Set within The Printworks entertainment complex, Lloyd’s No 1 satisfies the needs of tourists and workers.

The Venue
Lloyd's is a Wetherspoons brand and, and like all Wetherspoons, this Printworks branch is always busy with a middle-of-the-road crowd attracted by its cheap drinks and grub. Also in keeping with their other outlets Lloyd’s is a big old place (although still far smaller than the massive Deansgate site).

The winning formula is religiously stuck to: wooden and carpetted flooring, fruit machines and lots of video screens show mainly sport and 24-hour news. Increasing the capacity there's another bar on the first floor. They have DJ nights on a Saturday evening when it's a cheap and popular place to start out your night in and attracts a younger crowd than in the week.

The People
Decidedly more tabloid than broadsheet, Lloyd’s customers are a mix of workers and their families, middle-aged chaps sipping ale, granddads and kids and young couples in need of somewhere better to go.

The Printworks is a major Manchester tourist trap so expect to see plenty of couples spending a weekend in town and hen and stag parties if they get past the burly doorstaff. Another forlorn user of Lloyds is the cinema-goer. The Odeon cinema is in the same complex and those looking for a quick drink before the screening sometimes grab a quick drink in here, before regretting doing so.

The Food and Drink
There's John Smith's, Kronenbourg, Foster's, Guinness, Strongbow, Carling and Coors on all draught, as well as Pedigree and Abbot Ale (guest ales change weekly). The cheapest pint here costs £2.20. Bottled beers include Beck’s, Budweiser, Corona, Peroni and Polish lagers Lech and Tyskie. And of course there are Kopparbeg, Brothers, Bulmers and Magners cider.

Keep your eyes peeled for the regular drink promotions which take place during the week. Food covers the wide range of traditional pub grub (like fish’n’chips for just £3.10), plus curries, wraps, chillis and desserts. In terms of price, it’s got lots of cheap things on the menu.

The Last Word
An occasionally handy drinking hole in a central location for those who are after value for money, but don’t care much for the quality of the experience.

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