Service with a Smile (2)

I mentioned here the exceptional service I had when judging pubs for the Greater Manchester Pub of the Year. Then I didn't want to mention the name of the pub, as judging was still taking place.

When we called at the pub there was around eight beers on the bar.  The barmaid (who turned out to be the landlady), immediately offered to talk me through the beers, made me feel very welcome and recommended what beers I might like on the basis of asking me what I was after.  She watched over the entire proceedings in the pub and was clearly, but subtly running the show.  A smile here, a chat there and all the time, ensuring service was quick, efficient and that glasses were cleared. It was effortless, non corporate and genuine, but so impressive (and rare) to see.  She even introduced herself by name.  Brilliant stuff.

The Bank Top Brewery Tap is well worth a visit.  A good range of rarely seen Bank Top beers, as well as the more usual Flat Cap.  All I tried were pretty decent.

And no, I have no idea how it has gone on in the Pub of the Year competition.

Normally I'd have put a Bank Top photo of some sort on, but the web site is one of these shitty "flash" built ones. Ah well. You can't have everything.