In a city where flash-in-the-pan bars arrive with a bang and vanish six months later, there is something deeply reassuring about a Joseph Holt pub. The Ape & Apple, perched on the corner of John Dalton Street, is a prime example. It doesn’t try to be a speakeasy or a concept bar; it’s a proper city-centre boozer that knows exactly what it’s doing.
The first thing you’ll notice is the aesthetic: classic green-and-white tiling and heavy wood panelling that feels like it’s been there forever. But look past the traditional exterior and you’ll find one of the city’s better-kept secrets: a rooftop beer garden. It’s an ideal spot for a pint of Trailblazer when the Manchester sun decides to make a rare appearance, away from the fumes of Deansgate bus traffic.
The biggest news for the pub lately involves the kitchen. As of Spring 2026, the food is being handled by That Burger Place. If you know your Manchester burger history, you’ll recognise them for their California-inspired smash burgers. Bringing their “New Yorker” and the four-patty “Big Smash” into a Holt’s pub is a smart move, pairing high-end fast food with dependable cask ales. It’s handled by Ryan and Meg, who actually have Joseph Holt tradition in the blood—Ryan’s parents previously ran The Golden Lion in Swinton.
Beyond the burgers and the beer, the pub functions as a genuine community hub for the city centre. Every Wednesday, the upstairs stage plays host to Manchester’s longest-running free comedy night, and the pub remains a solid choice for watching live sport without the rowdiness of the massive sports bars nearby.
Whether you’re in for a lunchtime session, a midweek laugh, or just want to grab 12 bottles of Joseph Holt to take home for £24, the Ape & Apple remains one of the most reliable anchors in the city’s drinking scene. It’s unpretentious, well-run, and now serves some of the best burgers in town.
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