Sandbar

Sandbar is the first bar I ever visited in Manchester for uni interviews. I have so many fond memories over the last nine years of visiting here. I also know most of the staff and it’s a very friendly place.
The beers, gin and whisky on offer are hand picked. I know the staff go through so much training, which is evident when you need a hand picking from the many beers.
The food is all made in house using local ingredients and the pizzas are pretty epic.
It is a bit grubby round the edges, the toilets aren’t amazing but far from the worst. They have beer festivals every so often and have a great quiz on a Sunday.
It’s often packed after work on Fridays but generally you’ll get somewhere to perch. It’s also great for a weekend afternoon pint or even a brew. If you get a brew you get a Tunnocks wafer too (yum!)
Thank you sandbar for years of wonderful memories and awful hangovers…

Lovely place with good live music! The drinks are a little bit pricy, but it’s still a nice place to go. Handy location just off Oxford Road, and it’s got s good outdoor area at the back. Worth a visit, especially if there’s a band/​artist on that you like!

It’s about time I reviewed Sandbar! My first visit here was when spending the weekend in Manchester with a friend, before I moved here. I remember liking it very much and trying a lot of different beers. I also remember being horrified that they serve ‘flat’ beer (with the sparkler off) but apparently that isn’t something I notice or care about anymore.
I’ve visited here numerous other times, but it wasn’t until recently that I had the food, so now seems a good time to review it.
It’s a bit shabby, and the toilets are nasty, but I guess that’s part of the studenty charm? They have an ace beer selection and I believe many other good drinks, though I’ve never got past the beer myself. They’re very happy to chat to you about beer and let you try different ones, which I always appreciate.
Oonagh C and I popped in to get food before seeing a comedy gig next door. We chose two pizzas which I can’t remember the names of but one had ham, mushrooms and gorgonzola, and the other had chorizo and chillies. Both were delicious and most importantly, huge! There did seem to be quite a lot of oil on top of them, though this doesn’t bother me and if it did I could easily soak it up with a napkin. I would 100% order the ham/​mushroom/​gorgonzola one again. The rest of the menu is interesting and varied and offers veggie and vegan options.
Basically I always have a good time here and the food and drinks are great.

Sooooo, after Unilocal’s Pizza Off where I made the discovery that Sandbar was behind my favourite pizza slice of the night, I couldn’t wait to eat the other 9 or so slices that I felt was missing to make me whole again.
I got some friends to join me and we were able to find a table and ordered at the bar. Not too late after that we were told that for the pizza I wanted to eat again, they had ran out of the smoked cured ham Speck. I had the option to change pizza or substitute with cooked ham. I opted for more mushrooms instead. There was a bit of wait for our pizzas. My friends who got the burgers were served quickly and one of the two Capricciosa pizzas came out. The nice boy from the kitchen came back and apologised and offered the table a round of drinks! We were in no rush and didn’t mind but their gesture made the night all the better. When the two remaining pizzas came, they looked cooked to perfection! As my friend remarked, «It’s all about the base!» As she tapped the crispy dough and took a large bite. Because I had been expecting the same pizza I tried on Monday night’s Pizza Off, I had failed to read the menu properly and didn’t realise the restaurant version did not have rocket on the Tirolese but again, the nice boy from the kitchen was happy to oblige! The Jerk Chicken burger, and the regular burgers were also well received — there were groans through full moths about how juicy they were. The only complaint was that the ketchup from Good Earth, which boasts no added sugar, was not as good as good ol’Ketchup.
All in all, this second review of Sandbar, after sampled some of the menu, still gets 5 stars! For their relaxed atmosphere, indie music, fantastic friendly service and amazing pizzas. There were also some other Italian-​inspired items such as lasagne which I’m looking forward to try some of those next time!

Having spent at least one night (often more) per week in Sandbar for over a year now (with a record of 10hours in one day) I felt obliged to make it my first review as a Unilocaler. It has a brilliant, varied and ever changing selection of beer. Ranging from cheaper but solid local ales, great IPAs, to slightly more expensive german and belgium beers.
I have also ordered a pizza here one a couple of occasions and have been impressed each time. Although perhaps slightly over priced (£8-£11), the pizza you get a decent size, plenty of toppings and will certainly fill you up.
The best thing about Sandbar is easily the people you meet there (and not just because you’re likely to meet me). A hot bed for academics, regularly you will chat hugely interesting people with a vast knowledge on one subject or another, with the added bonus that they enjoy a drink.

Sandbar hasn’t been on my drinking radar since my university years; location wise alone, I haven’t been nearby in a good 4 years. The magic of city living. However, meeting up with a group to talk both work and play, this came out as top choice.
When we first arrived, there was nowhere to sit — or even think about sitting. It was heaving (though I’m told if you return on a Saturday night you’ll find it at half capacity as it’s a favourite with the university professors) so we ended up leaving half of the party at the bar whilst I went off with a colleague to find someone who looked like they might be leaving soon. A couple of girls generously allowed us to perch at the end of their table and, by the time all the drinks had been ordered and served, we found ourselves a table.
Service at the bar was friendly if a bit haphazard, so you need to properly get your elbow on there and make it known that you’re next in line. Bar snacks are available, including Tunnock’s teacakes, which went down very well.
The food really caught my eye, especially the large pizzas, which looked like they could take on many of the city’s favourite slice spots. The burgers also looked tasty, though it was the side of chips which really caught everyone’s eye.
We spent a happy few hours — and pints — here before moving on to nearby Kro. It was like reliving my student years; a pleasant reminder of the gems Oxford Road still has to hold.

I’ve been coming here for 20 years on and off, sometimes with long gaps in-​between but it always ends up feeling like home. A relaxed and unpretentious free house with great ales, premium lagers and a very good wine selection. It’s spacious (5 distinct spaces) and old school with a twist of ‘fringe’ making it popular with an urbane mixed progressive crowd. A welcoming ‘everymans’ local. Good for food and groups too. At the junction on the bus route to city centre, south to Didsbury and Chorlton and Hulme, it’s a very accessible watering hole.

I have to say that I always forget that Sandbar exists. Oops. We popped along to celebrate my friends PhD thesis hand in as its her favourite uni resort area drinking den.
We reserved a large area to accommodate all of us which we found no problem, the bar staff were also extremely nice sending a bottle of prosecco on the house our way. They have a great selection of beers on tap and a good range of whiskers and find to boot. We also ordered a pile of pizzas which were on the extremely thin side, although they were delicious.
From now on I’m going to remember that Sandbar is just around the corner from work and head here a bit more often.

You may not think much of Sandbar if you’re one of those people who judge a book by its cover. In fact, you may have walked passed it many times on your way to a pub next door without even noticing it! I know I have, for years.
When you walk through the door, you might also think that it’s just another English pub. However this quickly changes when you see their lovely Italian menu and the wide range of delicious beers! Their pizzas are made from fresh local ingredients and are just as good as those in fancy Italian restaurants. The walls of Sandbar are decorated with modern art, there’s also a jukebox in the corner and it’s much more spacious that might seem from the outside, including a little courtyard.
Sandbar is perfect for large groups of people, there are quite a few large tables inside, the service is speedy and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. In a short time it has become one of those regularly visited places. Very well done, Sandbar!

New city, new life, new reviews! The first place I’m going to review after moving to Manchester is Sandbar, a pub I already have emotional ties with, since over the last month I’ve been coming here at least twice a week with my uni mates.
Being new to the British drinking culture, I’m amazed by the huge variety of beers that this pub offers, and admittedly all the (several) ones that I’ve tried so far definitely meet my taste criteria.
The place is pretty spacious, there are tables both in the inside and the outside; yet, it gets very crowded even at early hours, therefore it would be advisable to book a table. The furniture is minimal, but pleasant.
Nonetheless, Sandbar’s pizzas must be applauded! They’re undoubtedly among the best pizzas I’ve tried here so far, and I have a considerable experience in this field, being Italian. They’re quite expensive though, but quality has its price. ;)

Sandbar has always been one of those places I go to when I have a spare half hour before going somewhere else or meeting friends. I do like it, I think it has managed to stay relatively unchanged at the same time as offering up to date drinks and other things. I like that they are what I would call a green bar as they used 100% renewable energy, also they shop locally for the produce they use in their food. I have enjoyed pizza here a couple of times, plus I have always been impressed by the sheer quantity of vegetarian dishes on the menu and am sure I will be back. Considering its location it never feels too studenty for me either.

A solid bar that’s just off the Oxford road corrider but is not just for students I’m glad to say.
They’ve got a few areas to sit and drink including a small (sometimes) sunny courtyard to the back. There’s lots of large wooden tables and cobbled floors, which can be tricky if you’ve had a couple of pints. They have had tables outside over the summer but these seem to have been brought in for the winter.
The food is good with pizzas, burgers, stews and the like on offer. Also posh tasty crisps. They also do lattes for £2 including a Tunnock’s caramel wafer, a nice touch!
There’s always been a nice relaxed feel about the place when I’ve been in. In fact they do a scrabble Sunday once a month which I may well come along to as its so difficult to convince anyone to play! Oh and the barman was really kind too.

While I was training we’d often go to The Pub (now Pub/​Zoo) after school for drinks, and I’d never realised Sandbar was there.
Luckily a friend had found it and I’ve made it a sporadic hangout ever since.
Tucked away on Grovesnor Street opposite Deaf Institute, Sandbar’s sprawling rabbit warren provides several different environments to relax, chat and drink in. First impressions are of a small, independent, craft beer and whisky joint that has a huge range of rotating beers, all served up by a knowledgeable, chilled out team of staff. One soon realises that there are huge amounts of space and comfortable seating areas around corners and in several nooks and crannies.
Their food is excellent! Really good variation on the menu and some very tasty treats.
Pop in for a beer soon.

We popped in for a drink after a visit to the museum on a Sunday afternoon. I hadn’t been in about 3 years and the only thing I could remember from last time was having a very strong cider!
Sunday afternoons after all the students have left for the summer is obviously not its busiest time — we were among the only customers in there.
It’s quite big inside with a decent amount of seating and little nooks and crannies. There’s also a small outside terrace.
There were a number of cask beers available, including a few by Bury’s Outstanding brewery so you can drink local. It also had some decent permanent beers on so there was plenty of choice. On the day we popped in there were not one but two wheat beers available — Outstanding’s White which was amazing and Gentleman’s Wit by Camden (nowhere near as good in comparison!) which is definitely a sign of a good pub to me so definitely will be heading back shortly!

This used to be a regular haunt of mine when I worked at the uni and it’s been 5 years or more since I’ve been. I was expecting to find myself wondering what I ever saw in the place.
Well I was wrong about that!!!
In the summer lots of people congregate outside which surprisingly works given the main road location. This also means that it’s possible to get a seat inside and hold a conversation. Ok so I’m showing my age now, however I was meeting a mate that I haven’t seen for a year so the chance to have a proper chinwag.
There’s loads of beer choice and it’s reasonably priced. The toilets even work — bonus!

Have been to sandbar numerous times for student events and other creative events such as drink n doodle and it always keeps it’s charming quirkiness.
With it’s rustic décor and teeny tiny squished bar it’s a fascinating place!
My favourite drink here is the strawberry beer on tap– it’s lethal but bloody lovely!
Best bit: ladies toilets entrance is covered with comics including the door and the walls so it’s sometimes rather confusing (after some beers…) to find the door!

Why all the bad (read: 3 star) reviews? No, seriously. I don’t get it.
Sandbar needs a bit of context, I suppose. Firstly, it’s largely about German beer, less so ales and ciders, though there’re always a few knocking about. And Sandbar has been around for much longer than most of its trendier NQ ‘counterparts’ (read: hipster impostors). What’s more, Sandbar’s work has been genuinely groundbreaking in terms of craft beer. They import beer from Germany, secretly, so that certain brewers won’t find out and try to block further sales. They’re genuinely innovative in terms of their draught selections, too. The bottled selection of German beers is excellent — it’s one of a very select bunch of places in Manchester to stock the excellent Maisel’s Weisse, for example.
It’s also really, really cheap if you stick to the (excellent) Outstanding ‘house’ beers — £2.90 for a pint of OS4.1 is outstanding (sorry). Indeed I’d be happy to drink it all night. The OS White, at £3.50, is also probably the best value white beer in Manchester. And all brewed with «teutonic efficiency in Bury» — I’m not making this up.
The food is not quite as consistent as I’d like it to be — it’s always good, but the chips in particular, if done just right, are not just good but incredible. I’d go so far as to say that, done well, they might just be the best chips in Manchester. The pizzas are pretty moreish, too.
What really sets Sandbar apart is its conduciveness for actual pub activities — you know, drinking. Some other places in the city haven’t got this kind of atmosphere right, but Sandbar most definitely has. Just for this, let alone its excellent work in opening Manchester’s collective bleary eyes to fantastic continental imports, Sandbar is always worth a visit — and definitely deserves its 5 stars.

In need of somewhere close by the Dancehouse Theatre (see review
) for their screening of The Big Lebowski, my friends thought that the Sandbar would be worth a look to grab a couple of beers and get some dinner.
Though my first thought on entering was «this kind of looks like a squat», (it’s on the shabby side but that could be entirely deliberate) that was quickly replaced with thoughts of «ooo they have some decent sounding beers on tap» and «wow, they have actual bus seats in here for seating».
Tip: you will more than likely lose your way from the loos back to where you’re sitting, it’s a bit of a maze.

In my new mission of trying to spend less time in the Northern Quarter, the Oxford Road corridor has become one of my new favourite places to hang, chill and meet friends for food and beer.
With us heading off to Lebowski at the Dancehouse and probably nailing the Font a bit too much recently (we actually went for one there after Sandbar though… doh!), the 5 – 10 minute walk from Oxford road to Sandbar seemed like a pretty cool choice. I mean the last time we were here was probably a good 3 years ago so why not try somewhere new.
I can probably sum the experience up in 3 easy points:
1. The venue I loved, very random layout, lots of little nooks and crannies and something like kinda out of being in Europe. I also thought the mix of patrons was pretty cool with everything from hipsters to uni professors, students and deadbeats all hanging out together.
2. The bar food menu looked fairly broad and although was full of the usual suspects, gave us a good few options of what to have. We all went for the burgers and these were pretty tasty — homemade I’d say and the chips were excellent. I did think the «Sandbar sauce» on the burgers was just 1000 Island though???
3. The beer selection while pretty random didn’t really knock me over at all. Not many IPA’s and the bottle selection was pretty poor but didn’t ruin my evening. It’s not like I was in Deansgate Locks or anything as bad as that.
So I’lll definitely be back soon and enjoyed the setting. They’re holding a beer fest at the end of Nov so hopefully the beers will have picked up and I can maybe start thinking of giving Sandbar a 4 next time.

Laid back vibe, art on the walls, lots of different sections to sit in.
Popular with staff and international students of the University.
The ale is reasonably priced, and there’s a wide selection of lager.
The pizzas hit the spot if you don’t want to leave your seats to head over to pizza-​alley. Can get pretty damn busy after work on Friday.
Certainly one of my favourite pubs in Manchester, and doesn’t have much competition in the university area.

Mon bar préféré à Manchester, on y fait toujours de belles rencontres. C’est sûr j’y reviendrai!