The ViewLondon Review
Mannings is a world record breaking pub. In April 2008 the longest ever guitar performance took place here and lasted a staggering 45 hours - that’s 200 songs!The VenueMannings is opposite Bell Lane on Brent Street. There are two entrances, one either side of a window overlooking the street. Inside, it’s fairly traditional: dark red carpets and a dark wooden bar. It’s not fancy in any way but it does the job.
Mannings comes complete with a small stage with a drum kit and three well-sized guitar amps – this is where the magic happens. Those who like their rock, blues and karaoke will be right at home here, and the great thing is there’s no entrance fee. The rock theme spills onto the walls in the form of large framed pictures of guitar heroes including Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards. You’ll also find a few ornaments relating to the world of shipping like the wall cabinet displaying the various knots used out at sea and a model of the Titanic.
When the football is on, two plasma TV screens show the game. They’ve been placed high up - one in each corner of the room - giving no one an excuse to miss the action. If you fancy doubling the shrapnel in your pocket you might want to wander over to the fruit machine and quiz arcade – you’ll find them towards the rear of the pub next to a large old fireplace.
The AtmosphereMannings is a nice pub to enjoy a quiet drink in the afternoon before the live music takes to the stage. Rock music playing in the background might not be to everyone’s taste but if you don’t mind the shredding sound of electric guitars and pulsating drums you’ll feel quite at home. The staff are forthcoming and the regulars seem nice enough as well.
The DrinkThere are a couple of draught pumps at one end of the bar but don’t get your hopes up because they’re not always on. Instead, you can choose from the usual Guinness, John Smiths, Strongbow, Kronenberg, Fosters and San Miguel. A small selection of bottled lagers sit in the fridge as do a handful of bottled juices.
The Last WordFor live music in Hendon, Mannings is a great little pub. The fact that entry is free makes all the difference as some of the other pubs in the area charge extortionate prices for the sake of a live band.