Ancoats is 21st Century Manchester’s culinary quarter of choice, a district overflowing with options for eating and drinking, and the vast majority of establishments embrace the modern city vibe. The Edinburgh Castle, on the corner of bustling Blossom Street, is an exception to the rule. Combining contemporary British kitchen with traditional pub stylings, pints have been served here since 1811, and as the roaring 2020s kicked in the address re-opened following a lengthy spell standing derelict, benefiting from an extensive refurbishment to bring the building back to life with original details, classic wood furnishings and cosy mood lighting setting the scene.
Open seven days a week, Monday and Tuesday see the pub serve bar food only, before Upstairs At the Castle opens from Wednesday onwards, offering an intimate dining space above the taps where an acclaimed a la carte menu is available. Both place an emphasis on seasonality, with informal bites including homemade burgers and hotdogs, and the now famous Edinburgh Castle Chip Butty. Meanwhile, when the full restaurant is operating think Carlingford Rock Oysters, Royal Oak Celeriac with Cinderwood Mustard Greens, Belted Galloway Beef & Garstang Blue Cheese Pie, and Polyspore Mushrooms alongside potato dumplings and Lake’s Egg Yolk.
As you would expect, given the historic public house credentials, a stellar Sunday roast ensures this place is packed on the Sabbath, and the bar comes with just as much to talk about. The Edinburgh Castle’s own ale, select beers from Manchester’s burgeoning list of independent craft breweries and a weekly guest tap should be more than enough to satisfy those looking for lagers, pilsners and English casks. And that’s before we talk bottles and cans. A very strong wine list is also a highlight, with an expertly curated selection of reds, whites, rosé and bubbles hand-picked from celebrated vineyards across the world.