The Moon Under Water - JD Wetherspoon

You know exactly what you're getting when you push through those doors on Deansgate, and that's precisely the point. The carpeted floors and familiar menu might not win design awards, but when you want a properly cheap pint and a burger that won't bankrupt you in the city centre, this place delivers without pretense. The space is sprawling enough that you can usually find a table, even when the after-work crowd descends. Yes, it gets loud and yes, the demographic is wonderfully mixed - from office workers grabbing lunch to groups of mates settling in for the long haul. The breakfast is surprisingly solid if you're up early enough, and those curry club deals on Thursday genuinely represent some of the best value eating in Manchester.