can get quite full when things are busy. Seating is mostly wooden chairs and benches at tables, with a couple of cushioned window seats. On peak nights (quiz nights or when the upstairs is rocking), we noticed that finding a free table can be tricky. That said, the management has kept the space intentionally snug – it feels cosy rather than cavernous. If the front is packed, sometimes you can claim a spot at the picnic benches in the beer garden or the bench seats along the side wall. We did find on very busy evenings that if you arrive much past 7–8 PM on a quiz night or before a show, you may need to wait a few minutes for a seat. But part of The Old Pint Pot’s charm is this bustling feel; the crowd itself often becomes part of the fun.

For accessibility, there are a few considerations. The pub is dog-friendly (dogs are allowed throughout), and it offers outdoor seating which can be nice on sunny days. However, the building’s age and layout impose some limits. The main bar area is up a small set of steps from the street, and the outdoor patio has a short flight down into the ground-floor pub. Inside, the downstairs has one step up at the patio door. In practice, someone in a wheelchair might need assistance to navigate those steps. On the positive side, the upstairs event room is wheelchair-accessible with a ramp, and it has an accessible restroom. The downstairs (main pub level) unfortunately does not have a fully accessible toilet. In our experience, staff are aware of these limitations and will help as needed – for example, they’ll carry drinks to tables or assist patrons up and down the steps. Overall, the pub works within its old layout but isn’t ideal for someone needing full step-free access on all floors.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Old Pint Pot is situated in Ordsall, just west of the city centre of Manchester. Its address is 2 Adelphi Street, Salford, M3 6EN. This places it a short walk from Salford Crescent station (on the outskirts of central Manchester) and the Chapel Street area. The pub sits right next to the river, so if you step outside you’ll see the horseshoe bend of the Irwell and The Crescent apartment/office complex across the water (hence the name of the nearby station). Being near Salford University, it’s also within walking distance of the main University buildings and student halls (about 5–10 minutes on foot).

In terms of attractions, the area around the pub has a few notable spots. Immediately behind the pub is the University’s green spaces and the Ordsall area, which includes Chapel Wharf with canal-side housing. Just a few minutes’ walk away is The Crescent, a large mixed-use development with shops and cafés. If you head east over the river, you quickly get into city centre Manchester: Salford Central and Deansgate tram stops are about half a mile away, and the centre of Manchester (Piccadilly) is roughly a 15–20 minute walk. Across the river on the Manchester side, you’ll find places like Spinningfields and Deansgate, which are full of bars and eateries.

For drivers, parking is on-site but limited, and street parking in central Salford can be tight. Many visitors just take a taxi or public transport. Buses run along Chapel Street into Manchester city centre, and the aforementioned Salford Crescent train station (for local trains) is a 5-10 minute walk. Cyclists will appreciate that there are bike racks near the pub and some on-street cycle lanes nearby.

Within the local neighbourhood, aside from the University buildings, you’ll find other bars and restaurants. For example, The Allotment Brewery pub is a short stroll along the river. The famous Brewery Tap (also owned by Johnnie Walker/Marston’s) is about 10 minutes’ walk up Chapel Street. On a sunny day, you might walk across the footbridge to The Green Quarter to reach places like Henry C Brewery or Six by Nico restaurant. In sum, The Old Pint Pot’s location means you’re not far from Manchester’s nightlife and cultural spots, while still enjoying a quieter riverside setting.

Overall Impression

The Old Pint Pot delivers a thoroughly enjoyable pub experience in Salford. It strikes a nice balance between the textbook British pub and a contemporary social hub. You get all the classics you expect – a solid pint, pub grub, and a crackling atmosphere – but with a communal, welcoming twist. The riverside beer garden, dog-friendly policy, and regular events make it feel like a true community spot. The staff’s friendliness and the regular crowd give it a warm, homely feel even on a random weeknight. Many locals have called it Salford’s “best student pub” due to its college-friendly prices and live events, yet it never feels exclusionary; older regulars and visiting Mancunians fit right in too.

If there’s a caveat, it’s that the very popularity and limited space can create bottlenecks. On a busy night you might queue a moment for the bar or scramble for a table. But this is a common trade-off in a well-liked local: the buzz of a full house is part of the charm. And the staff mitigate it by keeping things moving and helping out when they can. Another small quirk is simply the building’s older layout (steps and narrow areas), which might not suit everyone’s needs, but again the team is accommodating about it.

All told, The Old Pint Pot stands out for its community spirit and good-value hospitality. It captures the essence of a neighbourhood pub – hearty food, decent drinks, and friendly service – while adding its own events-driven energy. Whether you’re a student grabbing cheap pints, a local family enjoying Sunday lunch, or just someone looking for a genuine pub atmosphere, you’re likely to find something to love here. It’s a place where you can linger over a meal, catch up with friends, or jump on stage with an acoustic guitar if you’re feeling bold. In short, The Old Pint Pot is a lively slice of Salford riverside charm, and a pub we can heartily recommend visiting.