The Unicorn - Manchester - Pub Reviews

The Unicorn is a classic pub tucked into the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter on Church Street. This three-storey, red-brick inter-war building (originally known as the Unicorn Hotel) was constructed in 1924. Today it retains much of its vintage character – from light oak panelling and original fixed seats to ceramic fireplaces – making it a “rare example… of an inter-war pub which is well-preserved both externally and internally”. Now operated by Craft Union (part of Stonegate), The Unicorn has been embraced by regulars and visitors alike for its old-world charm and laid-back vibe. On offer are affordable pints (including the only city-centre Draught Bass in Manchester) served amid the pub’s multi-room interior. With its historic listing (Grade II since 2019), vintage décor and straightforward, unpretentious atmosphere, The Unicorn feels like a hidden gem in the busy Northern Quarter.

Facilities & Entertainment

As a traditional city-centre pub, The Unicorn focuses on the basics. There is no dedicated parking (typical for central Manchester), and you won’t find darts, pool tables or arcade games on site. Instead, the pub offers the usual pub entertainment: several TVs tuned to sports. In fact, the official Craft Union listing proudly notes “We show live sports every day” so patrons can watch the big game with a cold pint. Free Wi-Fi and Sky TV are also available, in line with the chain’s standard amenities. The layout is multi-roomed: a large central bar opens into a narrow lounge and a smaller snug at the back, which has its own television. An upstairs function room (seating around 30–40) adds a bit of versatility – it’s often used for private events, acoustic gigs or club nights. The pub is dog-friendly, too, so you’ll often spot a pup or two by the bar. In short, The Unicorn offers a simple, no-frills entertainment experience: a few screens for sports fans, a warm interior for conversation, and an upstairs space for occasional live music or gatherings.

Food on Offer

True to its identity as a drinks-focused pub, The Unicorn does not have an in-house kitchen or serve meals. The emphasis here is on beer and ale rather than food. There are no pub classics like burgers or fish & chips on the menu, nor any bar snacks offered at the counter. Instead, customers looking for food often head out to nearby eateries – the Northern Quarter is packed with cafés, street-food vendors and restaurants just a short walk away. (For example, Afflecks Palace – an eclectic indoor market with food stalls and shops – is just down the street.) This lack of food service means The Unicorn keeps things simple and affordable: you’ll mostly be here to enjoy a pint of ale or cider in a cosy setting.

Beers on Tap

Beer selection is where The Unicorn shines in a traditional way. The star of the taps is undoubtedly Draught Bass, served straight from the handpump. In fact, CAMRA notes that The Unicorn is “the only city centre venue selling Draught Bass”, preserving a taste that has otherwise mostly disappeared from Manchester pubs. Alongside Bass, the pub consistently offers Sharp’s Doom Bar (another well-known British bitter). These two cask ales form the core of the line-up, reflecting the pub’s identity as a classic old Bass House. In addition, there are usually one or two rotating beers or ciders – often mass-market lagers and wines – stocked on keg or in bottles to cater to different tastes. Real ale lovers in particular appreciate how well the Unicorn’s pub manages these brews: many report that the Draught Bass is kept in excellent condition, properly poured for a creamy head. The bar staff know their taps and will happily recommend which of the available beers to try, even though the range is deliberately straightforward. In short, The Unicorn’s tap list is rooted in tradition – quality real ales with Bass as the crown jewel, plus a couple of reliable house lagers – rather than trendy experimental craft brews.

Price Range & Value

One of The Unicorn’s biggest attractions is how budget-friendly it is for central Manchester. Prices here are consistently low – pints of Bass, Doom Bar or lager generally ring in around £3–£4 each. By city-centre standards, that’s quite cheap, making the Unicorn a go-to spot for an affordable drink. In fact, many locals joke that it’s the Northern Quarter’s best-kept secret for cheap pints. This value extends to special promotions and happy hours often run by the Craft Union chain; check their website or social media for deals. Foodstuffs aren’t sold here, so there’s no temptation to overspend on a big meal – just grab a pint or two and soak in the character. Overall, The Unicorn delivers a satisfying “getting your money’s worth” experience: honest pub prices on ingredients that are kept fresh and well-served. As one visitor put it, an evening at the Unicorn can feel “money well spent” – you’re paying a bargain rate for well-maintained cask ales and a memorable old pub atmosphere.

Customer Service

Patron feedback on service at The Unicorn is generally positive, in keeping with the pub’s friendly, local vibe. The small permanent staff team behind the bar tends to be down-to-earth and welcoming – many regulars say they are greeted by name and always end up having a friendly chat. The ambiance of a Craft Union community pub means the bartenders often know their customers by sight and seem to enjoy explaining the beer choices. In my visits, I found the service polite and attentive, with staff working quickly even when the bar is buzzing. That said, the pub can get very busy, especially on weekends, and at peak times you might experience a bit of a wait for your pint. Some patrons note that during rush-hours the pace can slow down, so you may need patience when the place is packed. Overall, however, there’s no prissiness or pushiness here – just straightforward pub service. The combination of prompt drink service and a warm, chatty staff leaves most first-time visitors with a good impression. Even if you occasionally have to wait your turn at the bar, the staff’s friendly manner makes you feel like you’re among friends or neighbours, not strangers.

Events & Special Nights

Beyond its daily drink service, The Unicorn occasionally hosts small-scale events in the upstairs function room or downstairs bar. The 30–40 capacity room upstairs is used for private hire and regular music nights. For years, it was the meeting place of the Manchester Jazz Society, with live jazz or blues sessions nearly every week. (These nights have become more occasional in recent times, but the history remains.) Folk nights, acoustic singer-songwriter showcases and even occasional comedy or open-mic evenings have been known to pop up as well, giving the pub a bit of cultural flair. Outside of music, the pub holds periodic live sports screenings in the bar area; on major football or rugby match days you’ll see the big games on screen, and fans from local clubs might gather here. Craft Union’s events page advertises themed trivia nights or holiday parties from time to time, but The Unicorn’s special events are generally low-key. The emphasis stays on music and community gatherings rather than loud DJs or big club nights. All told, while The Unicorn isn’t a high-octane entertainment venue, its upstairs gig room does make it feel like a mini local arts hub. Regulars treasure these events as a bonus that complements the classic pub experience – a pint and conversation downstairs, a tune or talk upstairs – all under one roof.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping inside The Unicorn is like walking into a piece of Manchester’s history. The interior feels warm and snug, dominated by rich oak panelling that gleams under soft lighting. The central bar is arranged on an old-fashioned “island” layout (though the pass-through hatches to the lobby have since been closed off). Around it are several small snugs and booths, complete with high-backed benches and a couple of working wood-burning fireplaces – a nod to how pubs were furnished nearly a century ago. The walls are decorated with vintage photographs and even a few maritime prints in the rear snug, giving each corner its own character. This preservation of the 1920s layout and fixtures is precisely why The Unicorn earned its Grade II listing.

The mood inside is lively and convivial, especially in the afternoon and early evening. The crowd is delightfully mixed: you’ll see local office workers, creative types from the Northern Quarter scene, and long-time regulars who have probably been drinking here for decades. The décor is definitely “old-fashioned pub” – no trendy barn doors or hipster art in sight – but that just adds to the pub’s authenticity. Music is kept at a background level (unless it’s a live act night), so conversation flows freely. Around 5–7 PM on weekdays or Friday nights, the place can get quite busy and a bit noisy with banter and laughter, reminiscent of a classic market-day pub as one beer blogger described. But even at its rowdiest, The Unicorn never loses its friendly vibe – you feel part of a community buzz rather than overwhelmed by crowds.

In terms of accessibility, The ground-floor bar area is all on one level, which is reasonably navigable if you use a wheelchair or stroller (though tables and aisles can be tight). The step up at the entrance is minimal. The trade-off for the historic layout is that the upstairs room is only accessible by narrow stairs, so it’s not wheelchair-friendly. Restroom facilities are basic and not advertised as specially accessible (as is often the case in Victorian buildings). On the plus side, dogs and well-behaved pets are welcome inside, and you will often see a good-natured pup curled up under someone’s table. Seating is a mix of sturdy wooden chairs and built-in benches; it’s comfy enough for settling in, but it can get crowded by the bar during peak hours. If you prefer a quieter spot, arrive early to grab one of the snug areas. Overall, The Unicorn’s atmosphere is warm, cosy and unpretentious – it feels like a friendly living room filled with the hum of good conversation.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Unicorn occupies a prime spot in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, an area known for its creative spirit and independent shops. Its address, 26 Church Street (M4 1PN), puts it just off the bustling main stretch of Oldham Street and a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Gardens. This central location means it’s extremely easy to reach: Manchester Piccadilly train and Metrolink stations are only about a 5-minute walk away, and numerous bus routes stop at nearby Shudehill Interchange. For visitors planning a wider exploration of Manchester, The Unicorn makes a convenient base.

In the immediate vicinity there’s plenty to do before or after your pint. Directly around the corner is Afflecks Palace at 52 Church Street – an iconic market-style emporium of vintage clothes, handmade crafts and street food. Dropping in there for snacks or shopping can be part of a fun pub crawl through the area. If you wander a few more blocks you’ll find Shambles Square (a collection of historic pubs), the National Football Museum, and the refurbished Corn Exchange with more bars and eateries. Art lovers can stroll to the Manchester Art Gallery or the Whitworth Gallery (though those are a bit further out). Coffee shops, street-art murals and quirky boutiques line the Northern Quarter’s cobbled lanes, giving the whole neighbourhood an eclectic, artsy vibe.

For those driving, note that street parking is limited (residents’ parking zones apply) – it’s best to use public transit or the city’s Park & Ride. Cyclists will appreciate that bike racks are common along Church Street and Oldham Street. In short, The Unicorn’s location is a highlight: you’re in one of Manchester’s most vibrant quarters, within easy reach of trains, buses and many of the city’s key sights. After a cosy drink at the pub, you might head out to catch a movie at HOME cinema just up the road, grab dinner in the Arndale Center nearby, or continue the night at one of the many Northern Quarter venues like Matt & Phreds jazz club or Gulliver’s (both within a 2-minute walk).

Overall Impression

The Unicorn is a delightful old-school Manchester pub that rewards those who seek a genuine local experience. Its appeal lies in the combination of history and affordability: you can sip a well-kept pint of Bass in a wood-panelled room that feels unchanged since the 1920s. Many patrons treasure The Unicorn for this timeless character – a counterpoint to the more modern bars springing up in the city centre. The friendly staff and laid-back crowd add to the welcoming atmosphere, so newcomers quickly feel like they’ve found a neighbourhood spot. On a sunny afternoon, playing hooky with a single Bass here could easily become a cherished Manchester memory.

Naturally, it has a few quirks. The popularity of its low prices and central location means it’s often busy, and finding a seat can be a challenge at peak times. The interior is fascinatingly vintage, but that also means it can feel a bit cramped compared to open-plan pubs, and the bathrooms and accessibility options are limited by the building’s age. Also, if you’re looking for food or craft-beer variety, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But these are relatively small trade-offs. For its target clientele – people after a no-nonsense traditional pint in an atmospheric setting – The Unicorn delivers repeatedly.

The Unicorn combines Manchester pub history with a lively, communal spirit. It stands out as one of the city centre’s cheapest real-ale destinations, and its Grade II-listed interior makes the pint here feel special. Whether you’re a real ale aficionado (after the Bass on tap) or just someone curious to soak in a piece of Manchester heritage, The Unicorn should be on your list. Many visitors leave charmed by the “faded but handsome” pub on Church Street, often promising to return for “a pint of Draught Bass and a good chat” next time. In the tapestry of Manchester’s nightlife, this old redbrick pub is a thread of tradition – rough around the edges, perhaps, but very much worth exploring.