It has been described as ‘stunning’ and ‘pleasant’ by visitors
The Marble Arch on Rochdale Road has been previously named as one of the city’s most stunning pubs and boasts a hidden beer garden(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A historic city centre pub has been hailed as perfect for the sunny weather thanks to its ‘hidden’ beer garden and bustling selection of food and drink.
The Marble Arch, located on the corner of Rochdale Road not far from the Northern Quarter and Victoria Station, is the flagship venue for the Marble brewery – who are known nationally for their own brand of pale ales, pilsners and IPAs.
The pub building dates back to 1888, when it was built on the site of a previous pub that served as a show-house for the mid-19th century McKenna’s Brewery. Featuring tiled interiors and a mosaic sloping floor alongside a stacked roof with ornate chimneys, it retains a number of historical features.
Known locally as The Arch, the pub has also continuously been mentioned in the Good Beer Guide, with 2022 marking its 25th successive year in the top list. It was also recently named one of the best gastropubs in the country alongside venues in Yorkshire and Kent.
Its beer garden is also considered a bit of a well-known secret in the city too, for its unique mini sheds that serve as the perfect bit of shelter in the colder months. But during the sunshine, the outdoor area is a haven of brightness with flowers and daffodils. There are benches and plenty of space to sit.
The beer garden at the Marble Arch pub in Manchester(Image: The Marble Arch)
Whilst it quickly packs out due to its size, the space is hailed as one of the best beer gardens in the city. CAMRA hailed the space as ‘pleasant’ in a recent listing of the venue and has previously also been named as one of Manchester’s most stunning pub spaces.
With the weather in Manchester set to reach highs of 28C this week, as the UK gears up for an ‘early dose of summer’, it is set to be a popular spot for after-work drinkers in town.
The pub also features an ‘exceptional’ food menu, with the likes of fish and chips, burgers, sausage and mash and small plates, alongside a Sunday Roast. There is also a choice of cheeseboards alongside a well-praised sticky toffee pudding.
Inside the Marble Arch pub building, which dates back to 1888(Image: Manchester Evening News)
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On the drinks side of things, there are nine hand pulls of cask beer to choose from, alongside an additional eight keg lines and a selection of artisanal ciders, wines and spirits.
Posting a review on Google, one customer said: “This is one of the finest pubs in the Universe. It’s a beautiful, ever delivering feast for the eyes, mouth and belly. Real ale, rocket fuel, proper cider, lovely bar staff and shockingly excellent food.
“The menu was one of those ones where you want to eat everything. Repeat, shockingly excellent food. Chef deserves a Manchester Michelin.” Another said: “What a spectacular work of art that this drinking establishment is. First time being here and it’s like stepping back in time.”
The Marble Arch is on 73 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY.