The Pen and Pencil is a Northern Quarter bar and restaurant that sits on the corner of Hilton and Tariff Street in Manchester. Our bar and eatery is open seven days a week from 10am 'til late. We take our name and inspiration from the infamous mid-20th century bar on East 45th Street in New York's 'Steak Row', which was popular with newspaper journalists and ad men - the original 'Mad Men'.
Need something tasty to get your creative juices flowing? We serve food all day; brunch, burgers, sandwiches and mains! Feeling thirsty? We offer delicious, healthy smoothies including the Triple Berry Cleanser and The Natural Hulk. If you want something more indulgent, why not try one of our homemade shakes topped with whipped cream?
Need something tasty to get your creative juices flowing? We serve food all day; brunch, burgers, sandwiches and mains! Feeling thirsty? We offer delicious, healthy smoothies including the Triple Berry Cleanser and The Natural Hulk. If you want something more indulgent, why not try one of our homemade shakes topped with whipped cream?
Reviews (14)
Charles Miranda
Jan 06, 2022
Report
Situated in the smarter section of the Northern Quarter, The Pen And Pencil blends into its Scandi-cool neighbourhood where polo-necks abound and air-cooled 993s look down their Teutonic noses at their stablemates from Crewe.
Exposed brick and warm lighting are just the ticket after hours spent poring over Pantone swatches.
I unintentionally ended up with an impromptu Surf and Turf after someone else nabbed the last piece of hake.
In my mind’s eye I had envisioned a blue crab po’boy and ended up with a delectable sour dough sandwich instead. Yes, it wasn’t lump meat but it was subtle and
Exposed brick and warm lighting are just the ticket after hours spent poring over Pantone swatches.
I unintentionally ended up with an impromptu Surf and Turf after someone else nabbed the last piece of hake.
In my mind’s eye I had envisioned a blue crab po’boy and ended up with a delectable sour dough sandwich instead. Yes, it wasn’t lump meat but it was subtle and
Suze Pearson
Dec 26, 2021
Report
Mark Waring
Dec 16, 2021
Report
We had what were quite possibly the best burgers on the circuit. I had the "Buttermilk Chicken Burger'" and the others had "The Real Mac" and the "P and P burger" absolutely gorgeous, quality chicken breast and beef. Plenty of fries which is a pleasant change as most places give only a scattering. My only negative wood be that the chips were on cooler side of hot, I like my food scorching hot. In all, a super place for an informal bite to eat and a beer.
Brooklyn Tasia
Dec 08, 2021
Report
Me and my boyfriend took a trip to the pen and pencil today during our Manchester stay, we both where greeted by the lovely “Antony” who was friendly and all about the customers, we ordered the P&P breakfast… and omg it was absolutely delicious, everything was so tasty and I can’t remember I last enjoyed a breakfast that much. You can tell they use good quality produce, speaking from someone who is a sucker for good quality food I can speak highly of this place.
I asked for a runny egg with my breakfast but when it came it was hard, absolutely no fault of there own
I asked for a runny egg with my breakfast but when it came it was hard, absolutely no fault of there own
Simon Wong
Nov 19, 2021
Report
Went last Sunday morning for brunch around 10 am. It started to get very busy so would recommend a reservation. The vibe was ok, the tables were either high bar stools or low benches without a back rest. I had the french toast while my friend had the pancakes. The pancakes were slight burned, with way too much maple syrup. For me the french toast was good, not the best I've had. The coffee was one of the most bitter I have tasted. Staff were friendly and smiley, great service.
Alistair Lambert Apollyon
Oct 28, 2021
Report
Lauren R.
Oct 25, 2021
Report
My sister wanted to go to another restaurant that was unknowingly closed (no update had been made to their website/google) so we happened to be right around the corner from here so thought lets give it a go.
We were greeted by a polite host who seated us promptly, the restaurant had customers but wasn't very full.
We ordered with the same person who seated us, who again was very polite and attentive as possible. However the busyness of the restaurant went from 0 to 100 and we waited quite a long time for food. Not surprising if the back of the restaurant was as understaffed as the front. The
We were greeted by a polite host who seated us promptly, the restaurant had customers but wasn't very full.
We ordered with the same person who seated us, who again was very polite and attentive as possible. However the busyness of the restaurant went from 0 to 100 and we waited quite a long time for food. Not surprising if the back of the restaurant was as understaffed as the front. The
Nancy S.
Oct 18, 2021
Report
I booked few hours ahead to get the 50% off food on Mondays. It was already busy at mid-day but all the staff were calm and friendly.
We weren't told what were the actual T&Cs of the special offer but I know that we had to order drinks. We ordered Hot Chocolate (£3.40), Latte (£2.90), Brisket Burger (£12.50), Crab Burger (£12.50) and 5 Hot Chicken Wings (£6).
The food and drinks came at a reasonable time. I would have expected the hot drinks to be bigger in size like in a taller or wider mug for that price. My OH was slightly disappointed with the size of the crab which was smaller than
We weren't told what were the actual T&Cs of the special offer but I know that we had to order drinks. We ordered Hot Chocolate (£3.40), Latte (£2.90), Brisket Burger (£12.50), Crab Burger (£12.50) and 5 Hot Chicken Wings (£6).
The food and drinks came at a reasonable time. I would have expected the hot drinks to be bigger in size like in a taller or wider mug for that price. My OH was slightly disappointed with the size of the crab which was smaller than
Laura Ashton
Oct 09, 2021
Report
Dawn Louise Bowman
Sep 26, 2021
Report
Stephen Rigby
Sep 24, 2021
Report
Zak Langlois
Sep 10, 2021
Report
As I was walking past on the way to the gym minding my own business with my headphones in, patrons sat outside this bar decided to verbally harass me for my gym attire. they were obviously drunk at 3pm on a Friday.
what kind of bar staff work here that they are not taking stock of who they're overserving?
what kind of bar staff work here that they are not taking stock of who they're overserving?
James Harkus
Aug 29, 2021
Report
The ambience in here is good, the service and food is awful. Just sitting in here and listening to the way staff speak to customers is disgusting.
Ordered a Mac n cheese burger, vía the bar- although it seemed some people we’re getting table service and some weren’t. Waited about half an hour which I don’t think is bad at all. Although waited about… 20 mins for a lemonade and a smoothie- nothing smooth about it, it was literally juice. Then when the food came out it looked really nice on first glance! The burger was still frozen, full on hard cheese inside. Waited
Ordered a Mac n cheese burger, vía the bar- although it seemed some people we’re getting table service and some weren’t. Waited about half an hour which I don’t think is bad at all. Although waited about… 20 mins for a lemonade and a smoothie- nothing smooth about it, it was literally juice. Then when the food came out it looked really nice on first glance! The burger was still frozen, full on hard cheese inside. Waited
Chazamn
May 26, 2021
Report
