This weekend, it’s Blues v Reds, because the Manchester Derby is back. Whether you’re United or City, you’ll want to catch all the action on the big screen, so if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit of atmosphere to shout, cheer or cry at your favourite footy team on the screen, here are the best places to watch the football in Manchester.
1. Brickhouse Social
Brickhouse Social boasts three floors, giving fans the chance to cheer on their team across the venue. The bar will boasts DJs, loads of free pool, pizza and drinks offers to enjoy as you watch the football. Renowned for its fanzones, the venue has 12 huge screens, a specially designed sound system and an unrivalled atmosphere, making it one of the best places in Manchester to watch the football.
📍 Brickhouse Social, 11-13 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP.
2. Freight Island
The Sports Bar at Manchester’s Freight Island hosts multiple watch parties including big football matches. With guest DJs, 11 kitchens, and live music to keep spirits high, there’s no better place.
📍 Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ.
3. Tib Street Tavern
A popular spot when the football’s on – particularly on Derby Days – the Tib Street Tavern can be found nestled down the Northern Quarter’s curious Tib Street, offering proper pub vibes with screens at every turn. The atmosphere is absolutely buzzing with football fans, with two floors for fans to spread out across and find a spot to watch the match.
📍Tib Street Tavern, 74 Tib St, M4 1LG.
4. The Brotherhood
The Brotherhood is an industrial-style American sports bar that can be found just behind Albert Square, not only screening live football matches, but boxing, rugby and more. Enjoy beers and cocktails while watching the match, as well as wings, nachos, burgers, and other American classics.
📍The Brotherhood, 2 Mount St, M2 5WQ.
5. The Sawyer’s Arms
A traditional pub found on busy Deansgate, The Sawyer’s Arms serves up cold pints with plenty of space to watch the footy. One of Manchester’s oldest pubs, guests can expect tons of beers on tap, as well as English pub grub and a proper pub atmosphere.
📍The Sawyer’s Arms, 138 Deansgate, M3 2RP.
6. Cafe Football
Given that it’s a football-themed hotel, it’d be pretty bonkers if it wasn’t playing the footy, especially since it’s down the road from Old Trafford. Owned by Gary Neville, Cafe Football is part of Hotel Football – which neighbours the iconic home of Manchester United, Old Trafford. A venue inspired by the game itself, guests can expect tons of cold beers on offer, football-inspired cocktails, and more, as well as Man United memorabilia, and even a food menu inspired by the game. Expect it to be packed out with reds.
📍Cafe Football, 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, M16 0SZ.
7. The Shack
Bringing life to live sports, The Shack is an underrated place to enjoy the football in Manchester, frequently screening live sports, however, limited spaces are available so booking is advised to ensure you can watch the football in peace (or not). Tuck into proper footy food like burgers and fries alongside sipping some cocktails, plus the bar screens some reality TV too.
📍The Shack, 69 High St, M4 1FS.
8. BOX Bar
One of Manchester’s most popular dedicated sports bars, BOX Bar is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere. Reds are sure to enjoy their classic bar grub (crowd-pleasing with plenty of burgers and pizzas, of course), alongside cocktail steins, spacious bar area for both seating and standing, and plenty of big screens to watch the match on.
📍BOX Bar, 125 Deansgate, M3 2BY.
9. Sixes
Fancy something a little bit different? Sixes Social Cricket is the perfect spot to gather with mates – not only because you can watch the football in the Manchester venue’s sports bar, complete with pool tables and plenty of seating, but because you can take on your mates with a game of social cricket afterwards. Take on the simulation and bat your way to glory after your team has won the match.
📍Sixes Social Cricket, The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, M4 3TR.
10. Calcio!
Pretty new to the city, Calcio! in the Northern Quarter is home to sports and retro video games so not only can you watch the footy action you can unleash that competitive nature of yours with a game! Not only is it one of the best spots to watch football in Manchester but it is also a great spot for tacos as Calcio! has Rio Mex serving up Brazilian-Mexican street food fusion for you to feast on. And should you want to sweeten the deal of a win or defeat on the big screen, the Brazilian-style mini churros with chocolate custard are a must.
📍Calcio! 24 Dale Street, Manchester, M1 1FY.
11. Port Street Beer House
Fancy a proper pint? Serving craft beers galore, from sour sessions to showstopping stouts, Port Street Beer House has got you covered. And the football covered too. The beer house has a walk-ups only policy, but be quick to nab yourself a seat in front of the screen. You can sit in comfy booths or flee to their outdoor terrace if you’re not liking the score.
📍Port Street Beer House, 39-41 Port Street, M1 2EQ
12. Mulligans
Mulligans, based just off Deansgate in the heart of Manchester, is an authentic Irish Pub, renowned for having the best pint of Guinness in Manchester and is Manchester’s oldest Irish pub. Mulligans shows a whole host of live sport including GAA, football, rugby and horse racing, and of course, will be showing the latest footy match, and is one of the best places you could watch. What’s more, it’s most definitely a reds pub.
📍Mulligans Of Deansgate, 12 Southgate, Manchester, M3 2RB.
13. Manchester City fan zone
Reds, look away, because the Blues have a fan zone all of their own being trialled this weekend. Manchester City fans attending this Sunday’s Manchester Derby can enjoy a brand new fan zone being trialled at Co-op Live’s new Canalside space.
The event, which aims to build the atmosphere ahead of the game, has space for up to 2,000 Blues and is completely free to attend – there will be a live DJ and the chance to hear from special guest speakers. Some screens will also be showing the earlier kick-off in the Premier League, and there will also be a range of competitions with the opportunity to win signed merchandise and future match-day experiences.
📍 Canalside, Co-op Live, Etihad Campus, 1 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DL.
