Ready for Derby Day? Pull up a stool, footy fans. It’s time to see Manchester United against Manchester City on that big, beautiful green pitch this Saturday (October 28). And we can’t wait to hit up the pubs and soak up the rowdy atmosphere. Things are expected to get pretty busy for obvious reasons (any excuse for a pint), and of course, expect tributes to United legend Bobby Charlton who passed away just this week. To help you get planning your footy outings, we’ve rounded up the best places to watch the football in Manchester – after Old Trafford and the Etihad, of course.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 – and they’ll of course be screening the Manchester Derby this Saturday. 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.
4. Bierkeller/Shooters
One of the Printworks’ thriving venues, the Manchester Bierkeller frequently screens live sports – with over twenty screens, three projector screens and a massive LED superscreen to accommodate footy fans. Enjoy cold beers, steins and pitchers, as well as 8-pint beer towers, stein cocktails and more. There’s really no better place to watch football in Manchester if you like it lary. Manchester Bierkeller, The Printworks, Withy Grove, M4 2BS.
5. 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 this Saturday, likely with a tribute or two to United legend Bobby Charlton, who passed away earlier this week. Cafe Football, 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, M16 0SZ.
6. The Shack
Bringing life to live sports, The Shack is an underrated place to enjoy the Manchester Derby, 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.
7. Box Bar
One of Manchester’s most popular dedicated sports bars, BOX Bar is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere this Saturday. Whether you’re a red or a blue, you’re 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.
8. Sixes
Fancy something a little bit different this weekend? Sixes Social Cricket is the perfect spot to gather with mates – not only because you can watch the footy in their 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.
9. Portland MCR
Like your game with a side of grub? Portland MCR certainly won’t disappoint. Not only the home of live sports, but absolutely whopping burgers, too, guests can tuck into an epic American menu packed full of plates such as cheese-smothered hot dogs, buffalo chicken, and even their huge 10-stack beef burger. Portland MCR, Portland St, M1 3HU.
10. The Beagle
Home to much-loved Nell’s Pizza, you will be able to get sensational slices and a slice of the action at this Chorlton pub. The Beagle is screening the Manchester Derby, as usual, making it a great opportunity to experience this gorgeous pub. So, get the beers and frozen margaritas in and cheer on your team sat in this cosy pub. The Beagle, 456-458 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, M21 0BQ
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 Of Deansgate
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 Manchester Derby on Saturday, and is one of the best places you could watch. Be warned though, blues, it’s most definitely a reds pub. Mulligans Of Deansgate, 12 Southgate, Manchester M3 2RB.