Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
The Pen and Pencil, Manchester,
The Pen and Pencil, Manchester,
The Pen and Pencil, Manchester,
The Pen and Pencil, Manchester,
The Pen and Pencil, Manchester,

The Pen and Pencil

4.4
4.4
873 Reviews
£25 and under
American
57 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EJ

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for brunch
  • Good for groups
Sitting on the corner of Hilton and Tariff street in Manchester’s lively Northern Quarter, The Pen and Pencil takes its name and inspiration from the infamous mid-20th Century bar on East 45th Street in New York.

Open seven days a week from 10am until late, the restaurant and bar not only offers a variety of beverages including cocktails, beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, but focuses on its strong day time offering with great breakfast, brunch and lunch options as well as quality coffee and freshly blended smoothies.

The Pencil and Pencil has an array of events throughout the month with a resident DJ to get the party started every weekend, a weekly quiz night on a Tuesday, and its sell-out Bottomless Brunches! It also offers a private room for corporate event and celebrations..

Unfortunately, we are unable o serve guests with Coeliacs due to the risk of cross contamination.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Fri 10:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    The Pen & Pencil Manchester, situated on the corner of Hilton St and Tariff St in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, features an 80 cover dining space across two rooms alongside an expansive bar, with a cocktail menu of the highest quality.
  • Neighbourhood
    Manchester
  • Parking details
    Spaces for on street parking. Multiple local parking lots within 1 minute walking distance.
  • Public transit
    5 minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly
  • Entertainment
    Quiz night every Tuesday.DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 873 people are saying

The Pen and Pencil reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Manchester/Greater Manchester

    Great for brunch

  • Manchester

    Great for brunch

  • Manchester

    Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Pen and Pencil offers a welcoming atmosphere with "great value for money" and "excellent food and drinks." Guests appreciate the "amazing service" from friendly staff, and the venue's vibrant vibe is enhanced by a live DJ. The diverse menu and engaging quiz nights make it a "top spot" in Manchester.
873 Reviews
  1. Emma

    Manchester6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was yummy and the staff attentive - there was a lovely atmosphere too

    Is this helpful?

  2. Thomas VIP

    Manchester4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Laura is an absolute gem! She always looks after us even given how busy she is on quiz nights! A real pleasure to be served by her :)

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kate

    Manchester2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place! Organised work drinks with a 8 of us - great value for money and good vibe!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Barbara

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My friend and I have been several times and are never disappointed. Great service and food and pleasant atmosphere 10 out of 10 😊

    Is this helpful?

  5. kay VIP

    Manchester6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    New menu items. Ate club sandwich for brunch. Was very good.

    Is this helpful?

  6. James

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great cocktails & great food! So much more on the menu so definitely going back!! Service was amazing too all the team so good & looked after us so well!! Top spot!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Andrea

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal, both had burgers of different types. Both cooked well with lots of fries. Wine good too.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Manchester1 review

    3.0

    Dined on March 10, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The venue was cold, could turn up the heating so you don’t have to wear your coat. Foodwise I got the Buttermilk Chicken Burger which was nothing special and very salty and the onion rings which were decent. Service wise - the server was nice but forgot to bring the water we requested to the table on 3 different occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lynne

    Manchester3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent music by live DJ created great ambience. Food was average... Fries and sticky wings were good though. Love their low bench seating for comfortable conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jon

    London10 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    Usually this is good but today it was awful. Maybe a bad day.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Pen and Pencil is rated 4.4 stars by 873 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Manchester/Greater Manchester
  4. Manchester
  5. Manchester

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for The Pen and Pencil

57 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EJ

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Manchester
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Fri 10:00 am–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Spaces for on street parking. Multiple local parking lots within 1 minute walking distance.
  • Public transit
    5 minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Quiz night every Tuesday.DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    The Pen & Pencil Manchester, situated on the corner of Hilton St and Tariff St in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter, features an 80 cover dining space across two rooms alongside an expansive bar, with a cocktail menu of the highest quality.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo