Manchester. Likely built in the 1830s, perhaps 1820s. The pub's name comes from Sir Walter Scott's novel of the same name, or from a stagecoach that used to stop at the pub on its way from Manchester to London. It is one of the few pubs in Manchester's city center that is detached - located on a small triangular island surrounded by newer and taller buildings. In the past it had the reputation as a fighting pub, and in WWII it was used by GIs as a brothel. It has been owned and managed by the same family since the 1970s and was used in the filming of Robbie Coltrane's crime thriller "Cracker". The exterior is beautifully tiled in yellowish green and inside is a lovely oval shaped bar with polished wood and stained glass windows. There is a seating area around the bar and another room behind the bar (with a hatch through which you can get your drinks). My beer of choice was Tiger Rut, a hoppy pale ale from Millstone Brewery (Nottinghamshire). Another highly recommended pub if you visit Manchester.