Vine Inn - Manchester - Pub Reviews

Just a few doors down from The City Arms, The Vine Inn is another Kennedy Street classic I’ve visited more than a few times. With real ale, quiz nights, and an old-school charm, it’s a pub that keeps people coming back.

Name: The Vine Inn

Location: 42-44 Kennedy Street, Manchester, M2 4BQ

Phone: 0161 237 9740

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Facilities & Entertainment:

• Parking: No designated parking, but plenty of nearby options in the city centre.

• Darts & Pool Table: Yes, darts are available, and the pub features a dartboard in the upper room.

• Live Sports: Sky Sports is not shown, but they have TVs displaying news and major sports events from BBC or ITV.

Food on Offer:

The Vine Inn serves a classic pub menu. Popular items include scampi fries and other traditional pub favourites. The food is reasonably priced and has been described as good value for money. Portions are satisfying, with reviewers particularly praising the hearty and homely meals on offer.

Beers on Tap:

The Vine Inn is a Cask Marque-approved pub, offering a variety of real ales alongside popular beers such as Guinness. They also have a specialised bar in their cellar called Malt & Cask, where you can find a selection of single malt whiskies.

Price Range: ££ (mid-range, with most meals and pints reasonably priced)

Customer Service:

Customer feedback on the service is largely positive, with visitors noting the friendly and chatty staff who create a warm atmosphere. Several reviewers have mentioned the pub’s staff as attentive and helpful, making it a welcoming spot for both locals and tourists.

Events & Special Nights:

The Vine Inn hosts a weekly quiz night every Tuesday at 8:30 PM. They also feature occasional live music nights, enhancing the pub’s relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.

In-Depth Review:

The Vine Inn offers a unique blend of traditional charm and a cosy, down-to-earth atmosphere in the heart of Manchester. With a history reflected in its impressive tiled frontage and stained-glass windows, the pub provides a welcome retreat from the bustle of the city centre. Spanning three levels, it offers ample seating for all preferences—whether you’re looking for a lively drink at the main bar or a quieter experience upstairs.

What sets The Vine Inn apart is its Malt & Cask cellar bar, offering a wide range of ales and whiskies, perfect for anyone with a taste for something beyond the standard. The pub’s décor and layout reflect its traditional roots, but it still feels vibrant, with its jukebox and a dartboard for a bit of fun.

The clientele is a mix of local regulars and visitors, thanks to its central location. It caters to those looking for a good pint in a friendly, relaxed environment, with the occasional live music night adding to the fun. The quiz night on Tuesdays brings in a more social crowd, and there’s always a lively atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays.

Accessibility is good, with facilities catering to various needs, including wheelchair access. The pub is also dog-friendly, adding to its homely vibe.

In terms of food and drink, the pub delivers what you’d expect from a traditional local—simple, hearty dishes and a well-curated selection of ales. While it may not be the most modern or cutting-edge pub, its old-school charm and welcoming feel make it a great spot to unwind after a day in the city.

Written by: Pub Reviews Team
Visit basis: Personal visits, local feedback, and quiz night experience