We had reasonable hopes for this one, the old Cheshire Cat in the student heartland of Fallowfield. It was taken over by Hydes Brewery earlier this year and reopened in August, so we looked forward to a good pint in smartened up surroundings. Surprisingly, not one Hydes ale was on sale - the bitter clip was turned round - and the only ales offered were Marble's Ginger (a fine beer but not really one for the first of the day) and a crushingly dull Halloween-based Marstons offering. Unwisely we went for the latter which looked, felt and tasted like John Smiths Smooth.
Cheshire Cat, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield. (c) Adam B. at flickr.
Also offer was a real cider on handpump and the pub grub menu looked reasonable. The pub was smart enough inside with Joseph Whitworth related decor and big chairs, however, for a Saturday afternoon the place was worryingly quiet. Hydes also have the old Queen of Hearts next door, which appears to be a café-restaurant cum club. Fair play to them for at least having one local ale on, but Hydes have a bit of work on to improve on the Sir Joseph Whitworth. Hydes website link. @SJWFallowfield.
Sir Joseph Whitworth, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield. (c) Hydes.
I would say they've pitched it wrong for the potential trade on offer in that location - it's the kind of place that would do better in Didsbury or Cheadle.
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