The Manchester city centre pub restaurant that’s the perfect winter bolthole

The autumn and winter seasons can create quite the bustle on the streets of Manchester. Leisurely strolls in the sunshine have been replaced with quickened strides as you look for a place where you can escape the harsh, bitter winds and warm your cockles.

Luckily you don’t have to venture far to find such a haven in this town. Just follow your nose to Back Pool Fold off Cross Street where Sam’s Chophouse is waiting to welcome you.

This pub restaurant has stood proudly in our city for 140 years. Back in the day it was a favourite haunt of LS Lowry.

Fast forward to 2017 and Sam’s Chophouse is now a fully-fledged Manchester institution, retaining its quintessential classic charm.

The decor is delightfully higgedly piggledy with mis-matched chairs, original tile-work and refined tableware. The ambience is delightfully eclectic and very, very British.

Whether you’re a regular or a first timer, you’ll be enveloped in Sam’s warmth from the moment you enter. Hidden beneath the streets of Manchester, it’s a deliciously snug and indulgent escape from reality.

With no windows to the outside world, you can can enjoy an undisturbed refuge where burrowing away in one of the many leather-cladded booths or cosy alcoves is a wonderful way to while away an afternoon or evening.

The menu is a compilation of well thought out dishes, showcasing the very best of British grub. Whether you’re brunching, evening meal-ing or just grabbing a quick bite, there’s really no going wrong, especially when Sam’s Famous Corned Beef Hash is on offer morning, noon and night.

A worthy contender for the ultimate Manchester Bucket List, it’s served with the utmost grandeur. A loaded patty, packed with pulled beef brisket, softly boiled potatoes and rich, meaty flavour. Crisp, chewy bacon crowns this work of art with a pool of golden nectar from a perfectly pop-able egg the crowning glory. A masterpiece ten days in the making, and the ultimate comfort food.

The Farmer’s Hash is a breakfast worth getting out of bed for. A showcase of fine UK produce, featuring a parade of sautéed spuds, mushrooms and tomatoes alongside salty bacon lardons, Cumberland sausage and a crispy fried egg. Full of familiar and comforting flavours, it’s bursting with British pride and a fine example of our culinary heritage.

The Sam’s Chophouse team are friendly and personable and will happily allow you to bend their ear as you ponder the menu. And if you’re feeling a little spoilt for choice by their vast offerings of ales, wines and spirits, they will introduce you to your new favourite tipple.

They’re also terribly convincing if you’re considering a pudding. And pudding should absolutely always be considered.

Regardless of how full you’re feeling, one look at the sumptuous, gooey puds on offer, and you’ll definitely succumb to temptation.

British classics like Treacle Tart, Eccles Cakes and a Sticky Toffee Pud are sure to hit that sweet spot. If it’s pure indulgence you’re after, the newly introduced Molten Chocolate Pudding will tickle your fancy.

As we struggle through the final few months of the year and head into the festive season, the inescapable busy-ness of impending holidays are hard to avoid. But after a long slog at the office or the shops, a warm welcome, a cold pint and expertly cooked, classic British fare are guaranteed at Sam’s Chophouse.

By the way, if you want to enjoy the comforts of the Chophouse dining room, it’s probably a good idea to book ahead.