The Gas Lamp

It’s not often you can describe a venue as looking like the set of a 1970s psychological horror film and mean it as a compliment. But The Gaslamp basement bar has a certain Dario Argento feel about it – as well as being a comfortable and well-stocked boozer for lovers of craft beer.

Housed in the former kitchen of a street children’s mission, it’s retained much of the character of its historic Victorian building, with an added cosiness that goes nicely with a pint of real ale. The décor is equal parts derelict insane asylum and hipster sewing room, with all manner of obscure beer advertisements adorning the beautiful white tiled walls.

The Gaslamp shirks the gastropub trend by focusing fully on its selection of fine brews from around the country and indeed the world. It was one of the first to serve Boston’s Sam Adams on draught, and keeps things local with the likes of Privateer, The Runaway Brewery and Blackjack Beers on cask.

Occasionally they house pop-ups from food vendors such as Manchester BBQ kings Fire & Salt, but solids are always considered secondary to liquids. It’s not just real ales and ciders that they excel in – their cocktail list is simple yet refined. The cardamom sour is a particular stand-out, especially on summer days.