I know Friends of Ham and Arcadia in Leeds very well – both top quality bars of the highest order.
A lot of the real ale houses in Manchester centre (Northern Quarter excepted) are little more than dirty old mens drinking dens (maybe I’ve simply not found the good ones). I appreciate real ale like the next man, but I also like to drink that ale in a pub where there’s little chance in ending up in a fight, but a good chance of oggling an attractive and intelligent lady or two.
If you’re after the quirky, youthful atmosphere you’ll find in Friends of Ham then head south of the city (10 mins on the tram), to either Chorlton – home of the fantastic bar called Pi, or three stops further on to Burton Road, West Didsbury where you have Mary & Archie or Folk.
If you insist on staying in town then Cask on Liverpool Road always have a large selection on real ale and continental beers in stock.
Hope this helps?