THIS demure pub, just behind Manchester's Metropolitan University is blessed with what has to be one of the most gorgeous ceilings outside of Siena.

Embossed golden strips are laid over a lacquered backdrop, while the traditional benches below complete the old-fashioned, Shakespearean look. Your proper British pub incarnate, it's been doing a steady trade for more than 100 years.

Dropping in to sample the Salutation's wares, I found the L-shaped bar humming with punters last Saturday. The crowd seemed to span the spectrums of fashion and age while Match Of The Day was on the TV in the corner, and music spilled out from a private party in the games room next door.

At the bar, manager Joe Murphy has come up with an ingenious offer: quality spirits like Martell, Smirnoff and Jack Daniels are just é3 for a double. So I went a bit mad on these bad boys and couldn't say no to the Sally Sling (é3.40) either.

Singapore Sling

With it's mix of gin, cranberry, orange and a squeeze of lemon, it's a very reasonable take on a Singapore Sling, with just a slightly too strong juniper taste for my liking. Joe tells me that they also do a healthy trade in shots of the herby Zubrowka 'bison grass' vodka.

Despite all this choice, beer remains The Sally's thing. Stella and Carling are bestsellers, but they've got real ales on draught, too, including Greene King IPA. The fridges house a range of European classics: Peroni is a favourite alongside Becks and Fruli, the strawberry-flavoured Belgian brew.

Thanks to a friendly attitude that lives up to it's name, the bar is home to events ranging from Elliott Eastwick's World Famous Pub Quiz (his words), to Sixties girl group recitals and travelling folks bands. Call for more information.

The Salutation, 12 Higher Chatham Street, Hulme, M15, (0161 2731416.) Open Monday - Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12-11.30pm Tweet