Forget for the moment you have done so internet research ...
I've just arrived in Manchester and apart from around 6 or 7 decent pubs I know of*, it's been an absolute chore finding decent boozers. * (For these I'd consider Salford Crescent, Knott Bar, Port St, Marble Arch, Angel, Smithfield, Brewdog).
Other ones I've gone in sometimes unconfidently have been Odd Bar, Marble (Thomas Street), the various Wetherspoons. I've had the odd couple of halves here or there.
Without reference to any online directory, I've found several signs of when a place is due a visit:
1) Negative: "Traditional ales" advertised
2) Negative "Cask ales" advertised on a poster
3) Positive: Cask ales individually advertised on a blackboard with reference to brewers
4) Positive: A pub called a "free house" (JDW possible excluded depending on opinion)
5) Negative: People smoking outside the entrance
6) Postive: People smoking somewhere outside nearby but not right near the entrancre
7) Positive: An interesting pub sign
8) Negative: A pub sign with lettering on, with the fewer the worse
9) Negative: Double glazed windows
10) Positive: Ornate windows
Despite of this I still can't find the one pub in Manchester that I want to just sit in for a nice few pints and watch the world go by!