Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when we be-holding a pint in a pub everything can swiftly become beauty. No, in all fairness, Manchester is blessed with some of the prettiest pubs going. Which ever way you may interpret beauty from cosy and eye-catching interiors to drinking holes bursting with history and character, here’s our pick of the most beautiful pubs in Greater Manchester.
1. The Black Friar
A Salford spot that’s definitely worth making a beeline for is The Black Friar. A cosy, modern spot just on the edge of the city centre with stunning décor that’s well worth the visit alone. Expect a modern, light and airy feel with nods to the traditional pub, alongside beautifully presented dishes that pay homage to traditional British ‘pub grub’, including pies, beer-battered fish, lamb racks and pork fillet. The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford, M3 7DB.
2. The Edinburgh Castle
The stunning refurbished pub that sits alongside a number of other fantastic venues in the super-cool Ancoats neighbourhood, The Edinburgh Castle provides a romantic, up-market setting that’s great for date night thanks to its low lighting. Boasting plenty of wooden elements from furniture to wall panelling which give off a deep, rich colour to the space, The Edinburgh Castle is the perfect place to cosy up with a pint as well as tuck into British dishes such as posh fish and chips, aged duck, bangers and mash and more. The Edinburgh Castle, 17-19 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5AW.
3. The Oast House
Hard to miss due to its iconic roof, The Oast House is one of the most beautiful pubs in the Spinningfields area of Manchester. Whether you’re huddling around the fire in their twinkling, fairy light-clad tipi in the winter months, curled up inside the main pub or sipping on a spritz on the terrace during the summer months, The Oast House has got you covered for all seasons and climates. Peckish? Be sure to order one of their signature (and beautiful) hanging kebabs. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, Spinningfields, M3 3AY.
4. The Freemount
Tucked between plant shop Northern Flower and coffee shop Just Between Friends is a cracking pub that could be easily missed – one of its many beauties. More off the beaten track within the Northern Quarter and its gorgeously green tiled façade make The Freemount so appealing. Cosy up in a green leather sofa indoors or take your beers outside to sip on in The Freemount’s cute outdoor terrace that offers a slice of escapism in the centre of Manchester. The Freemount, 73-75 Oldham St, M4 1EB.
5. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar
Based in the historic Shambles Square, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar and the Old Wellington Inn embody everything we love about the traditional old man pub. It may have the biggest beer garden in the city, but as a Sam Smiths pub, it also has some of the lowest prices which means its garden is one of the first to fill up. This Manchester pub is not short of history and character due to its Tudor-style exterior and low beams. It’s also one of the hardiest structures known to man as it managed to survive after an IRA bombing. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, 2 Cathedral Gates, M3 1SW.
6. The Beagle
Fancy an escape from the city pubs to cosier and more chilled climes like Chorlton? One of many pubs in the cool neighbourhood of Chorlton is The Beagle, which is not only beautiful from the outside but also within. It’s blue wall and bright green sign are enough to make the heads of passers-by turn and be lured in for a cheeky pint or two. Step inside to discover a gorgeous wooden panelled bar serving pretty much every drink you could possibly desire. Plus, another thing that makes The Beagle one of the beautiful pubs in Manchester is its showstopping food menu courtesy of pizza pros Nell’s. The Beagle, 456-458 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 0BQ.
7. The Crown & Kettle
Adding to the most beautiful pubs in Manchester is another Ancoats drinking spot. The lovely windows of this building alone will draw you in for a pint but also boasts a great outdoor seating area. Serving a wide selection of craft beers, The Crown & Kettle also features plenty of history. The unique appearance of the pub which sits on the corner of Great Ancoats Street’s junction with Oldham Road is down to a fire that nearly destroyed the pub in 1989. One half of the ceiling was kept in its charred state, while the other remains in its original colours. The Crown & Kettle, 2 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, M4 5FE.
8. The Deansgate
After undergoing a marvellous refurbishment, The Deansgate is shining a lot brighter. And that’s not just from the iconic festoon lighting draped over the building outside. In a nod to the history of the pub, the refurbishment has been careful to retain some of its original features including the stained-glass windows, external frontage, ceilings, and woodwork whilst also giving the venue a modern, on-trend feel. New features include green décor and solid wood flooring and bar areas, which create a proper pub feel and the introduction of booth style seating on all floors. The Deansgate, 321 Deansgate, M3 4LQ.