About This Pub
Ah, the Blue Bell – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a welcoming local haunt, you know? From what I've gathered from the reviews and the lowdown on the place, it's got that classic vibe with its historic building from 1890, and folks really rave about the beer selection; Joseph Holt's brews are top-notch, and at prices like £3.80 a pint, it's hard not to feel chuffed. The beer garden stands out as a real highlight, especially on a nice day, and there's plenty to keep you entertained with live sports, a DJ spinning tunes on weekends, and a few games to join in on. It's clear from the feedback that the staff are dead friendly, making it easy to settle in for a chat. On the flip side, it's a bit of a downer that they don't do food, so if you're peckish, you might have to pop out for a bite, and there are some niggles like the occasional maintenance slip-up that could put a dampener on things. Still, with a solid 4.3 rating, it's got that balanced charm – not perfect, but it's got heart, and I'd say it's worth a visit if you're in the area for some straightforward, good-value fun.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The beer selection is spot on, with a great range of Joseph Holt cask and keg options, including award-winning lagers and bottled beers – always a treat for us beer enthusiasts.
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Prices are really wallet-friendly; you can get a pint for around £3.80, and there are loads of special offers like Fizz Friday or deals on shots and cocktails that make it easy on the pocket.
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The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff and a buzzing vibe, especially with live sports on the TVs, a DJ at weekends, and games like pool and darts to keep things lively.
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That beer garden is an absolute gem – it's spacious and perfect for a sunny afternoon, making it a go-to spot for outdoor drinks.
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It's a historic spot dating back to 1890, with charming original features like wood and glass doors, giving it that authentic Manchester pub feel that's just lovely to experience.
Cons
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They don't serve food, which is a bit of a shame if you're after a proper meal with your drinks – it's more of a drinks-only affair, so you might need to plan ahead.
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Some facilities could do with a bit more attention, like the odd maintenance issue we've heard about, such as empty soap dispensers in the toilets, which isn't ideal.
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The location right near a crematorium might feel a tad unusual or sombre for some, though it's handy for public transport with a bus stop outside.
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Opening hours are fairly standard, but they wrap up a bit early on weekdays, so if you're hoping for a late-night session, you might be out of luck.
Contact Information
493 Moston Ln, Manchester M40 9PY
+441616887545
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Recent Reviews
Typical Manchester pub.
Cheap beer, friendly people and sport on the tv.
DJ at weekends with a pool table, smoking area and car park.
There is a bus stop outside and is facing a cremetorium so good if family are meeting there to pay there respect to loved ones.
JF
Jacques Franey-bardsley
A friendly place to have a beer for only £3,80. Pint of lager. No food served . Very clean and great beer garden.
This was my uncles local, I wasn't local I was Scottish, like him but he got anglosized.
Some of the best nights I had in that pub/ beer garden in the 90s.
RIP Pete "BUD" Williamson.
Large pub on Moston Lane. A Holts's pub that doesn't do food as far as I am aware. The staff are friendly and service was good. There are three large rooms with the original wood and glass doors to the rooms. They is also a beer garden
FR
Francis Robert Walmsley
September 2019 update: The pub went through a long, overdue refurbishment last August(2018). The gents toilets are now modernised + have an Airforce hand dryer. The new soap dispenser was empty once again, on my recent visit. Not sure if the hand washing facilities are used much, as a lot of male patrons just walk out after using toilets. This is a large old pub with 4 areas to drink within.
The usual Holt's keg beers and lagers are on draught and sometimes only 1 real ale is available. The new bar layout has several beer engines usually dispensing Holts best bitter. Having said that, this bitter is normally a decently kept beer within this pub. A seasonal ale was available on my last visit but sadly it tasted sour, as no one was drinking it and had "turned" within the beer line.
Both Sky and BT sport are shown on multiple LG TVs. Patrons have to be over 25 years age to use the pub but I have seen noisy youths onsite occasionally in the past.
Service can be a bit slow especially when only one member of staff is on but to be fair, it is difficult with 4 areas to attend.
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