New pub: The Gasworks Brewbar on Manchester First Street

A new pub from the Dockyard group called The Gasworks has just opened next to Home in the First Street complex. The contemporary space is built on the former Gaythorn Gasworks site and includes exposed pipework and features, mixed up with slab-like tables and leather sofas. It’s a huge room that’s ideal for drinking on the go, or in large groups – yet surprisingly family friendly too. Owner Steve Pilling set up his own company after leaving the Chophouse group and, as at his other Dockyard pubs in Spinningfields and MediaCity, the Gasworks serves quality, simple grub – the kind of stuff you want to eat at any time of day – such as burgers, sweet potatoes chips and pies. Beer-wise there are rotating ales from local stars like Alphabet, 7 Brothers and Shindigger as well as house ales (coming soon), brewed in a six barrel microbrewery on site. The Gasworks joins Indian Tiffin Room, Home, Pizza Express and The Liquor store in the First Street area. After a slow start, it’s starting to look like a viable alternative to Spinningfields when it comes to pedestrianised social spaces in city centre, and great for families too.

Now open: The Gasworks Brewbar, First Street, Manchester M15 4FN, www.twitter.com