Needing a Few More Pounds

Last day of work, and I had hoped to be able to wrap it up early so that Len and I could explore Manchester. But consistent with every other day at RR, we worked past 5 so we were late getting on the road. After an initial wrong turn courtesy of Tom-Tom, we made the drive and ended up at City Centre. MJ Pocket Guide to Beer had recommended the Jolly Angler, and we found it easy enough. However, when I went in to check it out, I was severely disappointed (my first time in an English Pub). They had real ale, but there were 4 blokes slumped over the tables, the landlady was half in the bag and laughed when I asked if they had any food. On to Plan B.

We went up the road and found the Crown & Kettle. They had a limited beer selection and no food, but the folks were really nice. I had the Titanic White Star, an English version of a Belgian White that could have used a bit more citrus in the finish. Still hungry, we decided to move on, even though we found a machined that vended cashews. So down the block we found the perfect establishment for our last night in the UK, The Angel.

The Angel has been opened for about 6 months (it was the Beer House, another MJ recommendation, but that closed about 2 years ago) and had a very fancy menu. Almost too fancy for my taste, but since we were hungry and hadn’t found anywhere else, we decided to stay. I ordered the broccoli and stilton soup, which was outstanding, and followed it up with a fish stew that contained mussels, salmon, and haddock in a cream sauce. It was excellent! Len ordered lamb liver (ugh!), and said it was good too. I had a Facers Splendid Ale, and their Angel (named after the pub) while Len had a Lancaster Red. The meal was a bit pricey, and we were embarrassed to be short a few pounds and then find out that they didn’t take checks or credit cards. Len saved the day by getting some extra quid from a local cash machine. It was the best meal that we had in England and a great way to end the trip.

On the walk back to the car I noted several places that were recommended in the Good Beer Guide; the Marble Arch, the Smithfield and the Belgian Café. It was late, so Len and I decided that we would call it an evening and plan to come back. It was a great trip, but I was looking forward to getting back to Jenn and the kids. Here’s to new friends and safe travels! - 5086

"Ere’s to English women an’ a quart of English beer." – Rudyard Kipling