The New Oxford

A Salfordian institution, the New Oxford (not to be confused with The Oxford or The Oxnoble) stands on Bexley Square, the scene of a much-forgotten ‘battle’ between police and protesters over unemployment in the crisis-hit 1930s. Some eerie parallels with the modern day there, given that Salford is apparently one of the hardest places in the country to get a job.

It’s a good topic for conversation, and chances are if you want to strike up a debate, there’ll be willing parties in this convivial boozer. Maybe Mark E Smith, a sometime patron, will chime in. Anyhow, thanks to the owners the New Oxford’s beer selection hasn’t stagnated like the city’s economic fortunes.

There are enough cask ales (Dark Star, Pictish, Allgates) to keep die-hard ale nuts happy. Among the 30-odd draught offerings, you’ll find everything from the commonplace Erdinger and Rekorderlig cider to Brasserie Lefebvre’s Blanche de Bruxelles and the odd beer from Summer Wine.

The bottle selection embraces Belgium, Holland and Germany; you’ll find a chalkboard full of potential libations or a printed version if you’re digging in for the night. St Feuillien’s unctuous Triple and the intensely bitter Urthel Hop are good bets. The size of the fruit beer and lambic range is a welcome surprise: the likes of Mort Subite Kriek and the exceptional Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus jostle for space with Brouwerij Huyghe’s chocolate, strawberry and mango beers. But it ain’t all about the beer. These guys were awarded Cider Pub of the Year in 2014 by North Manchester CAMRA, so there’s plenty for apple addicts to get stuck into, too.

Entertainment comes in the form of live music, a regular quiz night, digital jukebox and games machine. See, they are getting with the times.