This real ale bar near Manchester Victoria is a good honest real ale boozer that also has a Belgium Bar feel to it This pub also serves bottled and on tap foreign and European ales When in Manchester a must to visit On Tuesday 6th September 2022 i revisited this establishment the interiors exactly the same still served good range of european ales but it has now a lot better range of hand pumped ales great cls and bar staff so 5 stars ive upgraded this pub to I again came back yo this great pun Sunday 12th March 2023 This pub has same landlady as before seems like same local following and the rail ales and Belgium draft beers still on As before, fffing excellent landlady still as loud but adds to the places good value I wish 1 thing though that the Belgium draft ales become cheaper Saturday 30th December 2023 We again came into this quite superb Belgium theamed pub on the edge on Manchesters Northern auarter These great locals and visitors to Manchester is a place to behold for drinkers of hand pumped real ales and bottled and draught Belgium beers A must to visit for perveers of good ales when in Manchester
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The staff were brilliant. This is one of the best bars to get a “nice beer”, the atmosphere is lovely, the decor is fun, a bit kooky but accompanies the fun idea of a jukebox and wacky beers. The prices were a little steep but there are very few places that serve beers as nice and as consistently, there is a huge selection for all beer drinkers, plenty of adventurous beers, plenty of high ABV beers and a standard (but lovely) lager in the form of Budvar. The garden is lovely and kitsch, full of gnomes and funny ornaments and dog friendly. Met a lovely old dog and everyone there was incredibly welcoming. Lovely little bar, will return soon if I’m in need of a nice beer such as a Delerium on draught! (highly recommended) Total gem of a bar, keep up the amazing work

One of the best proper pubs in Manchester. The place is tiny, 30 people pack it out but there's a small beer garden at the back which increases capacity in the summer. The atmosphere is surprisingly "local" for a city centre pub and you'll quickly find yourself feeling at home. The beer is well kept and the 6 ales on cask extend beyond the Manchester standard of 5 IPAs and a porter, variably including blondes, rubys, bitters, bests and amber's. A good jukebox with plenty of classic rock and Manchester favourites tops off the experience but volume is kept moderate so conversation is never impeded. Give it a try if you're around the Northern Quarter or Ancoats.

I've been in here a few times and have always had a great time, but the best was today when I wasn't actually a customer! The wing mirror of our car was clipped off by a lorry right outside Bar Fringe and I needed tape to fix it on. I went into Bar Fringe and was helped by the loveliest barman and human you could hope for in such a time of need! Tape, elastic and towels to dry the mirror from the rain were all supplied. Everything we could have needed to get us back on the road and it did just that. Thank you so much Bar Fringe! Customers, put your money in Manchester pubs with the sterling ethos for community and kindness that this one has. ❤

Keep it under your hat like but this little belter is a Manchester institution. Belgian beer, excellent ale and top shelf snacks. I've only ever been 3 times and the last time was probably 15 years ago. So I was pleased to find it was just as good if not better. Amazing beer garden, fish tank, piano, decor, glasses and beer mats. If I made a tick list of all the things I like in a pub this place nailed it. Huge thanks to the staff, absolutely on point. I'd like to say more but you are so efficient it's difficult. Oh and you will not get stuck behind someone ordering a cocktail.

Couldn't rave about this place more. It's SO good. It's relaxed, it's fun and it's EVEN better now they've got Rudy's Pizza out the back which I would give 10 stars if I could. Ran by a lovely couple they get all their ingredients from Italy (bar toppings) and make delicious pizzas for punters to enjoy. The beer selection is great and staff are lovely. It's a bit grimey but apparently it hasn't changed in years and years and kinda what makes it what it is, relaxed and typical awldy-pub style. Love.

This place is living on it's reputation. A recent visit last Thursday evening convinced me of this. The barman was rude and incompetent. I felt like I was interrupting his evening out with his mates when I asked to get served.He couldn't remember prices and stuggled to work the till. I paid £8.75 for 2 drinks but later was charged £9.20 for the same drinks. I realised that he was well drunk. As always the fringe had a great selection of beers but not kept at their best. I will not be going again

Superb little bar, it would be my local where it not 8 miles from my house It's only a bus ride away though Thoughally recommended
Price per person
£50–60
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Berliner Pilsner, Hoegaarden, Couple of Nice Beers Leffe Rugby and Chouffe Cherry on Draft
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Small parking lot, locked gate though only problem, regular and plentiful busses though and not far from tram/train

Sort of place you don’t really want to review because part of the reason it’s good is the ease of getting a table and not having to yell all your conversations compared to most of the surrounding NQ/Ancoats bars, but it is really great. Cosy, great range of reasonably priced beers with a Belgian focus, staff are fun, really good outdoor area and there’s some cardboard cutouts of characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer about inside. Been one of the best spots in town for years.

Small but really lively pub, definitely one for beer drinkers - huge selection of different, mostly Belgian, beers on draft. No Hoegaarden any more though which was a bit disappointing. Decor is eclectic in a good way and there’s so many little bits dotted around the place which catch the eye. Big beer garden out the back which they’ve done really well with the space they have.
Price per person
£1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Reasonable assortment in foreign beers at reasonable prices. More female attendance than is, at least in my experience, for pubs like this, which is a plus. There is a beer garden at the back albeit it lacks significant sunshine. Decor is interesting with an old Honda twin bike, almost like my first bike, some imaging reminiscent of Buffy, albeit not her but "Spike". Pity they do not serve food. I could do with some Haggis bonbons ... ;)

Great variety of German / Belgian beers in bottles and some on draught are available. The aforementioned beers are always served with their associated brewery glass - assists especially when pouring out wheat beers. A quirky place with a lot of bar related signage on display. Real ales are also sold - normally about six. Good juke box and has an outdoor seating area at the rear. A popular place to enjoy different beer styles

This was a disappointing visit for me. The beer selection was average. Two of the beers we got didn't taste right, we brought them back only to be told that's how they are supposed to taste. We know our beers and they definitely weren't right. The smell from the gents toilets was overpowering. I had high hopes for this bar but left feeling disappointed

Called early Friday night, 7pm. It was quiet and the barman was a little rude and more interested in chatting to his mates at the bar and doing shots with them, so much so that he forgot to give my friend their beer. The place smelt a bit iffy and my Stella was not good. Shame, been in a few times later in the evening and enjoyed it.

Lovely, lovely place on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Fringe is a refreshingly back to basics pub that concentrates on supplying excellent ales and interesting ciders in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The excellent service and chatty clientele is a lovely counterweight to the more hipster places in deepest darkest NQ

A real hidden gem. In these days of characterless generic bars It was great to find a proper old school pub. Good selection of beers, interesting decor and the bar staff were very friendly and had me laughing out loud with their banter. I will definitely make a point of visiting again next time I'm in Manchester.

My favorite bar in Manchester. Staff are all lovely. No matter how busy they are they will always have a chat. Expensive but worth the money, beers are always to quality. Lots of selection of Belgian bottled beers. Me and my wife love coming here. Even when it's very very busy it is really relaxing

Bar Fringe is a wonderful little gem. Understated, there are a good variety of ales, ciders, lagers etc. offered in a homely - and decidedly quirky- setting. On the jukebox you'll find many of the best classic albums, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend a visit.

A cracking bar with something for everyone, decent cask - from pedestrian best bitter/pale ales, to decent keg offerings and some Belgian and German belters on tap A solid selection of bottles, the staff know what they're on about and the local characters are good craic

Perfect as always. Engaging team... Dan is a superstar...great range of hand pulls and bottled beers eclectic surroundings and a great vibe...only place for a beer lover to drink in Manchester;
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great range of Belgian beers. Cask is pretty so-so but the price is right and the place has loads of character. I've been drinking here on and off for ten years, little has changed and that's a very good thing. Gets pretty busy at the weekends and on match days.

Completely unassuming from the outside but has a real European feel inside. The obligatory selection of ales (being so close to the northern quarter) and a well maintained smoking area, which feels more like a village pub than anything else. A real melting pot!

Cozy and well worn. Like the comfort of an old friend. Above average beer range, but I'd prefer at least one hippy American IPA on draught. Nice of them to let me back in after trying to order 14 pints of Duvel. Also one of the best jukeboxes in Manchester.

I am biased as I met the love of my life here. But staff are friendly and attentive. They make the effort to have fun with customers and create a friendly dynamic that is sorely lacking from most establishments. Prices are reasonable and stock is varied.

Long standing pearl of the Northern Quarter. Excellent selection of real ales plus ciders and foreign beers. Always had a friendly and helpful service. Wife and daughter always feel comfortable drinking here. Martin Meerkat loves this bar.

First discovered Bar Fringe one summer many years ago and instantly fell in love with the quirky beer garden out the back with the huge steel hand/claw statue, which is now totally covered in ivy. Great selection of real ales, including

Nice bar that always seems busy. Great selection of beers that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in the Northern Quarter, particularly if you have leanings towards Belgian beer. And with Delirium Tremens on draught, what's not to love.

If you like good beer, this is the place to go. With a wide variety of beers from across Europe, you can't really go wrong with a quick drink or two in Fringe. They are also the only place I've found which serve peach beer on draft.

Been coming here on and off for 15 years, as previously mentioned it is a Manchester institution. Nothing fancy but a great selection of beer, including a large range of Belgian beers, and classic rock music. Can't go wrong.

Do some nice refreshing beers. Good on a hot day
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Couple of Nice Beers Leffe Rugby and Chouffe Cherry on Draft

Always worth a visit, and an incredible selection of beers
Price per person
£1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Couple of Nice Beers Leffe Rugby and Chouffe Cherry on Draft

Nice little bar with an outside area at the back. Very interesting beer selection with plenty of Belgian offerings. Helpful bar staff which is good as some of the beers are quite strong but luckily they'll let you know!

I love this bar. It's quirky and filled with a gloriously motley crew of punters. Great beer, and a small garden out the back if the weather is good. It's a bit of an institution, and deservedly so.

Cracking pub. Loads of different beers. About 6 real ales on handpump. A huge choice of foreign beers both in bottle and on tap. Drinkers heaven. Not a big place but a great atmosphere when buzzing.

Love this pub, very quirky with some unusual decor. A very large selection of beers with plenty of European beers to choose from, even got a beer garden. It's always on my list on my visit to town.

A must visit when I go to town. With a fantastic range of beers. Quite quirky. Update: I'm still coming here for wonderful Belgian beers on tap and bottle ten years on. A lovely warm atmosphere

Still a brilliant bar, still has great beer and still has a good mix of people. But...it no longer has hoegaarden Blanche de Brussels has taken its place. Similar, but not the same …

A nice bar with a very good selection of Belgian beer. The staff are friendly. Nice seating - the two big chairs in the corner are very relaxing. A good place to visit in the city centre More

Great little city center bar, fantastic beer selection and not over priced, down side can get busy with Limited seating especially in winter, but summer they have a large seated area outside

Great service, friendly helpful staff, fabulous choice of beers and cider, welcoming atmosphere. A very enjoyable night. First visit, will definitely be a regular in the future.

Nice selection of beer, cider and spirits. Decorations are TV and film themed with lots of posters, plaques and cut outs. They also have a motorcycle mounted which is cool.

Have visited this place a few times.I love it.The decor is quirky.Always a good choice of ales on that are well kept.Staff are welcoming.The type of pub you can relax in

Really friendly staff and clientele! Eclectic and quirky decor. Good and varied selection of libations to cater for differing tastes. Thoroughly enjoyed my first visit.

Great bar..old school vibe.
Price per person
£10–20
Recommended dishes
Berliner Pilsner, Couple of Nice Beers Leffe Rugby and Chouffe Cherry on Draft

Quirky little bar, nice drinks selection, friendly staff, funky decor and a nice outside seating area at the back for when the sun's out or it's busy inside.

There are many fine pubs in Manchester. This is my personal favourite. A unique atmosphere some great characters. Good selection of cask and foreign beers.

Belgium beer on tap. Server gave us time to choose from the large amount of beer available. Cannot fault the place.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Suddenly got very noisy! It's only 17.45 pm. Good selection of beers. Been coming here on and off for over 15 years. Good crowd without the boom boom .

Lovely friendly pub with great interacting decor. Particularly loved the massive green Man on the wall! Lovely beer garden with some beautiful plants!

Great bar...pity the jukebox was knackered and swallowed about £8 for no music
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Can’t believe I’d never been here until last week! Proper chilled place. Cheap for a city centre pub and love the decor. Highly recommend ✌️ More

Always a go-to for when I visit Manchester. Fruity beers is always a winner with me. But to have more than one choice makes me even happier!

Great Belgian style bar with a variety of beers and the like from the lowlands of Europe.The Belgians are the god father's of Lager making.

Very homely pub. A good mix of people of all ages. Lovely strawberry beer. Very friendly and chatty staff and love that they let dogs in x

The only bar in Manchester you should go to if you limited for time.. been coming here off and on for 20+years and never a disappointment

Great little pub. Excellent range of real ciders and Belgian fruit beers. Decorated with all sorts of weird memorabilia. A favourite.

Good beer selection. Mainly belgian ales, some guest ales and kegs. Quite small, generally friendly atmosphere. Good covid measures.

Cracking Boozer. Proper pub. With good beers. No plastic. No secret Tories. Great beer garden. One of the best hidden gems in town.

We absolutely love this place. Great selection of belgique beers and great cosy atmosphere with regulars all around.

Really nice pub with traditional vibe. Friendly patrons and land lady. Smoking area out back and open till 11 ish!

What an incredible little bar!!! An awesome selection of Belgium beer. Staff are hilarious. Jukebox is PHENOMENAL

Great taps, great bar, great staff.
Price per person
£20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Decent pub with nice outside space.
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing atmosphere! would highly recommend a visit
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Small friendly place. Good beers.
Price per person
£1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My go to bar Belgium bar plenty of good beers to choose from
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

really cool bar. Belgium beer, real ales and everything else you could want. over 18 beers on tap!

Stumbled across this pub whilst looking for Belgian bars in Manchester, brilliant little place!

Love this place. Good owners - very good choice of beers and snacks! Nice seating outside too

Great quirky little pub selling some really nice craft beers and real ales. Always welcoming.

Outdoor area is great. Good range of beers.
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

My favourite bar in Manchester great staff/owners. Great beer and friendly locals.

My type of Bar Old school with a wide range of beers …
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent beers and ales, super friendly staff, great place for dogs!

Fun decor and a grand array of ales on cask and euro beers on tap.

Great little bar with a great selection of Belgian beer

Good beer selection, friendly bar tender, quirky place

Lively wth great beer selection, 4 hand pump.

By far the best place for a decent cider

Great beers and unique vibe