As a kid in Ardwick in the early 60s I lived in the walk up flats which were adjacent to the Mancunian Way when it was built. There was a pub at the end of our street called Birdies. I seem to remember it was actually named The Shakespeare but as it was decades ago I can't be sure. I saw loads of huge fights spilling out of that place all the time as Sunday afternoons were a prime time for them.
My pyschopathic, drunken father drank in there and regularly came home covered in cuts and bruises after yet another fight. He said a favourite pastime was when a stranger came in the vault, drank a pint and then put the empty pot upside down on the table. This was a challenge that he'd fight anyone in the pub and generally my father was happy to oblige. It was demolished to make way for the Mancunian Way.
Update: I have done some research on Birdies / The Shakespeare and there is an interesting City link. That pub, The Talbot in Stretford, The Didsbury, The Seymour and the Britons Protection were built by a Welshman named Chapman. His son, JE Chapman, ran The Shakespeare and became City chairman.
Further update: John Chapman was the first Manchester City chairman - 1894-1902. He then did another stint from 1914-20.
