You can’t do anything by halves in Albert Square. Arguably Manchester’s most beautiful public realm, this corner of the city centre is all about historic buildings, Victorian grandeur and plenty of Kodak moments. Understanding the responsibility of this address, The Fountain House has converted a Grade II-listed stunner in the heart of our hometown into a sophisticated boozer that wants to be your proper local while serving elevated pub food in one of the most beautiful dining rooms we’ve had the pleasure of eating in.
“We proudly pour local beer – Manchester Union Lager is our house beer, and we have Vocation Heart & Soul as a permanent ale alongside some great guests. Our selection of craft beer and lager is something not to be missed, helping us stand out from the norm, and we’ve a global wine selection for everyone,” the team explain. “The Fountain House pub is perfect for casual drinks, food and hanging out with friends and family, with plenty of comfy and cosy spaces, seats and tables. Feel free to help yourself to our board games, too.” Scene definitely set, let’s move on to the menu’s particulars.
Starting with the bar snacks, think homemade sausage rolls, scotch egg and mustard mayonnaise or hot honey chicken wings, smoked grilled Mediterranean olives, freshly baked sourdough and butter, or sesame chicken skewers. Starters at The Fountain House range from beetroot hummus, crematta, crispy chickpeas and sourdough, to pumpkin and sage ravioli, baked camembert, chalk stream smoked trout and ssamjang pulled mushroom. At lunch, opt for sizeable sandwiches like the sirloin steak, chicken club, fish finger or roasted Mediterranean vegetable. Meanwhile, the mains of the day could be pan-fried sea bass, dry-aged double cheeseburger, king prawn and monkfish Malabar curry, or roasted squash and chickpea salad. Oh, and the desserts are truly decadent — double chocolate and marmalade steamed pudding, rhubarb and custard Knickerbocker glory, toffee apple Arctic roll. You get the picture.