Amsterdam? Manchester?

This is Mr. Thomas's Chop House on Cross Street in Manchester. It has this tall, but thin, elaborate façade facing Cross Street. It's a deceptive building, bigger than it looks, that goes a long way back to St Ann's Churchyard. In summer people spill out of the back of the pub and eat in the sunshine among the gravestones that surround the church. It's a much more pleasant experience than it sounds.

I think the building looks like one of those grand merchant's houses that line the canals in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. The inside is a joy as well. It's never had a makeover so it's all Victorian tiles and polished wood. The front bit is a bar, while there is a Victorian dining room behind it serving delicious English food with a northern twist. The Corned Beef Hash with a softly poached egg broken over it is a particular favourite of mine. And, as I said earlier, in good weather you can enjoy one of Manchester's quieter corners in the beer garden. If you haven't been you should try it out.