Dulcimer in Manchester

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 🤩

Bartender is incredibly rude, would not recommend

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

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

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.

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.

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

If you are feeling hungry make a bee line for BBQ OODLE Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Pucker Tucker 👌 Proper tasty food made by the legendary Master Chef Kim 👏 Do not miss this food ❤️

Good bar with (sometimes) ace beer, live music and a nice outdoor area out the back. You'll not get a look in at the weekend when this place is often unbelievably busy. Much better to visit during the week. Yellow beer is great, but it seems to have vanished for the last 3 months. Rumours of Erdinger replacing it seem premature sadly 😞

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

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

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🍺

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.

Perfect range of beers at good prices with a nice atmosphere.

Not been in for a while and was meeting friends upstairs. It looks like everywhere was redecorated during lockdown and it looked great. The staff were really friendly and attentive. Good beer list too. Excellent.

Good music, good vibes. Can get a bit messy on a weekend night

Seen so many good bands here. Always a good selection of live music and beers!

Proper authentic pub. Good covid measures

Excellent service upon arrival! Very warm and welcoming, we were even given a menu as well as an option to pay via cash or card. A rarity in this area! Thumbs up all round!

Parece un poco triste y necesita una reforma. Ha visto mejores días. ¿Qué pasó con la cerveza económica que se ofrece? La cerveza ahora es muy cara incluso para Chorlton.

A good pub selling decent ales.

Anoche tuve una experiencia maravillosa en Dulcimer. Fuimos recibidos por el personal en PPE, nos pidieron desinfectar y nos guiaron a nuestra mesa. Me sentí súper seguro y a gusto mientras disfrutaba de unos deliciosos bevs. Buen trabajo chicos, destrozándolo x

He sido un bebedor en Dulcimer por un tiempo, ¡es realmente genial haber estado recientemente y ver cómo han puesto medidas de seguridad realmente efectivas para lidiar con las circunstancias actuales! Me sentí muy cómodo y seguro bebiendo allí y el personal está haciendo un trabajo increíble para mantener el lugar funcionando de manera eficiente y, al mismo tiempo, mantener un gran ambiente en el bar. ¡Definitivamente regresaré y espero que el equipo sepa que están haciendo un trabajo increíble!

Had a really nice time here, they've made the whole experience feel really safe under the current circumstances! The staff were so accommodating and helpful! Definitely will be going again to experience the amazing service and hospitality!

Lovely atmosphere but they live to play the music waaaay too loud in the later parts of the evening. To the point it's difficult to have a conversation.

Nice pub with a great atmosphere Good selection of drinks and good live music as well

Atmosphere. Large selection of beers

Very good and relaxing atmosphere

Great atmosphere and open until 2am!

Decent selection of local and imported ales in a traditional pub surrounding!

Got some free donner meat as a starter. Had Ontario Cheeseburger for main, very tasty.