I grew up in Newton Heath, Albert Gardens, the next street along was Failsworth. At drinking age, The Robin Hood was our local, but most often we would go to Failsworth Pole (via The Lamb and Black Horse) Bridge Inn and our other regular 'local' The Pack Horse. Tommy and Lesley Lowe (R.I.P. both.... was at Tom's funeral earlier this year)
Lived in Failsworth for twelve years until 1999, the Pole was dead by then really. Shame
The Willow was another regular favourite, and yes always Blue. Was in there just last week with my old man. Guys running it now are doing a great job. Busy everyday for good quality low priced food, good beers (mates reckon best pint of Guinness around) beer garden is stunning now, and the refurbished vault is a shrine to our boys. Still has a bus on for matchdays.