2. Circus Tavern

I was introduced to this pub about 6 months ago and have always found it to be an excellent, warm friendly place for a few drinks without the hassle or blaring music usually associated with city centre Manchester. Sometimes the door is closed - which I took to be a sign that the place is full - so entry isn't always guaranteed. I generally go to The Circus for a few drinks on my way home from work on Fridays. The lovely waitress remembers me every time, knows what I'm drinking and brings it to where I'm sitting. Fantastic! Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the landlord George. As usual on a Friday at about 8 o'clock I arrived at the door to The Circus. The door was closed but a couple in front of me had knocked on. The landlord opened the door, welcomed in his 'spanish friends' and shouted to the waitress to get them a drink on the house. I hadn't met the man up to now although I'd seen him around the pub a few times so I introduced myself and asked if it's ok if I come in for a pint. He shook my hand and I came in and was shown to a seat by the lovely waitress who knew what I was drinking. Unfortunately, as I was waiting for my drink the landlord decided for some unknown reason that he didn't want me there anymore. I hadn't done anything to upset anyone as far as I could see and I tried to explain that I do frequent the place, I haven't just stumbled in from the street. The man didn't want to hear and simply said "nonononono". Fair enough, it's within his rights I guess. But I will forever wonder what the reason could have been for his change of mind. Apparently, the closed door isn't a sign of full capacity, it means that tonight it's friends of the landlord only and if your face doesn't fit then goodbye. A shame that such a great place is so exclusive. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's perhaps because at 25 I'm too young to fit into the decor (Although in the time I've been going I've met some great people from 30 to 85 and gotten along famously). This however would be discrimination on the grounds of age which was rendered unlawful by parliament at the end of last year so of course I wouldn't suggest it for a second. I've rated this a 6. it would have got a 9 as I really do think it's a lovely place but if I can't get inside to drink then it renders the place obsolete to me. I probably won't be returning but I would recommend this pub to people as a fantastic pub full of life and energy from rugby teams singing heartily to guitarists playing all the old greats! If you like friendly places. If you like meeting great people and great conversations. If you can get in!! Go. It's well worth a look.