★☆☆☆☆ Disappointing Experience – Poor Service and Misleading Promotion
I rarely leave negative reviews unless I feel compelled to, but my experience at the Bay Horse Tavern was frustrating from start to finish. Upon arrival, I was greeted by one helpful staff member who made a good effort to find us a table while I waited for the rest of my group. Unfortunately, that was the only positive part of the visit.
While waiting, I went to the bar to grab a quick drink. Despite acknowledging me and being fully aware that I’d been waiting for around 10 minutes, one of the bartenders (male) continuously served people who arrived after me. His attitude was dismissive, slow, and generally rude. He even refused to apply a staff discount for another customer simply because he couldn’t be bothered to cancel and re-enter an item—something that seemed entirely within his capability to do.
When my party arrived, we were seated quickly, thanks again to the one helpful host. But things went downhill again from there.
When I returned to the bar to order food, we told the bartender we were seated by the window, he snapped back, "That doesn’t help me," in a very rude tone—despite the table being only a couple of meters away. Once we gave him the table number, he seemed irritated. The whole interaction felt unnecessarily hostile and impatient.
After ordering the fish and chips–which were promoted on some social media accounts as a full-sized portion available for £2.50 when purchased with any drink– we sat down and eagerly awaited our food. When it arrived, the portion was laughably small—nowhere near what had been promoted, I was genuinely shocked, even when comparing what had been given to others, mine was terribly small (SEE IMAGE 3). I politely raised this with the waiter, only to be met with a shrug and a dismissive, "To be honest, mate, I don’t know. I just started my shift five minutes ago." This was clearly untrue, as I had seen him serving outside at least 20 minutes earlier.
It might have been better to simply offer the 50% off Fish & Chips all day, as I would have just done this. Waiting and bar staff should have also made this explicitly clear, but aside from the food, the whole handling wasn’t great at all.
All in all, the service was at times rude, lazy, and unprofessional. Staff didn’t seem interested in helping or resolving even basic queries. The food I felt was not clearly advertised/promoted and poorly handled when questioned. It’s a real shame, as I have been coming to this venue on and off for years —but based on this experience, I don't think I will be returning.
The best pub in the NQ, great layout, atmosphere and outside area that’s perfect for all occasions.
We’ve been here a few times for bottomless brunch and it’s been faultless, great value, great food and even better service. They also have a good happy hour on cocktails and pints.
Recently we went specifically for food, trying out their new spring menu. The food was fantastic, classic British menu done to perfection and it’s an absolute bargain in comparison to other pubs of a similar calibre in Manchester.
The fish and chips was huge and absolutely delicious, the batter was so different to any other fish and chips I’ve had and it was thoroughly enjoyable. The steak pie was full of meat and incredibly fresh and rich. It really superseded our expectations.
Given the quality of the food and the portions I’d say they could charge more but they keep it at great value.
The service was also fantastic considering it was busy, our server Katie S was excellent, attentive and even wished my mum a happy birthday which I’d forgotten I put on the booking notes.
Thanks for a great afternoon, we’ll be back to try the rest of the menu.
It’s a must visit for anyone in Manchester.
Fantastic roast dinner. Large portion size, great flavours. Good value for money.
I didn’t book, walked in solo on a Sunday. Seated on the end of a high table. Steady flow throughout the time I was there, staff were very attentive and friendly.
Highly recommend when in Manchester.
Popped in here for a quick pint after some shopping in town. Really nice bar inside with plenty of large tables but also some small lower ones and plenty of standing room. Staff very friendly and attentive. Had two pints of very good Guinness, and at £6.20 a pint it’s not too bad for the NQ. Great crisp selection too. Can’t say anything about the food as I didn’t eat but the food I saw coming out looked great! Will be back for sure.