Our resident Irishman, James Doyle, is still reeling from the shock of finding the world’s finest pint of The Black Stuff is poured in…Manchester
The best pint of plain the world has ever seen doesn’t hail from Dublin’s fair city, nor the Glens of Antrim but rather down a backstreet in Manchester’s Deansgate. A statement that would be sacrilegious to most, but this secret local is known only by a few.
Mulligans, the secluded pub hidden from plain view for the average passer-by, boasts the enviable old-school red Guinness sign, which folk legend says the sign is only handed to bars who dedicate their craft to pouring some of the best pints of the black stuff in the world. Don’t believe me? Put it to the test. It peeps out from around the corner, illuminating the edge of Back Bridge Street, offering a beacon of hope to every Irishman, woman, or purveyor of the finest stout.
You’ll be greeted by Mr Molloy, the guardian of this unexpected portal to Ireland. If you’re lucky enough to be granted access, you’ll step back in time to a traditional Irish watering hole of the 50’s. The colourful flags of all 32 counties hang from the ceiling and the walls are an homage to Irish footballing greats such as Roy Keane. I always choose to sit myself in Doyle’s Corner and pretend it’s in reverence to me, a clearly adored customer, rather than King Kevin Doyle.
The back bar is lined with an incredible offering of Irish Whiskey alongside cult-status Irish snacks, such as, Tayto cheese & onion or salt & vinegar (the first brand in the world to put seasoning on crisps). On the polished wooden bar, you’ll see an array of creamy two-pour pints, tantalising patrons with the agonising sixty-second settle.
While a singer serenades the crowd with The Auld Triangle, you’ll lock eyes with Colm, who’ll say the magical 3 words ; “Pint of plain?”. To which every true Guinness buff replies, ”Ah, sure, it’s your only man.”
