great atmosphere, kind of edgy. traditional pub with nice bar tenders and a queue-yourself juke box. its card only, which isnt a problem for me. bathrooms and floor are super clean (no food) read more

While I really do like these grunge pubs, the thing that annoyed me about this one was that they only accepted card, which I personally don't appreciate, being the type of person to prefer to use cash when I am at drinking establishments. However, that aside, this pub I have to admit was certainly pretty cool, especially since it was a grunge pub, but then again I really do like grunge pubs like this one, so I'm certainly quite delighted that I randomly wandered into this one. read more

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I'll never forget the first time I heard Warrant's 'Cherry Pie'. Have you ever listened to the lyrics? They're dubious, ludicrously sexual... well, with a title like that, I'd expect nothing less. In fact the sheer mountain of cheese that has emanated from The Salisbury's jukebox rivals that of Rock Radio. Sisters of Mercy? Check. Whitesnake? Check. The Salisbury is one of those places you walk into where you know instantly if you're comfortable or not. If piercings, tattoos, men with long hair and loud guitars scare you a little, avoid. It's often a first-stop with a few pints for those heading to Jilly's Rockworld later. Seriously though, these people are soft as marshmallow underneath. I witnessed a man sobbing and clutching the jukebox when Pantera were on the day after their guitarist died. "Legend!" he was shouting. "LEGEND!!!" Needless to say I chose an alternative route to the toilets. What sets the Salisbury apart are the prices and the variety of schnapps available. Yes, schnapps! My personal favourite is a lemon schnapps with diet Coke (remember that diet Coke with lemon you could buy for a while? Like an alcoholy version of that), or perhaps a sour apple schnapps with lemonade. I'd also recommend the melon schnapps for those with a sweet tooth. These shorts will set you back about £1.50. In some places, you'd pay more than that for the shot itself. They're all a form of 'house brands' so maybe that's why they're so inexpensive. Despite it being in a very student-heavy area of Manchester, The Salisbury attracts a wide and varied clientele. Just take care on the weekends when it's packed. It's so long and narrow around the bar that you can easily do yourself a mischief navigating between the pool table and the toilets. There are also TVs dotted around showing either music channels or... BBC documentaries. Unless that was a one-off. read more

You know what, I've just realised that I moved to Manchester 8 years ago this week - wow, what was probably going to be a few years stop while finding a home on this planet, has basically turned into home! I know this because I watched the entire Wimbledon tv coverage over 2 weeks that year, the weather was fantastic like today and I used to hit the Salisbury pub loads with some of my mates I know from Liverpool. And it's weird because I used to go here all the time but have hardly been in the past 4 years - but based on nipping there for a few pints with Ian M, nothing has changed in 8 years at least! It's not glam, it's a proper old rocker pub with a fantastic jukebox, usually free pool table and loads of cask beers at low low city centre prices - circa £3. If you want somewhere that's properly authentic, no frills and salt of the earth peeps, hit the Salisbury! read more

The Salisbury - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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I've always seen the Salisbury as a good foil to Grand Central. GC a bit too full? Pop to Salisbury. GC a bit too loud? Pop to salisbury,although if GC is too loud for you then you really shouldn't be in there in the first place : ) But the other Saturday when Kreator were playing round the corner at the Ritz, Salisbury was both full and the music was loud,also the music was of a good vintage of Metal,not too much of the watered down stuff that gets passed of as Metal these days... GC to Salisbury,to GC to Salisbury is one of the shortest and best pub crawls in the City,unless you don't like good music and a massive range of beers and spirits. If you are one of those people then I appologise,still,there's always night clubs : ) read more

Its convenient location next to Oxford Road Train Station makes this Manchester pub a good place to visit for a beer whilst waiting for a train. Otherwise though, there are not a great many reasons to visit this one. The ale is a little bit pricey for the north, though in truth I have few places in Manchester to compare the prices to. However, being next to the main entrance to a train station would normally mean ale prices are higher than they should be. Staff are nice enough, but not overly friendly. It is often difficult to get their attention in the evenings, and the pub can be a little bit loud so if one asks them any questions they generally have difficulty hearing you. The televisions located around the pub thankfully they have sports playing. read more

A lovely looking pub, particularly the exterior tiling. It's a shame though that they have such a bland ale selection. Given that they seem to have some choice, why stick to Wells/Youngs, Marstons and GK? My Waggle dance was average at best. The toilets stink but not like normal. They seem to have found a cleaning product that smells even worse than p*ss. read more

The Salisbury - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Dark and a little bit grubby, The Salisbury is just how any rock pub should be. However, it seems that it has received a few disgruntled customers after the introduction of the smoking ban. Without the luxury of an already made undercover smoking area like the Thirsty Scholar next door has in the form of the railway bridge, smokers have to stand outside behind barricades at the front entrance. They are not allowed to take their drinks outside unless they're in plastic cups, which has resulted in many discontented ale drinking smokers. Personally I am quite happy that I can visit a rock pub without having to wash my hair and all my clothes when I return home. As the other reviewers have said, there is a really good jukebox which is commonly regarded as the best in Manchester. There is a good selection of drinks, though I would not recommend a visit to the toilets if you are a clean freak. The tables tend to be a bit sticky too. As I said in my review of Grand Central, although this is a rock pub, you do not have to have piercings and tattoos to drink here. I like my rock music, but look pretty 'normal' and do not feel at all out of place in here. \m/ Rock on read more

The Salisbury - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

It is, what it is. A rock pub. Not a road. An olde skool, characterful pub. That sells eggs, and a great range of ale - though with more than a hint of Theakstons! The vanilla stout I'm drinking is fantastic. ACDC on the jukebox. I'll be sad if this place goes, as it's been a staple of Manchester life for me since I moved here 20 years ago. It's a place where if it's going wrong in a shiny bar in town, you can return here and reset the barometer before getting the very late bus home. It has no pretention here. And that's not for everyone, but it has a large community based around it. Labour politicians may not care for community view point in this city, but I do, and don't really care how caring for things is considered uncool. It is, what it is. read more

The Salisbury - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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I heartily concur with the four-star rating of The Salisbury by those who came before. A genuine gnarly old-style English pub, traditional wooden interior with a wide variety of traditional ales on tap. I had a pint of Old Peculiar and savored every drop. What to expect: hidden away on a side street it has a small outdoor beer garden in the back for smoker's, inside a pool table with guys yelling and having a good time, a thoughtful bartender, rock music blaring across the pub. A few cozy table areas and some room at the bar where I seated myself to enjoy watching the action. Looking for a sports bar with multiple screens and some potted plants? Move on buster. This ain't the place, but if you're looking for a pint and/or maybe some two-fisted drinking you'll be fine right here. The kind of place I wish I could visit more often, for sure. Oh, and I don't want a pint at any goddamn 5-start pub! Four does just fine. read more

I love this pub! I rather much come here on a Saturday night than a crappy club.. This place is right next to the Oxford Railway Station Bridge..hidden in a corner after Grand Central..I always try to get my friends to come here to get a pint of ale, pickled egg and a packet of Worcestershire sauce crisps...(its my traditional treat to myself) The atmosphere is great with a cool jukebox and good rock music playing in the background,,,but not too loud where you can't think! The guest ales are fantastic...I tried Oddly Peculiar this weekend followed by The Dogs Bollocks..these were quite strong..but flavorsome.. The staff are usually quite chatty and friendly and know their stuff when it comes to alcohol! and the decor just fits into a nice traditional pub style... Shame this place is a little out of the way...because I would come here a lot more often..They don't do food by the way ...just beer, nuts , eggs and crisps... read more

With dinner done at Zouk we needed some place to down some beverage and talk. We decided on Salisbury for three reasons. 1. It was close enough to Zouk and bang on Oxford Road 2. They play great classic rock (daddy rock if you were unfortunately born after 1995) 3. My wife had never been there For a saturday night, it was quite quiet, but we still didn't get seats (it's not that we couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery) but we simply weren't good enough on the night (think about Man United against Southampton the other week). The bloke at the bar was great, served us straight away with IPAs and they were belting out some proper rock like Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Led Zep, Metallica, Maiden (you get the idea)... Four stars because I am and have always been a fan, but the extra star is for that extra special feeling which I didn't get on this occasion. But like Arnie famously said (in terminator films and in Expendables 2) I'll be back! read more

Rock music, friendly bartenders, and laid-back people drinking pints. Went here on a Sunday evening and it was a great way to end my night. Definitely reccomend this bar. Not a student hang out. And good, true, rock music. read more

The salisbury attracts a massive variety of ages and professions who are all united by their love of rock. This doesn't mean to say you have to be heavily tattooed and peirced to fit in, this place is very welcoming to all. Although a tad grubby, prices are pretty decent as are the friendy bar staff, and the pubs convinient location. Whenever I have paid a visit to this rockers haven, its been bustling, full of friendly welcoming people having a good time and enjoying the places famous jukebox. If you play, head there on a Sunday night for Jam night. Everyone gets a turn, it's lots of fun and offers a fantastic atmosphere. As far as pubs go, this place is worth a visit. Makes a change from the usual silent british 'old man' pubs I find myself in; and it's still laid back enough that you can actually find a seat and hear yourself think. C'mon, even the chaviest of chavs love a bit of rock from time to time! read more

Hm. 4 stars. I'm a bit surprised. Kind of loud & bad hard rock with a mismatching selection of hard rock videos on the tellies.Decent (OK, kind of nice) selection of ales. It's a good pub for within sight of a train station. On the down side, more ££##%%#& fruit machines, brightlights, bad music, sticky everything, stinky loos, and, despite the size of the place, there seems to be about four places to sit. Which is odd. But it's not a vertical drinking establishment. There's nothing really wrong with this place, but it kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Solid, decent, but, but, but... But it's open late. read more

A real decent pub this. Proper music (says the rock and metal fan), cheap pint, place to sit (few enough seats but on the few visits i've made never full). Despite my friends living in fallowfield (for non-residents a 40 minute bus from town). I would still insist on calling the Salisbury their local. A trek out is well worth while and its location makes it perfect as a stepping stone on to a longer night. Not the family pub by any means but certainly always a consideration for us when starting our nights out. read more

The Salisbury Pub is hidden away, behind the Thirsty Scholar and sheltered by the railway line which thunders above it. Quite literally a drop down from road level, the Salisbury feels like it was built around, as opposed to built into the space, as it perfectly fits into the available nook off Oxford Road. From the outside, the pub looks relatively quiet and undisturbed, but once inside, it becomes quickly apparent that this is not the case. The Salisbury is where the heavy metal, moshing, rock-loving drinkers come to while away the long, cold Manchester nights, and they do it loudly. There may well be the odd clue from a disgruntled rocker smoking outside on the steps, but other than that, unless you know - you will most likely be completely surprised. The pub itself is perfectly nice - warm, cosy, a little on the dark side (not that this is surprising considering the pub's location) and is a comfortable place to sit and have a drink with friends. The drinks on offer are at good prices, and the pub has a good range of local ales and interesting beers. I often end up in the Salisbury after a night at the Cornerhouse, for a quiet, wind-down drink. Good pub - try it out!!! read more

This bar has the cask ales you wanna try. The decor is traditional pub-style. The bartenders are friendly. The shared outdoor area is great if you want to mix it up with the locals and talk shit. The interior is a great spot to also talk shit to strangers and laugh. Love it. read more

The Sailsbury is a quaint little pub that's perfect for meeting those folk who aren't locals coming in from oxford road. The drinks are reasonable at around the £2 mark for a pint. There's nice fire places and plenty of alright seating. This pub is very alright in many senses of the word, so much so that I can't think of any distinguishing features, its cosy in a under the railway arches way, but that's the only thing I can think of that makes it special. It's a shame as it has a great location and the potential to be a big hit. read more

The Salisbury - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I haven't been in good few years but the Salisbury always has and always will hold a special place in my heart. it's the type of place where anything goes and anyone is welcome. It's handy for city centre workers, students, the pre-jilly's crowd and handy to pop in before you get on your train at Oxford road train station next door. It's flanked by the grand central and the thirsty scholar so has a prominent position facing outwards, surrounded by the arches with that familiar cobbled road taking you there. The interior used to be a lot more rustic and old-school but it was revamped somewhat in about 2002? 2003?. However the staff remain quirky and approachable, the juke-box still rocks and they still have the trusty pool table. It has the feeling of your cosy 'local' yet is in the city centre. Fantastic. read more

I haven't been to the Salisbury for years, but I've got some really fond memories of the place! Back when I was at college, we always met up here for a few vodka jelly shots before heading on to Rockworld across the road. Loads of other alternative kids did, too. So it'll be interesting to see how the club's closure affects this pub. This is an alternative pub, so it's a little scuzzy around the edges. But the bar staff are really friendly and there's a great jukebox that's packed with Goth, metal and alternative tunes. Like the vodka jellies I've mentioned, you can normally find some weird and wonderful shots at the bar, all at good prices. There's some nice real ales, too. However, most of the crowd here would be happier with a pint of cider and black. And who can blame them?! read more

7 and a bit years ago, I was 17 and I had just met a bloke for the second ever time, he took me to the cinema to see Hannibal, and then we went to the Salisbury for a drink. I didn't drink at the time to I had an orange juice and he had a Coke, I was so nervous that when I was messing about with the juice bottle I slipped and it shot off the end of the table and spilled orange juice all over the floor. He wiped it up for me and we both laughed lots. He drew me a picture on a playing card which i still have now - because we're still together! I know its not the most romantic of places but it will always hold a special little place inside me because of that. I seem to remember the staff were friendly and helpfulvery good at wiping up orange juice! And very tolerant of 17 year old with loads of piercings! read more

Completing the trifecta of rock pubs around Oxford Road station is The Salisbury. I come here less often than Grand Central and the Thirsty Scholar, mainly because its always quite busy and can get uncomfortably crowded. However, I always enjoy myself when I come here. The music is great and the atmosphere is quite friendly. There's a great selection of beers and ales on offer and its not too pricey either. Very popular with local bikers read more

A rock themed no thrills pub in the centre of Manchester (Oxford Corridor) selling beer cheaper than most other places, and an extensive jukebox. It's not my first choice but would be happy to meet friends here, which is exactly what I did last week. read more

Not the cheapest but a great selection of drinks, friendly service and great alt music selection

You don't get much better than the Salisbury for a rock pub. A well priced doubles bar, a good selection of ales and a newly constructed decking area in the beer garden, you'll be hard pushed to find a more chilled atmosphere whilst (ironically) listening to the cathartic sounds of the wickedly heavy jukebox. The sort of place where you can go and enjoy quiet bevvy and game of pool in the afternoon, a mad one in the evening (it opens till 2am most nights) or to watch live bands. read more

The Salisbury is the biker pub in Manchester, It's got a really great atmosphere and a great jukebox too! Pool table and reasonably priced drinks, located next to Oxford rd train station. Friendly bar staff too! Clean toilets. One of the 3 pubs in my rock pub golden triangle (salisbury/scholar/gc) read more

This is a great pub, with a really good juke box. It as a very interesting mix of people, I spoke to a guy at the bar who said he had been going since 1972 when it was a true biker pub. I have marked it down because it was particularly cold and I had to wear my coat for the whole night. The bar staff were really friendly as was the atmosphere. My friend says that this is his favourite pub in Manchester (more guns n roses than you can shake a stick at.) So give it a go. read more

This is by far my favourite pub in town...With a wide range of people in there, from young students, to the old man sipping a pint in the corner, it's appropriate for all. I've been in many a time, and can say I haven't once had a bad time in there (been going for about a year now). A big selling point for me personally, is there are no underage people in there, which always causes more hassle than it's worth. The barmen, and women are as friendly as you can get, and you never have to wait long to be served, even on a busy saturday night. The music is always good, from metal, to Bowie etc, to classic cheesy rock (alice cooper, bon jovi...) The prices are neither expensive or cheap, about what you'd expect for a nice pub in town. I've been in Grand Central once or twice, and I by far prefer the Salisbury, it has less of a pretentious 'rocker/metal' air about it. You don't have to be a massive fan of rock to enjoy it, you really don't. All in all, it's a very nice pub, and I'll stop ranting now...but honestly, at least give it a go, I defy you to not like it :) read more

I see this as the darker sister/brother to the Grand Central which overlooks this on the Victorian Film Set - the most over rock pub out of the ones in this area. The fact that this lies at the bottom and is dominated by the huge archway and surround by cobbles only adds to the effect. No surprise then that the goths and bikers have taken this pub as their own. Saying that, you're unlikely to get any funny looks if you're not part of those cliques. Quite the opposite, this is one of those places (and they're usually situated in large cities rather than suburbs or inner city) where everyone is welcome. Not perhaps the place you'd take someone for a first date, or at the start of a nice evening (especially if it's rainingthose slippery cobbles are tricky to navigate even in biker boots) but an interesting pub nonetheless. Good pool table, but with my 'skills' I try to avoid it when the place is full. read more

Never been a fan. Often not clean and the beer is often variable.