Attempting to escape the Euros?
Following the pleasant surprise of England beating Germany just this week, we quickly realised that it may well actually be coming home – meaning, the footy ain’t going anywhere just yet. Which is great for fans of the game, and not so great for those looking for a quiet drink without chanting football fans singing in their ear hole. On the hunt for a Euros-free zone this weekend? Check out our guide to some of the best bars not screening the match this week.
1. Wolf at the Door
The home of £1 tacos and delicious bao buns, Wolf at the Door provides the perfect escapism from the footy, with not a single ball in sight. Enjoy refreshing craft beers, delectable cocktails and a whole host of natty wines – including orange wine (our fave) and European reds, whites and sparkling. The bar is spread across two floors boasting eclectic decoration, with a streetside al fresco terrace and alleyway seating to take advantage of on the warmer days. Wolf at the Door, 30-32 Thomas St, M4 1ER.
2. Mackie Mayor
Another footy-free zone in the NQ, Mackie Mayor will be serving up their usual bustling atmosphere – except, with no England on the big screen. Phew. Enjoy delicious street food from traders such as Honest Crust, Tender Cow, New Wave Ramen and Mumma’s Fried Chicken, with drinks supplied by the specialists at Reserve Wines and Jack In The Box. Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU.
3. Society MCR
Declaring themselves a place for ‘pre-match scran, post-match pints or escaping the match altogether’, Society MCR is offering refuge to those who don’t fancy watching the game, with beers and cocktails served up by Vocation Brewery, proper good grub from Dokes Pizzeria, Chaat Cart, Slap & Pickles and Manzoku Street Food, as well as plenty of seating both indoors and outside. Society MCR, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, M2 3BD.
4. Crazy Pedros
Both Crazy Pedro’s Manchester venues have reopened, providing solace from the Euros with heavenly pizza and cocktails. Sip on Hooch in the knowledge that the game is nowhere to be found in your pizza haven, before chowing down on slice after slice of the bar’s American-themed pizzas. As promised in the name, their toppings are often crazy… Crazy Pedro’s, Short St, M4 1AA | 55-57 Bridge St, M3 3BQ.
[SEE ALSO: The Manchester Pizzeria Serving Bottomless Pizza And Booze Every Single Day]
5. Albert’s Schloss
Fancy a bit of live entertainment instead of live sports? Albert’s Schloss is back with their weekly schedule of events, with tons of amazing live shows in store – featuring singers, dancers, musicians and DJs. Sup on cocktails, Bavarian beers, an Alpine-inspired menu, or soak up the sun on their new streetside terrace. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
6. Common
The home of Nell’s Pizza is the perfect place to escape to when the footy’s on, with nothing but good grub, cold beers and plenty of sun-soaked seating to enjoy. This summer, take on their huge 22″ NYC-style pizzas, knock back a few summery cocktails, enjoy an array of craft beers and explore their brand new selection of delicious natural wines – which have been newly introduced for summer 2021. Common, 39-41 Edge St, M4 1HW.
7. Flok
A cosy bar on busy Stevenson Square offering tons of outdoor seating and a quiet place to escape inside, Flok is remaining Euros free, meaning during the matches – you might drop on lucky and get yourself a table at the highly popular bar. Serving cold beers, summer cocktails and some pretty decent wines, Flok is a fantastic spot to catch up with mates over a drink (or three). Flok, 5 Stevenson Square, M1 1DN.
8. Sunset by Australasia
A lavishly decorated cocktail bar in the heart of Spinningfields, Sunset by Australasia is the ultimate retreat for football widows and those who simply appreciate a tasty cocktail – with lush, pink interiors, beautifully crafted sushi small plates, and an extensive menu of Asian-inspired cocktails to get through. Plenty to fill your boots with for 90+ minutes while the game is on. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP.
[SEE ALSO: These Are The Prettiest Bars In Manchester For Tasty Summer Cocktails]
9. The Refuge
Home to both their indoor bar and the new Waterside Way terrace, guests can rest assured that The Refuge won’t be playing the matches this summer. Inside, expect the usual fantastic menu of cocktails, gins and more in the Public Bar, delicious Sunday roasts and International fare in the dining room, and street food pop-ups and DJs out on the terrace. The Refuge, Oxford St, M60 7HA.