The Rat & Pigeon is a pub in Northern Quarter, Manchester. Rated 4.7 stars from 273 Google reviews. Known for hand-pulled ale selection and staff and atmosphere. Best for pint and conversation and group drinks. Ranked #11 of 15 in Northern Quarter.
The Rat & Pigeon
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Northern Quarter
Holding steady
Quick Verdict
A proper boozer with real ale selection and character. Locals are returning repeatedly—4 visits in, still coming back.
You want a pint of well-kept cask ale, live indie music, and a pub that's actually got history (literal and architectural) rather than theme-park nostalgia.
About The Rat & Pigeon
The Rat & Pigeon is a corner pub on Back Piccadilly in Manchester's Northern Quarter, rebuilt from the bones of Mother Mac's—a local institution with a dark history that the new owners haven't shied away from. It's a small, old-fashioned space with original architectural details left intact: cellar trap doors, double-doored side entrance, untouched male toilets. The bar stocks hand-pulled cask ales (Vocation's Bread & Butter among them), lagers, cocktails, and wine. Staff are consistently described as friendly and welcoming. The jukebox is well-curated, and they've added live music from independent musicians to the roster. No food beyond drinks. Dogs are welcome. It fills up by evening on weekends and attracts a mix of locals, groups, and tourists looking for something off Deansgate.
What Stands Out
Hand-pulled ale selection
Reviewers praise the 'great selection of hand pulled beers' and mention specific cask ales like Vocation's Bread & Butter being 'very well kept'. Cask ale pumps are consistently noted as a draw.
Staff and atmosphere
'Great friendly pub with friendly staff', 'lovely staff', 'friendly welcoming staff' appear across multiple 5-star reviews. One regular describes it as 'my new favourite boozer in Manchester' after 4 visits. The rebuilt space 'has embraced the atmosphere of the original establishment' while keeping original architectural details intact.
Live music and entertainment
Reviewers note 'live music playing' with 'a whole host of indy musicians on the line up'. The jukebox is singled out as 'top notch'. One visitor expressed interest in 'catching a gig there'.
What Customers Say
Great friendly pub with friendly staff and plenty of ales to choose from.
Excellent boozer for a pint or two on a rainy afternoon
Very nice upgrade with consideration for it's murderous history.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about The Rat & Pigeon
Hand-pulled cask ales (Vocation's Bread & Butter was noted on a recent visit), lagers, cocktails, and wine. Selection varies—call ahead if you're after something specific.
No. This is a drinks-only pub.
Yes. Independent musicians play regularly. Check their website or call for the current gig schedule.
Yes, dogs are allowed.
There's a wheelchair accessible entrance and accessible restroom.
Also in Northern Quarter
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