The best pubs in Manchester

Ancoats pub The Edinburgh Castle has been around for over 200 years. These days it's known for its food just as much as for being a top spot for a drink. Downstairs it's a traditional pub setting fitted out with dark wood, whilst there's a smart dining room upstairs. Sophisticated British food is on the menu. 

The Old Wellington was built in the 16th century, making it the oldest building of this type in the city. This traditional pub has a striking timbered exterior as well as a historic interior. There's a spacious terrace too. The bar serves a broad range of drinks and also does classic food like burgers, pies, and a roast.

The Crown & Kettle has a history going back hundreds of years. These days it's a cosy and rustic pub with a bustling atmosphere, roaring fires, and a spacious terrace. Craft beers, ales, and ciders are a speciality, and there's a rotating selection of brews on offer, including locally-produced tipples. A range of events take place here as well.

The Black Friar in Salford is a historical pub that's been brought up-to-date with contemporary touches. The varied drinks on offer here include wine, classic cocktails, and freshly-poured pints. It's a popular destination for pub food too, serving a menu of upscale traditional dishes. The laid-back atmosphere here make it ideal for any occasion.

A must-visit for music fans, The Eagle Inn is a welcoming female-owned establishment. This vibrant spot has a classic exterior and a comfortable contemporary style inside, plus there's space for live music. Live performances, comedy, and quizzes are on regularly here, plus musicians and bands are welcome to hire rehearsal space.

A legendary venue on the pub scene, The Castle Hotel dates back to 1776 and is known in particular for music and literary events. A diverse array of live music acts take to the stage here, plus there's a jukebox to enjoy. Ales are a speciality at this intimate pub but you can also go for local beers.

Stylish venue The Abel Heywood is a renowned gastropub in Manchester that also has guest rooms upstairs. This smart pub is a modern take on a Victorian gin palace, boasting a traditional interior with wood panelling. The drinks include local beers whilst traditional dishes are on the food menu, including a Sunday roast.

The Peveril of the Peak is an old pub in Manchester with a charming tiled exterior in shades of green. This photogenic venue has a classic interior. The long-standing local venue serves a broad array of drinks and has indoor and outdoor seating. You can play darts or pool at this welcoming pub as well.

Set over two floors in a listed building, The Marble Arch has a traditional vibe both inside and out. Outdoor seating is available here. This award-winning venue specialises in cask and keg beer, including local brews. British and international pub food is also served, including an indulgent roast on Sundays.

The Bay Horse Tavern has a long history but today it's a modern incarnation of a classic Victorian pub. The furniture, plants, and original art create a space that's both cosy and vibrant. The bar serves a diverse range of drinks as well as traditional pub food. Events including open mics and quizzes take place too.

An award-winning pub in the Gay Village, The Molly House is a traditional venue with a mural on the outside and a cosy outdoor area. A broad array of drinks are on offer, including cask ales, craft beer, and wine. Added to that, tapas dishes are served that make an ideal pairing with some drinks.

With a history going back over 200 years, The Britons Protection is a long-established traditional pub with a classic look both inside and out. There are real fires inside as well as plenty of space to sit outside. Real ales and whiskies are the speciality here, with hundreds of types of whisky and bourbon available in a friendly setting.

Enjoy drinks in a scenic setting next to the canal at The Wharf. This popular pub combines historic architecture with comfortable touches, but is especially in-demand for its waterside terrace. A variety of drinks are on offer at the bar, plus traditional British food is available, including dishes for kids.

Occupying a convenient location minutes from Piccadilly station, The Waldorf is a welcoming pub with a bright and traditional interior. A varied range of drinks are served here, plus crowd-pleasing pub food like lasagne, burgers, and fish and chips. Bottomless brunch is on too. It's also a popular destination for watching live sport.

The Oast House is a lively pub in Spinningfields with a rustic appearance. It stands out against the modern buildings around it and also has a large terrace. The varied drinks options include beer, wine, and cocktails. Food like gyros, burgers, and loaded fries is served as well, plus the pub does a weekly Sunday roast.

Housed in a Tudor building, Sinclair's Oyster Bar has a rich history that goes back hundreds of years, including surviving an IRA bombing. It's home to the city's largest beer garden and is known for its affordable drinks. Food is served too, with a unique collection of satisfying dishes on offer.

The Deansgate has been around for hundreds of years and today it stands out from the modern structures around it. This vibrant pub is traditional but the interior features contemporary touches. A full range of drinks are available as well as pub food like pies and burgers. Live sport events are shown here too.

Craft beers and tempting food are served at The Crafty Pig in the Northern Quarter. This bright venue features rustic wood panelling and comfortable booths. Affordable food and drinks are served here and there's something for everyone – think beer, wine, and house cocktails, plus burgers, wings, and pizza. Events, including bottomless brunch, take place as well.

A popular pub in Chorlton, The Beagle is a contemporary venue with a buzzy atmosphere. It has a colourful interior and plenty of space in the conservatory and terrace. A varied choice of drinks are available and the pub is also home to Nell's Pizza, serving super-sized pizza by the slice or whole pie.

Known for being one of the smallest pubs in the city, Grey Horse Inn is cosy, friendly, and full of charm. The drinks here include real ales and craft beer, available at budget-friendly prices. A soundtrack of music by some of Manchester's finest adds to the atmosphere at this authentic drinking spot.

Visit The Flour & Flagon and you'll find a bustling pub that's particularly popular with Manchester's students. It's a large venue with a smart interior. Live music and live sport are on here, plus you can play pool or darts. A full range of drinks are served, plus classic pub food including sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and curry.

Located just off Deansgate, Mulligans is a vibrant Irish pub and the oldest one in Manchester. This well-loved venue is bustling and has a warm atmosphere. Live sport and music often add to the energetic feel of the place. Guinness is naturally a popular drink here, but other options include Irish whiskey, wine, and prosecco.

Don't miss The Star & Garter if you're a music fan. This centrally-located pub has a diverse music policy and a space upstairs for live gigs and club nights; it's home to two of the longest-running club nights in Manchester. This red-brick pub is spacious and has a homey and simple interior, as well as a busy schedule of events.

Opened early in 2024, The Lamb of Tartary is a gastropub housed in a Grade II-listed building. This spacious and contemporary venue blends history with modernity and is proud of its Manchester heritage. You can visit just for a drink of come for a meal – brunch, Sunday roasts, and an all-day menu of British favourites are available.

The Bank in Mosley Street is a traditional pub with a long history. It's bright and smart inside, with a function room available for events. A range of drinks are served but whisky is a speciality. Food is also available. Visit for breakfast or bar snacks, or try classic dishes such as burgers, pies, and macaroni cheese.

Formerly owned by Paul Heaton, The King's Arms in Salford is a pub with lots of artistic events going on. It has a number of performance spaces where theatre shows, poetry readings, film screenings, comedy acts, and live music take place. You can also have a drink in the comfy main bar; ales are a speciality but other options include wine and lager.