A hidden gem, the Ducie Arms is found a little way off Oxford Road on Devas Street, part of Manchester Science Park it’s been a popular spot with academics since time immemorial. This beautiful and ancient pub is one of the very few classic Manchester buildings left. Shrouded in pleasant greenery, the interior has many original fittings and the dark woodwork glows with warmth. There’s also a fine beer garden outside with plenty of picnic tables for the summer evenings.
The five-minute walk off Oxford Road is well worth it, and the Ducie Arms is a firm fixture on the many lists of excellent Manchester pubs to check off in the city centre.
A wide selection of fine pints are available, ranging from your standard fizzy lagers to local northern ales and many CAMRA stalwarts. If you want advice on anything beer-related, just speak to the friendly, knowledgeable staff.
The Ducie Arms also serves traditional pub food to a very high standard, with a hearty selection of beef and chicken burgers, fish and chips, jacket potatoes, curries and steak puddings. The food’s no afterthought, and in fact, the Ducie Arms is well-regarded as a lunch spot for those working in the area. If you’re off into town for the night, it’s a good idea to make the Ducie Arms your food base camp, heading back here to fill up on pub classics to sustain you throughout the evening.
What really makes the Ducie popular, of course, is the hand-picked selection of staff, who provide a warm welcome to everyone who walks through the door. You won’t get this everywhere, in an age of chain pubs and corporate eateries which can lack that authentic northern character and charm. If you’re looking for a prime example of the city’s best drinking holes, drop in at the Ducie Arms and savour some real Manchester hospitality.
