Firstly, I would like to say that I have been a GC regular for over 25 years . From the Subway at the back, on the way to The Banshee and Jilly's days. Despite my Alternative appearance, never had any issue with staff or clientele at all, not one cross word. Never been drunk,4 or 5 drinks between here, The Salisbury and sometimes Fab Cafe. Then on the 11.47 bus home regular as clockwork. Friday 29th April. Rock up to GC about 9-30( Had 1 pint in Fab on the way up). Noticed the new bar manager at the corner of the bar, also noticed the look he gave me. Ordered a pint of Coors. The girl between the bar gave me £2 change of £10. This she rectified without smile or apology, when I politely informed her of this fact. Went and stood by the machine at corner of the bar as normal. Drank my pint and returned to the bar for a refill, where another member of staff returned to me without my drink and informed me that she had been told not to serve me, as I'd had enough to drink. I was so shocked I had to ask her to repeat what she'd said. I tried to explain that I had only been out just over an hour and only had 2 pints but my fate was clearly sealed. Out of self respect, respect for the girl and for the place itself I left quietly and without fuss. To think of so many hours over so many years, for my GC days to end like this leaves me deeply saddened. I can only think that the place is no longer the inclusive, non judgemental safe place that it always was. And that lone Alternative men are no longer welcome.

Update at the bottom: Went in day time around 2ish on my own. It was on bank hol Monday to grab a quick drink. Berfore heading home. Had my work top on. Was empty. I am a removal man. NO branded clothes. The guy serving said I am not allowed to have a drink here because how I looked. Was a little bit embarrass by it tbh. I went in there because the crowd looked altenative and non judgmental shame I couldn’t sit in there 🙁 UPDATE: thanks for responding, check again. It was defiantly this place, HIGH vis dark grey shorts. I remember it very well. It was not the other bar that you suggested it may be. It was a red ish colour frontage next to a bridge with the Starbucks opposite because I went and sat outside and had a coffee. I was quite polite and didn’t cause an issue out of it. Tbh it’s just made me feel bad all round about entering venues. It takes some people a lot of currage to walk into a place to try and socialise worrying about not fitting in or people judging you and this place completely failed. Which is why I have taken the time to warn anyone who fears they may not be accepted in social settings to just avoid at all costs to avoid that feeling that I had that day.

Good selection of beers and they had a good covers band on. It's a classic heavy rock/metal bar with chairs sticking to beer soaked carpets, and has a chilled vibe.

Used to come a lot 1978 - 1982 as I worked round the corner. Cannot remember original name but became The Shady Lady. (Interweb says Beef and Barley then Cork n Screw). Did cheap pub grub then but not now. No food. Two Robinson's beers..Dizzy Blond and Trooper. Good pint of Dizzy. Boothroyd can smell the cleaners bleach but overall likes it...and they take cash£££.

Really enjoy the open mic jam night on Tuesday hosted by the band NGUVU. Super eclectic musicians rock, Funk, soul, jazz and pop musicians!

My daughter is in Uni in Mancland and when i visit, this place is a must. Its boss. Was in there before and after the Glenn Hughes gig 29/10. People are great, friendly and the staff also. Esp Lara Croft..My word.. Luv and hugs to u all.

I love this place. Really great, friendly rock bar, always has a great atmosphere. I've seen loads of bands here and it's free. There's a band called Twisted Illusion who I've seen there many times and they're a bit special. Just love places like this giving up and coming bands a chance. If you're ever in Manchester, pop in for a visit as there's something on most nights.

Coole Bar, wenn man auf dunkle Musik steht. Poolbillard und Dart vorhanden. Bier mit perfekter Temperatur. Richtige Kneipe. Coole Leute und die Musik wird in der angenehmen Gesellschaft zur neben Sache.😉😇

Since it changed in ownership, the door policy here has been bit random. You can get turned away with little explanation. Edited to respond to feedback from the venue:- I've not been barred from GC, I wasn't asked to leave by another venue (I actually went to The Salisbury and Junior Jackson's instead), I wasn't drunk as it was the first place I went to, I'm 48 so not underage, and the bouncer gave no reason for not letting me in which would've been helpful I guess?

Great place good drinks a mix bag of people. Good live music.. I always enjoy my night here

Classic Manchester metal pub. Good jukebox. Nice beer. Past couple of times I've been in recently, the music playing was disturbingly ballady and/or non-metal. Hoping that was an accident of the time I was in rather than an ongoing trend.

Most Mancunians call it GC. It's a well-known rock pub pretty convenient in terms of location (close for students, close to Satan's). I say with love that it's a bit of a dive bar feel here. You come for the rock/metal ambience and the relaxed vibes. Don't get me wrong, they have a good selection of beers etc. but don't set your heart on getting a cocktail here, unless it's something like a black toothed grin.

THE Rock pub in Manchester. Always a friendly, chilled out vibe and fantastic tunes. Only complaint is that it's sometimes difficult to chat if you're singing along with the music!

Calling all rock/metal heads! Well what a little gem of a find! First time in Manchester and this pub did not disappoint! Great music whether it's from the jukebox or the resident DJ, brilliant and attentive staff and well, what more can I say... I'm around my people and I feel a home away from home. Even if you're not into the music genre please give it a go, you won't find friendlier people anywhere else and you will certainly enjoy yourself!

Enjoyed every minute of my visit, I will admit I was there to watch a band my son performed in, nevertheless the bands on before and after were excellent. As a man of a certain age, it was a real throwback moment for me. Going to rock venues in and around Manchester during the 70s and 80s this was a real treat. Will definitely return. Keep up the good work Grand Central

We saw Blanks here and the venue was nice! The highlights was the ground floor which had fantastic food and bar service and a lovely romantic terrace on the top floor.

I love this place, I visit whenever we can and have always enjoyed it. The atmosphere is always great and the music is always great. The Dj (male) always tries to play as many requests as he can and is always polite. Bar staff are friendly and attentive despite the busy atmosphere and always seem to really enjoy their job! One of my favourite places to visit in Manchester on a Friday or Saturday.

Good pub and friendly staff. Pretty cheap. Darts and pool table, along with a jukebox which mostly plays rock and metal with the occasional Ed sheeran appearing! Great vibe. Also have the occasional DJs, rock n roll bingo, open mic nights etc

Upped from a two star review four years ago. Hesitantly went, had a great time. Service great, music great, prices reasonable, other patrons friendly. Will be back. 😊

Great little bar, loved the music and atmosphere will be making this a regular stopping point whenever we visit for a show in the future 🤘

One of the most unique, silliest bars I’ve ever been to. The focus on metal holds it thematically together and it has a mysterious allure about the whole place. Jukebox with Tool and Meshuggah? Tick. Great beers and great vibes.

Love this place it'd a down to earth no fuss rock bar with friendly welcoming bar staff and good well kept ale. Oh and interesting graffiti 🤘

Great bar, glad to see it reopened. Cheap as beers bit of tarting up done as well. Previous visitors will remember but its not changed. The night entertainment as much as its great music (dj) was stupid loud but meh can't have everything. Still a great place to go for a cheap pint and depending on the time of day chill out or rock out.

Great rock pub, occasional live bands, rock djs, pool table, friendly staff, and great atmos. Winner!

Been coming here for many years and will carry on doing so as the atmosphere is brilliant, so many great times with good people and the new owners and bar staff are really friendly and accomodating that being said if you are respectful and behave you'll have no problems whatsoever, a truly great place to visit and enjoy a few drinks, play pool and listen to good music

You walk into a great rock and metal atmosphere as soon as you get in the door. DJ was playing on a Sat night but in left hand end, loud enough though to make any conversations with friends virtually impossible.

Great bar nice staff. Had a heavy rock group on and some sword Morris dancers came in really good pub

Nice pub, staff polite and serve you fast. Decent music on too! Plenty or rock and alternative stuff playing! Live music also on some nights. Situated right next to Oxford Road Station... well worth a visit.

Love Grand Central. We used to have Carpe Diem in Leeds but was closed down years ago. GC feels like a home away from home and always looks after us when we travel across for gigs.

Nice little pub in Manchester, very cosy and kinda old school (which is a good thing in my opinion). They have a darts board and a snooker/pool table which is always an added bonus! Staff are nice and friendly and know how to pull a good pint. The pub also has a jukebox which is £1 for 2/3 songs, again a nice little touch allowing any punter to put their favourite tunes on. Prices are more or less similar to other pubs in the city centre - which was to be expected and I'm not complaining about it. If you're nearby definitely pop in and have a pint in here!

Nice atmosphere but it is a rock/metal music bar so I found it nice as I like the music. Plenty of seats and decent drinks range.

Very friendly, great beer and a good price. Only thing no football or food but plays good rock music. If your in the Oxford Rd area visit definitely worth it.

Love date night here with my boyfriend. Great music and atmosphere. I love getting super dolled up and heading there from Blackpool. Well worth the trip.