About This Pub
You know, when I think about The Britons Protection, it just warms my heart—it's one of those pubs that feels like it's been there forever, with its Grade II listed status and tales from over 200 years ago, including links to the Peterloo Massacre. The interior is something else, full of 1930s charm with intricate ceilings, original fireplaces, and those quirky rooms that make exploring the place as fun as the drinks themselves. The staff are brilliant, always up for a chat and serving up a solid range of beers that never disappoint. Pop out to the beer garden on a nice day, and it's pure bliss—quiet enough for good conversation without the hustle and bustle. That said, it's not all perfect; I've heard the whisky options have been scaled back a bit lately, which could leave you wanting more if that's your go-to. Still, for a spot of history mixed with a proper pint and friendly faces, it's spot on and worth seeking out for a laid-back evening in Manchester.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historic charm is absolutely captivating—it's like stepping back in time to 1806, with Grade II listed features and stories from the Napoleonic wars and Peterloo Massacre that make every visit feel special.
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The staff are so welcoming and friendly; they really add to the warm, homely vibe, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
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There's a cracking selection of beers and cask ales, with plenty of hand pumps from various breweries, and the pints are spot on for a proper pub experience.
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The beer garden is a lovely spot, especially on a sunny day—it's quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxed chat after a wander around Manchester.
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The unique interior, with its 1930s features like moulded ceilings, original seating, and even a serving hatch, gives it that authentic, old-school pub character that's hard to beat.
Cons
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The whisky selection has taken a bit of a hit recently, so if you're a real enthusiast, it might not be as impressive as it once was, though it's still above average.
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It can feel a tad quiet at times, which is great for a chilled-out pint but might not suit if you're after a more lively, buzzing atmosphere.
Contact Information
50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE
+441613885735
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
Recent Reviews
It was a hot day, so we sat in the beer garden. Nice and quiet, quick service and the pub has a lot of old fashioned character. Only stayed for one pint, but the Guinness was nice. Didn't try the food.
Spent a wonderful Sunday evening here after going to Home Cinema. Friendly bar staff, and a real nice bunch of people in the back room. There is plenty of choice on the beers. Cracking little pub with a nice beer garden out the back.
This is still a great pub, but is no longer the whisky pub it once was. The cask ale is still great, with a good number of hand pumps from a nice range of breweries, but the whisky selection has been dramatically reduced since 2024 but is still above average. Regardless, a lovely old school pub, with a lovely atmosphere.
One of the best, friendliest whisky bars I have been to. Alan is a real whisky lover and knows everything about them. The bar is full of rare independet bottlings and you can get very well priced tasting flights. Our few hours there went so fast drinking and talking about whisky I barely noticed it. Will come back for sure! Absolutely recommended!
A truly amazing pub. Just down the street from The Peveril. Tons of history in here. Lots of unique drinking rooms. Front bar is isolated from the rest of the pub. There’s even a beer garden! Great draft and cask options and a lovely bar staff. Just can’t beat a place like this.
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