I love this pub. We were on a Saturday pub crawl and spent most of the afternoon here. I was drinking whiskey and they have a HUGE selection. Great atmosphere. Great customers. Great location. read more

One of the Manchester's oldest pubs, the Briton's Protection is a much loved drinking den that has a loyal clientele all year round. Open afternoons and evenings, it's a great place to catch up with friends or go for a quick pint before a gig or movie. The front bar is tiny and usually populated by grey haired men nursing a never-ending pint. If you walk down the corridor however, you'll find a cluster of cosy rooms with old velvet seats, copper topped tables and a roaring log fire. There's also a small beer garden which gets rammed in the summer - despite having no views, flowers or atmosphere! Upstairs there's a cosy reception room which local promoters sometimes use for live gigs. I saw Badly Drawn Boy play his first gig here many moons ago and was quietly blown away. If you're coming to a show, get here early or you'll have to choose between queing for a drink or trying to find somewhere to stand. Speaking of liquor, stay clear of the wine - it tastes like battery acid - and stick to their great range of ales, beers, whisky and bourbon. read more

The Briton's Protection - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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I'd convinced myself I'd never been to The Briton's Protection before, but on visiting here with a mate for a cheeky after work bevvy (which turned into a mini 'bar crawl', see reviews of Rain Bar http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/rain-bar-manchester and Peveril Of The Peak http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/peveril-of-the-peak-manchester), I was reminded that I'd darkened their door at least once before... On first sight you'd think there was hardly anywhere to sit and enjoy your well-earned beer, as the bar stretches from wall to wall. Follow the corridor to the left of the bar and you'll see several off-shoot rooms to find a cushioned bench or bar stool. Given it's December we headed straight to the room with the roaring fire and got a great seat in front of the flames. I loved it here. My mate loved it here. And we would have stayed but the fact we wanted to sample more than one establishment that evening. Really enjoyed the beer here as well - the bar manager made a recommendation (alas I've forgotten its name, the beer, not the bar guy, but it was very good indeed). Tip: If you love your whiskies, you won't be disappointed here either, they have a sizeable selection. read more

The Briton's Protection - Immense. - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

The Briton's Protection is great. I can't believe that in all these reviews no one has mentioned the Whiskey. Basically they specialize in whiskies, and they've literally got every type under the sun. They have a huge menu that you can choose from, or if you don't quite know what you're after, you can explain what kind of whiskey you like and get some suggestions. They've got everything from the heaviest and fruitiest to the lights and Pete-iest. My personal favourite is the Lagavulin, which is the Pete-iest you can get. I also like Yamakazi, a Japanese whiskey, and if you're looking for a cheaper one, Benromach. Its not that the expensive ones are ridiculous though, as a Lagavulin is only around £4, and it really is gorgeous. If you're into whiskies then this place is heaven, if not then you'll probably appreciate its precision nonetheless. Of course, its also a lovely building with old-style interiors and cosy little tavern rooms with a large mahogany bar. read more

The Briton's Protection - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I went to this pub for a friend's leaving do. The place was a bit smelly when I walked in & it looked like an old man's pub. There were only two options of larger, although price was reasonable, around 4.20 for a pint. The room in the back was quite large & as we didn't book it, but our friends arrived gradually & we all fit in. Some of the guys in our group started to drink whisky as it's the speciality of this pub. It is certainly not the kind of pub I would like to spend my Friday night for a girls night out, but might be a good choice for a large group of friends to meet & for those who like whiskers. read more

The Briton's Protection - Room in the back - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

A traditional English pub, this is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon, especially if you have a liking for whiskey! I visited yesterday with family & the pub now has over 300 different whiskeys to try from all over the world. The majority currently range in price from £3.80 to £4.90, with some really special offerings up to £30.00. So there should be something to suit most people's budget. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado, or somebody interested to sample the surprising / amazing differences between each glass, I can highly recommend this relaxing pub. read more

The Briton's Protection - A whiskey lovers paradise! - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Other feedback I have seen on this attractive pub tells me that there a few different rooms here, all worth a look. Shows how lazy I was. I was very happy with the main bar and couldn't be bothered to wander around. Especially as those in front of and behind the bar seemed a friendly lot. Had a pint of Ostara. Ostara is the Queen of fertility and spring, so as you would expect the beer was lively and lovely. There were a few other interesting looking brews too. read more

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You know the feeling, one of those days at work when you just NEED a drink when you finish. In typical Manchester style, it was absolutely throwing it down when I finished and the Briton's Protection was literally the nearest place serving alcohol...we legged it over and into the front door...instantly we were relieved...it was so warm and homey, I can't believe we haven't wandered in here before. We sat in the back room which was complete with a real log fire, something you don't get in most pubs anymore, it was lovely. Prices were very good considering the city centre location, the bar staff were excellent and made us feel completely at home and the bar is very well stocked with a huge range of spirits. The only problem with the place is that I've now been three times in the past week, it's too close to my work that the temptation is just too much! read more

The Briton's Protection - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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This pub is one of the oldest pubs in Manchester so if you want a traditional pub that sells cask ale, and a massive array of whiskies and bourbons this is the place for you. I am at my happiest when sat in a real pub with half a Guinness surrounded by friendly folk and this is what this pub is all about. Get a group of your closest friends and head down here on a wintry night to try some of their cask ales and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere. I am starting to question why I am not there now! read more

The Briton's Protection - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

probably my favourite pub in manchester so far (still have a few to visit though)! feels like a local pub while being located in manchester city centre! each time i go there for a drink i end up spending the night! very nice atmosphere and friendly staff! the main reason why we got there for the 1st time was because we heard about their great selection of whiskey and we were not disapointed! so many choice from all around the world! most importantly the manager is an expert whiskey that will help you finding your favourite! if you are not a whiskey fan they also have few nice ales on tap! will probably have to go back as i still have to try their food, and few whiskeys! read more

The Briton's Protection - Nice whisky tasting at BP! - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Wow! Have you SEEN the whisky selection? Seriously it's immense. They even have proper bourbon so I am in love with this place! And they have Woodford! I've spent many an afternoon in the Briton's, gently supping away and chatting with friends at the bar - I think this is probs the best time to visit as it can get a little ram jammed on a Friday and Saturday night. That would be ok if I was a man with a beer belly who liked being in rooms with men with beer bellies, but I'm a girl (yup, never guessed did you?) and I find that I like my rooms a little less beery when I'm out! It's pretty much one of the oldest pubs in Manchester and is a bit of a legend - I always include it on a tour of the city. The staff are pretty helpful and the bar is really long - which is good, cos it gets busy. Inside the pub is all little windy corridors and nooks and crannies so it feels like a bit of an adventure when you're finding somewhere to sit - who doesn't like adventures hey? If you've never been, go NOW! Ps the toilets get cold in winter so wear a jumper if you need the loo. read more

This is now the 2nd time I've been The Britons Protection and although I'm not a fan of the name (a little bit EDL) it is a very good, properly British, pub. Out of all the pubs in Manchester that I've been the Britons protection has my favourite interior. It is split into 3 very differently decorated rooms: the bar area at the front, small and maybe a bit crowed, and two, more spacious seating round the back. Each room is decorate the way I believe a British pub should be. The drinks selection could be improve. It has only a few cask ales and a small selection on standard lagers. It did look like it might have a decent whisky collection however I'm no expert (and I did see jack daniel's so maybe not) All in all great atmosphere, awesome interior and only the beer preventing 5 stars. read more

The Briton's Protection is a must visit for any whiskey lovers with over 300 to choose from, and a vast array of different cask and bottled beers. It could be a long night - and it usually is. The staff are friendly, and with the pub divided into three different rooms it's a quirky little drinking spot. Conveniently located in the centre of Manchester, just round the corner from the Hilton - it's easy to find but doesn't get as busy as you might think. I've been there on a number of occasions now and I've never had to wait too long to get served. The renovation of the beer garden has done wonders for the pub too, with quite a large area for after work, summer evening drinks. The manager of the pub is an expert on whiskey - recommending different names to try from all around the world based on your existing taste. It's won plenty of awards (quite rightly so), and it's the perfect place if your after that true British pub feeling. read more

Funnily enough I had just slightly wistfully peeked in here earlier the day I ended up visiting. The Briton's Protection is a classic pub with a very wide whisky collection and Strongbow on tap, which perhaps it's bad form for me to have enjoyed so much. No ginger wine so no whisky mac...bit weird. Friendly atmosphere and beautiful old decor. read more

With an impressive whiskey list I was surprised they also had great beers. The music draws you in and the cozy fire places entice you to stay. This is near Bridgwater Hall and has become one of my favorites. I am not the only one. This place does good business and if you ask around for the best bar in the area - you'll likely hear its name from several different people. read more

The Briton's Protection - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Stop two on my (pub) tour of Manchester and Michael and Emily brought me here. This totally reminds me of a traditional old man pub that you would expect to find in the UK. So Manchester definitely fulfilled when it comes to that. I got a dark beer here, because it's my favorite kind. And it was delicious. But there was a large selection of draught beers to choose from which is always a plus in my book. There's plenty of seating if you head to the back bars. The rooms are really old fashioned, but it definitely gave the place charm and character. I also got some crisps. Because they had McCoy's Mexican Chili which are my favorite type of crisps! So delicious. I think Michael and Emily enjoyed them as well. Will definitely be a place I'd come back to if I come back to Manchester. Good beer and good atmosphere always makes for a grand time. Although if I were to come back and spend some time here, I'd probably give their extensive whisky menu a go. read more

By now most Mancs know that the BP is an institution. A jewel of a pub next to Deansgate tram stop, the Bridgewater Hall, The Midlands and Manchester Central. Inside it's warm and cosy, old red-themed fabric against dark wooden tables and stools, golden lighting, fireplaces, small rooms, beer garden...it's got it all. Of note is a wide range of malts from all over the world. My only down point: only 2, generally pretty characterless cask ales. Now that we finally have a striving beer industry it's be great to see more and better ales at the Briton's read more

I'm not a whiskey fan. I appreciate some people will think, with some justification, that I am therefore unable to properly review this pub. But consider this a review of what else the Briton's Protection has to offer: a good location, an OK bar, a good selection of drinks, a slightly steep price list. The Briton's Protection is very conveniently near the middle of town, just down the road from Manchester Central and the Bridgewater Hall. It's a nice old building too, laid out almost like a house with a few rooms instead of a central open plan. I don't find it a particularly welcoming place though, with the decor being pretty heavy and dated. More reminiscent of a grandparent's house you endured visits to than somewhere you'd choose to spend time. The beer garden is another matter though, with a decent sized space filled not too tightly with nice and comfortable tables, chairs, and benches. Given the Manchester climate there are sadly too few chances to enjoy an afternoon there, but it's very pleasant when the weather permits. As for the pub fare itself, I must admit I found it pretty average. I was impressed with the range, which included three house wines of each colour and plenty of beers/ales on tap. But what I drank (wines) was no better or worse than I would have expected at any random pub, or probably even a Weatherspoons (they often impress me these days, actually). And I felt like I was paying a somewhat premium price tag for it. A small glass of decent (but no better) wine set me back almost £4, and that was the norm for a pint as well. This isn't crazy expensive, but I couldn't put my finger on what I was getting for the extra I was spending over going to a Spoons. By contrast, I can clearly see what I get at nearby establishments which charge the same or more than the Briton's. The bar at Home Mcr is 2 minute's walk away, and a really nice (and quiet) place to grab a drink, some food, and chat with friends. Or walk across Albert Square and grab some really great wine at Salut. In short: I don't have anything against The Briton's Protection, but it seems undercut or outperformed by rivals in every (non-whiskey) department. read more

All the whisky you could wish for. The is a old stye pub with a a pumb room and two other rooms at the back round the bar. In winter there a real fires in each room. The ales are good and I have never seen so many whiskys, they have a menu! The Land Lady doesn't like swearing and the staff are always helpful. There is a book crossing here where you can drop off your old books and pick up a new one with a small donation to help for heroes. This is one of my bolt holes for when the winter markets get too cold. read more

Well its got a great interior several rooms around a central bar with good selection of real ales .

The Britons Protection is arguably the pride of Manchester, it being a pub which looks as though it's survived wars, bombs and countless bouts of urban regeneration. It's full of a rare and unique charm, has the best selection of whiskeys in the city, and looks as though it was built with the sole purpose of being a big booze-filled rabbit warren. For all these reasons (and many many more) it's undeniably the best pub in the whole of Manchester. OK - so that's a bit of a bold claim, but walk up to The Britons on any given night, and you'll see why so many Mancunians have fallen for this proud old boozer's charms. It's full of atmosphere - and some seriously fine real ale. Indeed, it puts me in mind of what all pubs used to be like once upon a time, before the advent of soulless chain bars and overpriced lagers. If that wasn't enough to wet your appetite, walk into the snug and you're always sure to find a roaring fire in the grate during the cold dark Winter months. They also do a rather cracking blend of mulled wine throughout December too. I've spent many, many hours sat in front of its fire with friends, sipping large measures of its excellent whiskeys. I also love sitting in its humongous beer garden on warm Summer evenings, which is a great place to sit and shoot the breeze with all the filthy smokers. I'm not the first to say it and I'm sure I won't be the last, but this is a truly wonderful pub, and certainly one of the gems in Manchester's boozy crown. read more

The Britons Protection is a friendly and homely pub located on Great Bridgewater Street between G-Mex and St Peter's Square tram stops. It offers an excellent selection of real ale and spirits at quite reasonable prices. The pub itself is very traditional in terms of design and decor and attracts quite a mixed crowd. read more

As the homogenisation of Manchester continues apace, it's really great to see a real trad. arr. pub sat there like a stubborn mule. The Britons Protection is a pub that looks like it has just been hoiked out of a time forgotten, complete with proper pints of ale, cigarette stained walls, a roaring fire, a spectacular array of whisky and many places to develop your ass groove. Yep, if you were to take a WAG in the BP, she'd probably cry all the water out of her body... however, for those yearning for an experience that more closely resembles the drinking of yesteryear, this place is the best boozer in Manchester. I've spent many, many hours knocking back pints, going through each ale (just to see what they were like, obviously) and chatting the ears off anyone who'll listen in there... and not to mention the fact that there's a ruddy great beer garden out the back for smokers which is great in summer. The beer won't cost you the earth and the craic is good. A really brilliant pub. read more

On a par with the Lasso Gallarie, again one of Manchester's old school haunts, original, and with smartest and peasant staff around. Mixed crowd, good occassional gigs upstairs, and now that smoking in pubs has been banned, the back rooms are a pleasure. If you not been there, go check it out before it dissappears (as it was rumoured a buy out for development) - but I guss now that the credit crunch has hit, it won't happen. Very nice. read more

My favourite traditional pub especially in the winter when they have the fire on in the back room :) good selection of traditional cask ales and whiskeys. I was on the red wine for this trip and enjoyed a nice Shiraz whilst sitting on one of the bar stools. Bigger than you think as they have 2 additional rooms at the other side of the bar read more

When it comes to traditional pubs in Manchester the Briton's Protection is as good as it gets. I love the old fashioned wooden bar and the little snug rooms that you can sit and have a drink in. It's great in the Winter because they have a log fire to keep you warm and nice in the Summer because you can sit out in the well decked beer garden. With loads of beer and spirits to choose from you can't go far wrong with a visit to the Britons Protection. read more

You can't get much cosier a pub than the Briton's Protection. There are TWO fires in this place (yes, two) with lots of small rooms and nooks and crannies to get lost in. They are famous for their huge range of whiskies (over 300) but they also serve a great selection of ales on tap. It can get very busy in here on a cold winter's day so be prepared to elbow your way through to a seat. read more

I'm always telling people about this place so I should probably review it; The Britons Protection is a rather shabby looking pub in an area filled with fancy bars, but that's ok as it has one of the largest collections of whiskies and spirits I've ever seen. If you're a fan of whisky then this is the place to come in manchester, the whisky jar can't touch this place for choice. Aside from the spirits the bar is fully stocked with ale and wine with a good selection of beers on offer, there is a beer garden and that is it really. I don't go very regularly but this pub should be on any pub crawl around this area of manchester as its a real gem. read more

If you are a whisky lover or you just love a traditional pub then the BP is for you. The renovation of the Beer Garden is great for summer drinks with friends or this pub is a great place to warm up by the fire after walking around the Christmas Markets. I've spent many a night (and day) at the Britons Protection and it feels like home! It's like cheers... Where Everybody Knows Your Name (I'm not sure that's a good thing ; ) ) The only thing I'd say to the new owners is the toilets need some serious TLC! read more

Proper pub, massive selection of spirits, authentic Mancs propping the bar up and a daft name- perfect pubbing!

I have only drunk here, not eaten, but I can attest that they have a nice selection of real ales and that the lady who worked the bar when we were there is able and willing to help you find a beer to your liking. Interesting interior, too. If you are nearby, do make yourself a favor and pop in here for a pint or two. You can thank me later (buy me a pint, perhaps?). read more

Great old-fashioned pub in a nice city-centre location near the Bridgewater Hall. Don't be surprised if you recognise some people in there before or after the local concerts! read more

Proper pub, almost definitely hasn't changed since, well since forever. Back room is seating - and you can see through from the bar which is cool. Wine not wonderful but this is a beer/ale place really. Usually do food but not on the Saturday when we went. Definitely a dressdown, hole yourself in place. read more

Didn't eat here, but drank plenty and I have to say that this is a great pub. Fantastic array of local beers, knowledgeable and super-friendly staff, great old interior, and one hell of a whiskey collection. This is a place I will go to every time I visit Manchester. read more

This is my favourite pub in Manchester. It's always busy so you have to get there early. Have a massive range of drinks and you can get a bottle of wine for under a tenner! Amazing. There's an open fire in one of the rooms to while away winters evenings. Never eaten here but the pies looked pretty interesting and I'm sure they'll be good! Friendly bar staff and nice atmosphere. A must visit pub. read more

Proper old-fashioned pub, good range of ales (2 Cottage Brewing guests plus 3 others), friendly bar staff, a fab place to have a decent quiet pint. And you can choose between the narrow front bar area or further into the pub for where to sit. A must for the dedicated beer-follower or visitor to Manchester seeking a good ale. Just across from the Bridgewater Hall for those musical amongst us. read more

I have been meaning to visit this long established pub for quite some time. I was hoping for a CAMRA type pub in beautiful suroundings. Service was ok but this place needs a subtle refurb. Lots of great original features, but the smell from the carpets reminded me of when my Grandma would try and French kiss me as a young boy after she had spent 24 hours on Guinness and and chain smoking Woodbines. Went out to the beer garden at the back with its high walls and nondescript surrounding.I could have almost been sharing a cell with Peter Sutcliffe in Wakefield prison. Had a glass of white house wine as it was a nice sunny day, I took one sip and after it removed a layer of skin from the back of my throat, I quickly decanted it into a sprite bottle I had in my bag and took it home, using it to descale the kettle. I left hopping on one leg like a whilst making a sound like a goose trapped inside a cement mixer. Won't be going back in a hurry. read more

This place is terrific! Reaaaally cozy with all the fire and couches, not expensive at all. Perfect place to have a relaxing evening with your friends. read more

A great, traditional pub in the heart of the city centre. This wonderful pub has various different cosy rooms as well as the front bar area and the terrace out the back. It has I think the biggest whisky selection in Manchester, at least 200 last time I checked. It has a good atmosphere, not too old-manish to be intimidating. Great for a place to settle for a winter's evening drinking session. read more

Traditional - certainly. Great list of whisky available for sure, and a nice yard at the rear. Ale in decent nick and some nice rooms to boot. The only downsides are the large prices, slightly stuffy service (think Are you Being Served), limited availability of food and policy of closing if there's football in town which can make it difficult to plan ahead. read more