The Garratt

This relaxed pub with its friendly staff welcomed us in from the blustering rain and eased us nicely into a leisurely lunch. Traditional pub décor met the cool; there were no scary ’70s carpets in sight, and pretty art deco light fixtures set up around the bar.

The cocktails were a fantastic value with its offer of two drinks for £6, with a wide selection to choose from. I chose The Zombie from the extensive list—a heady combination of rum and pineapple juice which, for a Thursday afternoon, certainly packed a serious punch! It wasn’t the tastiest cocktail I have ever had, but if you are after getting slightly boozy after one drink, it could very well be for you.

The lamb burger was properly cooked—pink in the middle and charred on the outside, though arguably slightly dry due to the scorched exterior. However, the deliciously creamy tzatziki more than made up for this. The generous helping of fat and crispy chips were slightly under-seasoned, but it was nothing that a shake of salt couldn’t fix.

As fellow foodies, naturally we dipped into each other’s plates and sipped on our concoction of cocktails. Agreed that the Zombie may very well leave you feeling a little zombified with its intense alcoholic punch, the Purple Rain was a deliciously syrupy cherry dew. One glass was definitely enough to satisfy the sweet blue curaçao craving—no need for a Purple Rain storm.

The next plate, the falafel burger, offered a strong veggie alternative. Encased in a classic white bun with a light spread of hummus, the no-frills main certainly made you fala-FULL. A tasty and sweet chickpea patty laid within, accompanied by the 50p upgrade of salty, crunchy curly fries. And at just £3.50, you get what you pay for—a satisfyingly sensational cheap bite, and the perfect excuse to indulge in those dangerously delicious classic curly fries. For good measure, we ordered a cheeky side of onion rings, dunked in barbecue sauce; a guilty but gorgeously greasy extra was in our midst.

The Cajun chicken wrap did not stray far from its name, offering a slightly spiced chicken in a no fuss wrap with a generous serving of mayonnaise. Not the most startling of flavour combinations, and perhaps more reminiscent of an Indian marinade than the smoky paprika base, but it nonetheless ticked the boxes for a tasty lunchtime feed. Unlike the other mains, the wrap arrived in solitude! Not a garnish or side in sight, it was a dish for those loyally devoted to the wrap flex that is so trendy in this day and age. However, such an absence was compensated at a reduced price—an option for the thriftier ones after the simple things in life. I expected nothing less from the student hangout zone with its blindingly yellow picnic tables (you will have no trouble locating The Garratt), Justin Bieber playlist and prices lower than your local Wetherspoons.

It would be dishonest to advertise this as anything more glamorous than pub grub. But only a ten minute walk from university, with very friendly staff and amazing prices from £3.50, it is definitely worth giving it a go. Whether you fancy a tasty and hot lunch on your way into town or if you’re in need of lining the stomach before a night out, The Garratt is a safe bet.

Price: £
Food: 3/5
Drinks: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Atmosphere: 2/5
Value: 5/5

127 Princess St, Manchester M1 7AG