Dulcimer in Manchester

Real Hit or Miss bar. One visit - good beer selection on, the next you are greeted with empty taps. Unfortunately for me recently it’s been more miss than hit. Shame.

The place has a lot of promise, beer is nice and the bar staff are lovely. Bar the manager. He is a rude, condescending man who seems to get a kick out of making his customers (especially women) feel very uncomfortable in the bar. If I was to work in this bar I would be ashamed at the way he acts towards people who are paying his wages. Point proven. Best, A

Manager gave a very unwelcoming vibe from arrival, he even turned away two girls who asked to be served a slim line tonic for no reason, literally put his hand out and said ‘There’s the door’ such a shame as the bar is welcoming but he lets it down. Just a shame as it’s a nice spot just let down.

Went there to see the improv group and had a great fun time. They're very good and the drinks and staff pleasant too.

Popped in this evening with a friend who lives in Chorlton. He recommended this place as it used to be a toy shop when we were kids. I moved away from Chorlton about 40 years ago, but was attending a funeral. My friend had collected several food parcels from what was left from the wake, with the intention of distributing them to the homeless that sat near the local banks. However, when we entered Dulcimers, after getting the approvsl of the 'doorman ' who was very pleasant, my friend was point blank refused a drink. When I asked yhe chap behind the bar for a reason, he pompousky said that he didnt have to engage in cinversation with ME. I had travelked miles to attened a funeral and was looking forwatd to a particular beer, as recommended by my friend. Neitherr of us were drunk, entered the pace in good mannet, but yet refused service without reason. I was taken aback by the the attitued of the barman who told me that he didn't have to give me a reason to not serve me. Memory lane... oh well. That obviously disapoeared a long time ago, well in a certain part o Chorlton, sadly at least. Judged for some reason by a barmsn who, by my reasoning simply didnt want to serve me. Sad, but certainly not the end of the world, just an indicstion of how things have become. I move on still with hapoy memories of groing up in VmChorlton 50 years ago.. who knows where he will be, or what connection with his youth will be. Maybe a sign of the times. I had enough sadness to deal with today. Learn some compassion Mr Dulcimer... who knows when you might need it...

Good selection of beers. Friendly staff. Quick service

Nice bar that stays open longer than most in chorlton. Although the upstairs is usually a little dead the downstairs has a nice atmosphere. There's a decent selection of good affordable cask ales as well as more expensive options. Shame the manager is such a rude, egotistical man however. The rest of the staff are absolutely lovely but it's a shame he's just so rude as it off-puts my friends and I visiting more. If you try to get a drink close to last orders (not after it) he is especially hostile but what does he expect from running a bar?

There is Erdinger 🎉🥳 Friendly, lovely Erdinger selling bar. Ace.

Wonderful bar with a doorman (amir) who actually made our night - wonderful chat, great bar team & a great selection of drinks ❤️

The doorman is such a welcoming and decent guy but the place got let down so badly by the main person who's responsible for the pub and the staff, THE MANAGER. He must really chill as he got such a negative attitude and not friendly at all. If you are having a bad day MR MANAGER, take a break or don't served customers as you have been such a bad leader towards your staff. Over heard other people saying the same about him. Hope now you would really a smile a a nice chat would have cost you more happy customers but it's purely your attitude scored you such a low review. Please be a good role model for your staff with a positive attitude and hopefully the atmosphere will change too. You never know when you get hit with a mystery shopper or a reviewer.

Dulcimer could be Chorlton’s late-night gem, but the manager’s power-hungry, self-important attitude ruins it. He seems to thrive on rejecting patrons for the slightest misstep—hesitate on a large order at 1 a.m. and you’re “too drunk.” In a bar open until 2 a.m., what does he expect? His behavior screams insecurity, as if wielding authority here fills a void elsewhere in life. Instead of fostering a fun, relaxed atmosphere, he’s turned it into his personal power trip. Time for some serious self-reflection.

Bang average Bar - fair enough. But honestly, the manager has to be one of the biggest jobsworth in Chorlton. Pretty consistent trend across the reviews it would seem. If you can't get authority out of work, then you may as well double down in work, ey Chris. Merry Christmas all.

Bar manager was the most miserable person I've ever been served by. We went up to the bar as soon as he rang the last orders bell, and he refused to serve us. Barmaid was lovely though.

The so called manager Chris is a liability to this business. He is rude and unaware in virtually every aspect of customer service.

I had the weirdest experience at this bar. The barman got aggressive with me for me suggesting he serve the girl who had been waiting long before me. He immediately got heated, saying because I was nearer him I just needed to give my order. I was confused as to why he was being so aggro and the girl next to me was weirded out. He angrily slammed the wine and glasses down in front of me and I obviously looked taken aback. Eventually he said I was being aggressive (I literally hadn't even raised my voice) and decided he wasn't going to serve me anymore. I've always loved Dulcimer but suffice to say I won't be going back

The barman/manager with the combover is so aggressive for no reason. Really unpleasant experience in there, would recommend elsewhere in Chorlton.

Bar manager wouldn't even let me wait outside for my brother after my own pub shift so he could walk me home, accused me of "coming over to start a fight" which is clearly true as a sober, five foot four woman

To be honest the place is absolute garbage

An old favourite in Chorlton and a true survivor in these strange times. Charming little place in a handy location, with a beer garden out the back.

Attended a surprise 30th party upstairs. Great place for a get together and a dance or 2. Allowed own playlists. Private bar upstairs. Staff very good.

The manager Chris is very straight forward but that’s what bars needs. He’s very helpful and keeps the place in shape. The assistant manager Millie is so warm hearted and always makes you feel welcome. And Astrid has settled in so well here she is a perfect fit for the bar I appreciate all her help she is defiantly a credit to dulcimer

Barman was extremely rude, passed my friend who was severely disabled. Also he’s been clinging onto his hair for the last 15 years. It’s time to let it go

Did not let me know he live music Noe the beer

(29th July) Mate and I stopped for a quick pint on the way to the cricket and loved the place so headed straight back after the game. Lovely bar with brilliant staff and some boss regulars. The beer was great (fantastic cask) and great times so we missed our tram/train and a cab back to liverpool was worth it.

This persons attitude is Terrible, ie the boss , we took the lead OF that was holding the fire door open . Ie where people smoke should it be left open ?? Gave it to him ,saying back to me you’ve no right to do this etc, next minute pointed to the front door & told us your barred , if your face fits with HIm .your ok , if not then you’ll be sent out of the door for any reason ,other staff & the doorman are great ,

They don't have any Rose wine which i ALWAYS forget but apart from that Dulcimer is an excellent lil boozer, feel like i always make a friend there

Walked in for a pint on a Sunday afternoon and was ‘greeted’ by the rudest pint puller… the same guy it looks like gets all these bad reviews. If you’re unhappy and don’t like people .. don’t work in hospo! Walked straight out - have fun with your empty bar

Get rid of Chris and this bar has a chance of being half decent again Never going back whilst Chris is working again

The guy behind the bar was so rude, I would not recommend anyone to go in here if you want to enjoy yourself. Don’t dare laugh whilst at the bar or you be accused of being drunk and won’t get served. What a shambles of a place. EDIT …. In response to the Owners comment…have you considered going on a customer service course you clearly have no clue how to treat people. There’s numerous reviews not only on google but also on trip advisor regarding your poor treatment of customers in your bar. I 100% wasn’t intoxicated you just decided my face didn’t fit, or your life is that miserable you don’t like seeing people happy. CLOWN 🤡

Badly run. Its only redeeming feature is it's open late, however, that seems to be exclusive to the manager's friends. Don't make it your 'plan A' as a destination.

Great pub and super interesting selection of craft beers. Absolutely loved the Rhubarb, apple and pecan sour 🤩

From the moment we entered, our party was made to feel very uncomfortable. A brown haired male bartender seemed to be behaving very strangely, staring at us whilst we walked into the bar even though he was meant to be serving another customer. Everybody in the party felt he was looking at us strangely, and proceeded to ID the entire group, he made a comment about not allowing under 18’s after 9pm even though we were all over 23 years old. All the other staff were very friendly, but he was very rude and it was felt by the whole group that there may have been a racial motive, behind this behaviour as it we witnessed other people being served around us without having any issues. I have personally been in the bar before and been served without any identification issues which leads me to further believe this issue had a racial motive. A truly disgusting way to be treated and we will not be setting foot in this bar again. We left immediately

Bartender is incredibly rude, would not recommend

The bartender was rude and accused us of being drunk when we were out to watch the Manchester city game very unprofessional

The bar does great cocktails but the attitude of the staff is shocking.. A real shame

I know this pub gets a lot of trouble, but that doesn’t excuse the complete rudeness of the bouncers to decent people (often regulars, sometimes even friends of staff) who just want a pint at the end of the evening. They have no clear door policy, but it seems that any male over 6ft has no chance unless they are with 2 or more women, and forget it if you are with male friends. I’ve had the same bouncer scowl at me with vitriol when I’ve been alone, and then welcome me in 5 minutes later when my female friends arrive. These guys are clearly incapable of making the healthy judgements required for the door. I highly doubt the management has any inkling of the incompetence representing them. I’ve been coming to this bar for nearly ten years - for folk nights, for birthdays. For the 9 months or so, I’ve been rejected every single time. I’m not going to bother again. 19/09/23

Really upped their beer in the last couple of years - great spot

Good atmosphere, friendly bar staff, great live music, and an excellent gluten free beer available , had a really good night!

As long as I could remember, I heard this screaming in my ears. Something terrible happened, I know this. But what? I do not know. Days scream by. Cars pass with a scream. Even before my son was born I could already hear his scream. I needed to leave. The sun sets. Evening screams across the sky. Hopelessly in need of something I will never understand, I went into Dumcimer. And well, I haven’t heard the scream since. I suppose this is why it is widely regarded as the best pub in Manchester. Other reviews hark of poor service. People who think there is poor service at Dulcimer are the same kind of people who think that period products should still be classed as a luxury item. The same people who think self checkouts really want you to have a nice day. The same people who think they really did their bit by clapping for the NHS. This is place to drink if you enjoy pleasure in a limitless capacity. A place to drink if you’re finding it hard to cope and want to wash down your day. A place to withstand the anxieties of war, climate breakdown and our nations descent into fascism. Welcome to the real world. Service is not necessarily guaranteed with a ‘smile’, no, but service is guaranteed. Chris is an excellent barman, the Pippa Middleton of pouring pints. People who claim otherwise are the same people who think that when a waitress smiles at them it means they are deeply attracted to them for their ‘looks’ and ‘personalities’ and not just that she’s a psychology student trying to save up for a ski season who is simply friendly and polite. As you stay on the ground and watch the Manchester skyline start to scream before you eyes, Dulcimer is the place to place yourself with a Lilleys cider and take it all in. Alone or with friends, there is little more you need than dulcimer itself. Also the house red here is a merlot that is actually quite nice and with two espresso martinis for £10 at happy hour it’s fun for all the family!!

If you fancy not getting served by a bald idiot, then could not recommend this place enough

Long-standing Chorlton pub and live music venue. Good selection of world and British beers in keg, cask and bottle. Happy hour prices in the week which I think are deliberately 10p cheat a pint than the pub next door. Not exactly glamorous but the decor is pretty interesting. Known for folk music and there is always lots going on in terms of live music and comedy in the upstairs bar.

First visit to Dulcimer for several years. Popped in with Martin Meerkat on our way to San Juan for their excellent tappas. Had my first pint of real ale in almost a month. A locslal brewery in Manchester, Steelfish ( Stretford) a 3.8% Extra Pale Ale called TIA. Lovely refreshing pint in excellent condition. ( They also had a Thornbridge Made North on tap.) Beer range constantly changing. Also a real cider on tap. We are there on a very quiet Sunday teatime and have the place to ourselves. Very chilled. There is more seating upstairs. There is a disabled toilet on the groundfloor otherwise a trek up two floors. Think there is also a beer garden.

Unless this place gets rid of probably the most socially awkward manager the place will have more issues forthcoming unfortunately. Could be a Gold mine.

Great selection of bevs and nice, cosy but lively atmosphere.

27/06/23: a little disappointed today, not really that great a range of craft ale. Seemed to have slipped a little. [photo update] 08/10/22: been here many times. Dulcimer established in 2007, now celebrating nearly 15 years! Briefly closed in January 2011, but reopened to continue its excellence. Craft ale heaven, cocktails, live music venue, great staff and dog friendly. "Fine Ales and Finer Folk"

Great location and beer selection. Very cool, but alas I wasn't able to sample any of the wares. The very assertive barman thought I was a little too squiffy to be served, I wasn't, but I wasn't going to argue and I actually admire the man for doing what he regarded as keeping out the riff raff like me. I have seen numerous insulting reviews about this man, but I think he actually does a good job and I personally think he rocks the combover. I will return to win him over!

Great bar. Also, I think combovers are coming back in.

Barman Chris must have deep underlying issues. Very combative and confrontational. Responds to genuine reviews in a smart Alec manner. What a shame

Balding Bar person was very rude. Won't be returning.

Extremely rude Barman. I think he was the Manager. The way he spoke to me last night was VILE. For no reason whatsoever. Whoever you are. You're bald. Brushing your hair across your head isn't working and you look like Bobby Charlton! It's a shame because the other bar staff were lovely. All 5 of us would NEVER step foot in there again

Good choice of craft beers and live entertainment upstairs, including spoken word and music.

Met up with some friends here, great atmosphere.

Great for a quiet drink early doors

Good little bar. Upstairs space with live music. Back garden is pretty lively. Good selection of spirits but could do with some better beers on tap.

Loads of weird and wonderful characters. You'll find the types of people that shouldn't mix mixed here.

I love Dulcimer! Been many times, mostly for gigs and sometimes for a post-folk club drink. Came for the first time in many months after a Saturday eve curry - we were probably the oldest people there by some years, but still felt welcome and comfortable. More gigs please. Thanks x

If you could imagine pure jubilation in the form of a bar, then you would be granted an ecstatic vision of the dulcimer bar. It's taps and cask ales gleeming like an heavenly apparition, much like the virgin Mary was visited by one of those angels made of burning rings and multiple eyes. It would be terrifying. Utterly, terrifyingly good. The staff are warm and welcoming, like an elderly grandmother welcoming a downtrodden traveller in from a rainy night on the moors. The crisp selection is fine.

I’ve enjoyed this pub for years, but I’ll not be going back. Just had the worst service I’ve ever had, got told to leave with no explanation - At all. We’ve just finished work on a Wednesday, come to chorlton for a meal at rudys to celebrate something, and have a nice night with friends. Got out the taxi and went for a swift at fourbanks because we were early. The barman asked what I wanted, asked us about weatherspoons for some reason, forgot what I ordered, became rude and then refused to serve us, asking us to move on. I asked why, but got no details or explanation “just move on”. Gladly, thanks for ruining our night

Been here a few times and enjoyed it, however thanks to the balding barman I'll probably never bother again. Very rude man, I saw him refusing to serve people even though they did nothing wrong. He just decided he didn't like them which is quite discriminatory

Lovely atmosphere good selection of beers

Would be a nice place to go but baldilocks behind the bar is ridiculously rude and very confrontational for NO reason. He responds to any bad review with a similar attitude. What a sad little life Jane. Don’t bother going.

Went to the folk singaround- instruments not encouraged. It was great. Good range of traditional british songs with a smattering of tradition afro Caribbean/ american songs as well. A fun night. A safe space to sing.

Had a works do upstairs. This bar is great and staff were far and friendly. Loved it.

I have never been spoken to with such disrespect and contempt as I have been tonight. We visit this bar most Fridays as it is our local, however we will not be returning. The bar man was rude, obnoxious and confrontational from the get go.

Came here on a date, the date was terrible but the affordable drinks were wonderful. It took a couple of bottles worth of red to tolerate them. 🥖

Initially, my experience here was pleasant, however, the staff member who could barely grow a hair on his head, was so rude, he ruined the experience. All the other staff, were so lovely and welcoming, but this man made me and my friends feel so unwelcome, that I feel it responsible not to recommend it to anyone

A lovely bar and a live music venue. Great beers too.

The recent addition of BBQ Oodles to the food offering is a winner for Dulcimer. We took the kids as a late afternoon/early eve treat and it was a a flavour bomb explosion. As we were leaving the night time vibe was building up apace guaranteeing that I'll be back for a bit of that and more noodles as soon as I can.🍜 Great service at the bar🍺

Had the most amazing Noodles by Kim at BBQ. Idles in Dulcimer, absolutely 5 star flavour and massive portions, well worth a visit

Usually short of real ale choices ?

It's definitely a good place to hang out with friends. But like any other late night permit bars, after 11.30pm it gets very loud and noisy on Friday.

The happy hour here is worth going for alone. £7 for 2 cocktails. They were worth the money for sure! Nice little bit out the back too

One of Chorlton's longer established bars. Set on two levels, it has relaxed air to it.

Friendly bar with good beer & wine choices. Cute little beer garden in the back and upstairs is a function room, which is a great size if you're wanting something more intimate and cosy.

Busy night with two performances from Chorlton Arts Festival artist's.

Excellent staff and good service. The Beer was really good as well.

Went to attend a comedy gig, nice staff and great concept :D

Lovely atmosphere and good drinks selection.

Same old Dulci's, good beer, good wine, good times. Love you Dave

Still one of the best in Chorlton

Good selection of craft beers and very friendly knowledgeable staff

Manager is very rude to disabled people like my self saying I was drunk after two drinks and that I was drunk as the way I was warking and not to yous the disabled toilet I have a disabled leg and you think I'm going up two flights off stairs to get to the gents I don't think so

Nice bar with a Belgian feel. Hosts a good selection of beers, wines and spirits. Plenty of seating with areas both upstairs and downstairs.

Always liked it here but not returning. Looks nice from the outside but let down immediately by the miserable geriatric behind the bar in serious need of an attitude transplant. Being asked for ID as a 30 year old is on one hand a compliment, but the continued contempt even after receipt of valid driving licence and refusal to serve my (32 year old) friend because he’s “not serving children tonight” left something of a sour taste. Cheer up mate, it might never happen x

Went to an open-mic here, and met some friends. Had a great night. It's thre3 stars because the barmaid was almost useless. We came by car and that means one weak beer for the driver. The actual labelled percentages were almost impossibly small to read, yet it turned out, that one beer was over 6% and another over 11%. Either of these are driving ban material, and the barmaid had no interest in helping us. Good job I'm in my fifties, because I am interested.

Really enjoy nipping in here for a few pints. Proper cosy and full of charm.

Good beer and vibe, bargain happy hour, a bit spenny otherwise

Always a good atmosphere at the Dulcimer spread across a couple of floors and a bustling beer garden. Captures the essence of Chorlton very well with a good mix of people! Friendly staff and quick service at the bar despite being busy. Solid establishment.

Nice atmosphere and random people

Friendly and good selection of unusual as well as usual suspects early bird prices very fair

Friendly, helpful staff and great atmosphere

Loved the vibe and the tequila Cosmo!

Great bar with friendly staff. Always welcoming and has a late licence.

Just been given this well guess im being shown the door

Great staff, very friendly but overpriced like most bars in Chorlton.

Really liked it. If craft ales are your thing...pay it a visit 👍

Always a good selection of beer. Plenty of space to sit over two floors and a small garden.

Has a late bar during week till 12:30 which is busy. Been here many times always an interesting crowd.

Great vibes, unbelievably generous happy hour deals and good indoor and outdoor seating. Basically put the euros on the projector for us personally on more than one occasion now which is another level of customer service. Probably best pub in Chorlton tbh.

Amazing selection of drinks, friendly staff, and it stays open really late. Perfect for those of us who tend to work until 10pm on most days.