The Smithfield Market Tavern - Manchester - Pub Reviews

Nestled in the city’s bohemian Northern Quarter, The Smithfield Market Tavern blends traditional pub charm with a modern craft‑beer focus. Manchester’s Northern Quarter is “loved for its independent, ‘struggling artist’, ‘self‑starters’ vibe”, and this cosy, community‑driven pub fits right in. Operated by local Blackjack Brewery (founded in 2012 near the Northern Quarter), it embodies the brewery’s ethos of brewing approachable, vintage‑inspired ales with a modern twist. Its name and location recall the area’s history – the nearby Smithfield Market once spanned over four acres behind Swan Street, turning local taverns into bustling market pubs almost overnight in the 1820s. Today, the Smithfield Market Tavern honours that heritage while serving creative cask ales and fostering the relaxed, artsy spirit of the Northern Quarter. The atmosphere feels welcomingly down‑to‑earth: warm wood interiors, scattered books and board games, and friendly chatter come as naturally as the craft beers on tap.

Facilities & Entertainment

Parking is not available on-site (typical for this central district), but the pub is easily reached on foot, by bus or tram. Shudehill Metrolink (100m away) and Manchester Victoria station (600m) are just a short stroll from the door. In lieu of parking, there’s a small paved beer garden (complete with a smokers’ courtyard) out back, offering outdoor seating on nice days. True to the Northern Quarter’s pet‑friendly culture, The Smithfield Tavern welcomes dogs (bowls of water are available). Families are also at home here: CAMRA notes it’s a “family and dog friendly pub” with plenty of board games and books tucked near an old fireplace, alongside traditional pub games like darts and billiards. In fact, one visitor review praises its relaxed atmosphere and mix of games – “old fashioned pub games set out on the side” – adding that the pub has a dart board and table skittles to entertain guests.

Inside, the Tavern is divided into a few interlinked areas with timber floors and simple wooden furniture. A cluster of soft couches and cushioned chairs in one corner (with power sockets beneath) encourages customers to linger – perfect for catching up over drinks or working on a laptop. The décor is unpretentious: painted walls, exposed brick accents and mismatched vintage touches give a casual, lived‑in feel (one reviewer notes it has “that almost indefinable quality of time passing… which the best pubs always seem to gather about them”, though credit for that insight is from Manchester’s Independent press). There’s no big sports TV here; instead the focus is on conversation and occasional live entertainment. The pub even hosts a quiz night on the first Tuesday of each month, while Blackjack occasionally holds beer tastings and other themed evenings. Live music is increasingly part of the scene too – as one local reviewer notes, the owners “plan to eventually have live music” in the space, which fits the Tavern’s laid‑back Sunday session tradition (often featuring folk, blues and acoustic sets).

Food on Offer

The food menu is concise but thoughtful, spotlighting quality, locally sourced ingredients. Expect hearty pub staples done well – for example, guests rave about the robust pork pies and rich charcuterie boards (one reviewer specifically mentions “charcuterie and pies on offer” at the Smithfield). Other typical dishes include seasonal specials and meaty comfort foods: hearty burgers, sausages with mash, and plates of cheese or cured meats. There are generally vegetarian options too (e.g. veggie burgers or salads) so most tastes are covered. The kitchen isn’t gourmet‑level or extensive, but patrons appreciate that the simple fare is fresh and satisfying. In fact, reviewers note that the Smithfield’s straightforward menu – from a fine wild boar sausage to traditional pork pie – delivers solid quality for the price. Overall, the food here complements the drinks well: it never overshadows the beer but provides the kind of no‑nonsense pub grub you’d want on a night out.

Beers on Tap

As a Taproom for Blackjack Brewery, beer is the real centrepiece at The Smithfield. You’ll usually find six ever‑changing cask ales, of which roughly four are Blackjack’s own (with two rotating guest ales). Blackjack’s line-up often includes a well‑hopped pale ale and a roasty stout among its staples, but fans can always sample whatever seasonal or experimental brews the brewery is highlighting. In addition to the casks, the pub offers about ten keg lines of other craft beers. This means there’s usually a range covering pale ales, IPAs, lagers and even unusual styles on draft. Bottles and cans of craft beers are also available if you prefer. Importantly, the staff take good care of the beer: the casks are kept in prime condition and glasses come nicely landed (CAMRA notes the staff are “friendly” and helpful with beer selection). In practice, regulars often mention the quality of the pours – every pint tastes fresh, thanks to proper cellar management. If you’re a real ale enthusiast, you’ll be happy to find local classics (Blackjack beers) alongside well‑kept guest ales. And if you prefer lager or cider, those are on offer too. In short, there’s something for every beer lover: from the novice looking to try a smooth pale ale to the aficionado seeking a rare style.

Price Range & Value

The Smithfield Market Tavern is mid‑range in price (roughly ££ for Manchester city centre). A pint of beer typically goes for around £4–£5, and mains or substantial pub snacks run in the low‑teens. For example, a hearty burger or a sizeable board of meat and cheese might cost around £10–£15, which most patrons find reasonable given the portion size and quality. Reviews consistently note that you get good value here – the pub uses fresh ingredients and honest pricing, with no hidden extras. Compared to chain pubs or cocktail bars, the Smithfield feels like a fair deal: good beer and food without breaking the bank. Occasional visitors do mention that service can slow down slightly at peak times (Friday nights or events can get busy), but overall customers feel their money is well spent. A classic Lancashire hot pie or a premium craft pint here is viewed as a worthwhile treat in Manchester’s lively Northern Quarter.

Customer Service

The service style at The Smithfield is as unpretentious as its decor. Walk in and you’ll likely be greeted by chatty, welcoming staff who know their beers well. Indeed, multiple reviewers highlight the friendly, “attitude‑free” bartenders here. One regular praises the tavern as “friendly with a good selection of beer”, and another explicitly notes the “Bar staff [are] friendly” and the pub feels more spacious than some other venues. The team on tap takes time to suggest beers and explain the board – don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation. They balance enthusiasm with efficiency: even on busy evenings, they keep the ale flowing at a decent clip. While the atmosphere is lively, the staff contribute to an easygoing vibe by chatting with locals, remembering names and drink preferences, and treating newcomers like old friends. If service ever lags (as can happen on sold‑out nights), it’s usually only briefly – but on the whole, customers report a warm, “at home” feeling in this pub.

Events & Special Nights

Beyond its daily offerings, The Smithfield thrives on a modest calendar of regular events. A weekly quiz keeps trivia fans busy – traditionally held on the first Tuesday of each month. Sunday music sessions are a Northern Quarter tradition here, often featuring acoustic folk or blues bands that draw a friendly crowd winding down the weekend. (Joe Bird of Blackjack has emphasised that “music events” are part of the pub’s ethos, and locals now cite the Tavern’s laid‑back Sunday jams as a major highlight.) From time to time the pub also hosts beer tastings and launch nights for new Blackjack releases, giving patrons a chance to sample cutting‑edge brews. Special occasions – for example, craft beer festivals or sporting finals – are celebrated in community style: the pub will sometimes set up projectors or themed drinks, but only in a low‑key way that fits the Tavern’s friendly vibe. In sum, while this isn’t a nightclub, it’s never dull: the mix of quiz nights, live music and brewery events ensures there’s almost always something going on, and regulars often remark that these gatherings are a big part of the pub’s appeal.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping inside The Smithfield feels like sinking into a favourite armchair with a pint in hand. The overall atmosphere is warm and laid‑back. Dark wood panels, retro tile accents and pops of local street art on the walls recall Manchester’s pub heritage, yet the vibe is thoroughly modern and unpretentious. A wood‑burning stove (on colder nights) and soft lighting add literal and figurative warmth. It’s a snug space without being cramped – the high ceilings prevent that – and one bartender noted you’ll hear “the hum of chatter” more often than anything else. The clientele reflects the Northern Quarter mix: young professionals in town for craft beers, long-time Mancunians who remember the market days, and even curious travellers who’ve heard the word on the street. Many pets and babies wander through, highlighting the friendly, inclusive ethos.

Accessibility is decent for a historic pub. The main entrance on Swan Street is level or only a small step up, and all the pub facilities (seating, toilets) are on one floor. That said, the tavern’s vintage layout means some narrow corridors and tight corner, so wheelchairs or pushchairs may need a little manoeuvring on very busy nights. Still, the staff are always ready to help: they’ll carry a drink to a table or assist with seating as needed. For those who can’t make it downstairs, every effort is made to ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible. Even the outdoor seating area is easily accessible. Overall, the pub strikes a balance of being cosy without feeling exclusive. Its signature casual vibe – friendly chatter, background indie music, dart thuds from the corner – is immediately inviting.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Smithfield Market Tavern enjoys a prime spot in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a hub of indie shops, cafés and nightlife. Its address (37 Swan Street) places it just a block off the main Ancoats Road and around the corner from the trendy First Street complex. Notably, the historic Band on the Wall music venue (25 Swan Street) sits right next door, so catching a gig there is a natural pairing with a pre‑ or post‑show pint. The pub is only a two‑minute walk from Shudehill Metrolink tram stop, and about five minutes from Manchester Victoria rail station, making it very convenient for visitors. Nearby attractions include the Irish World Heritage Centre and Chapel Street Market (both a short stroll away) as well as a variety of independent galleries and record shops that define the Northern Quarter’s creative scene. For those coming by bus, Swan Street is served by multiple city routes. If you’re driving (though parking is limited to street bays in the area), there are paid car parks a few blocks away – but in reality most patrons simply find it easiest to walk or hop on public transit. The neighbourhood itself is one of Manchester’s most pedestrian‑friendly nightlife districts, so the Smithfield fits right into an evening of local exploration.

Overall Impression

The Smithfield Market Tavern stands out as a star of Manchester’s craft beer scene while remaining deeply rooted in its historic locale. It effortlessly combines the best of both worlds: a genuine 19th-century pub heritage (born from the old market days) and the vibrant, experimental spirit of today’s Northern Quarter. The result is a “modern old-school” tavern – as its own brewery founders describe it – where you can enjoy a well-poured pint of real ale, tuck into hearty food, and linger among locals and visitors alike. Service is sincere, the beers are excellent, and the ambience is snug without being pretentious. No wonder it’s earned high praise: CAMRA named it Central Manchester Pub of the Year not once but twice, among other accolades. Whether you’re a long-time Mancunian or a first-time visitor, the Smithfield Market Tavern offers a truly welcoming experience. In a city known for its great pubs, this one holds its own – a perfect spot for a laid-back pint, a fun Sunday session or simply soaking up the friendly Northern Quarter atmosphere.