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Are these the cosiest pubs in Manchester?

'What makes a cosy pub? For us, it’s one with a roaring fire, comfy nooks, ideally dogs welcome, great grub and a carefully chosen gathering of ales and wine'
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We all love a good pub – and as the weather turns colder, our thoughts start to turn from sunny beer gardens to roaring fires and cosy corners.

Now, food and drink writers Tom Parker Bowles and Olly Smith have chosen what they think are the top 100 cosiest pubs in Britain for The Daily Mail.

“What makes a cosy pub? For us, it’s one with a roaring fire, comfy nooks to dwell in, ideally dogs welcome, great grub and a carefully chosen gathering of ales and wines,” say the pair about their choices.

And four in Manchester have made the list.

Circus Tavern Manchester

The first of Tom’s picks is The Circus Tavern on Portland Street – a “little gem,” he writes.

“The smallest pub in Manchester, with one of the smallest bars in the country.

“But small doesn’t mean second-rate. Hell no.

“It’s owned by Tetley’s brewery and there are fireplaces, wooden panelling and sash windows.

Circus Tavern

“But not enough room for queuing up at the bar.

“So it’s table service only for the 45 or so lucky punters who find their way inside.”

The pub, which bills itself as “the smallest pub in Europe, the biggest welcome in the world,” is popular with locals, too.

The second of Tom’s choices is The City Arms, on Kennedy Street, a cosy two-room pub which offers “eight hand pulls, mainly local ales,” he says.

“But there are leather banquettes, stained-glass windows and the feeling of an old-fashioned boozer.

“At lunch there’s a menu, but hot pies are available all day. Along with pickled eggs.

“In a world of chain pubs, The City Arms offers the real thing.”

Wine expert Olly also has a couple of favourites in the city – and first up is Beermoth Cafe on Brown Street.

“Modern and magical, this is one of my favourite places to drink in Britain,” writes Olly.

“Booths are snug, snacks are good, and setting cosiness aside, the beer is among the best-kept and the bottles list is epic.

“Sourced from around the world with some rare bottles as well as home-grown favourites, this place rightly gets busy – my tip is to head there mid-afternoon.

“Follow @CB_cellar on Twitter for instant updates of which beers are on and off.”

Photo: Marble Beers Ltd

Olly’s second pick is The Marble Arch on Rochdale Road, a traditional drinking establishment with its own and guest beers, plus food including cheeseboards.

“I once spent a memorable evening with Oz Clarke drinking in this Grade II-listed Mancunian landmark and we both agreed the beer was special,” writes Olly.

Photo: Marble Beers Ltd

“The original home of the Marble Brewery with nine hand pulls, eight kegs and various ciders, it’s hard to fault the drinks in this characterful refuge.

“It’s stacked with period features such as the mosaic floor, which contrasts with the open kitchen serving bang-up-to-date cooking.

“A gem.”

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