It goes without saying, we proper love a pub. And what could be better, especially in the winter months, than a cosy little pub, a pint, perhaps a couple pork scratchings, to warm up in a corner? Well, Manchester is particularly full of these types of pubs – naturally many are pretty old, but there are plenty that were just made that way. Top quality, lovingly kept and extremely warm and welcoming, here are the most cosy pubs in Manchester to tuck up in this winter.
1. The Peveril of the Peak
One of the most iconic pubs in Manchester, The Peveril of the Peak is one of the cosiest pubs around. Alongside being one of the oldest, the higgeldy-piggeldy nature of this unique Manchester pub makes it one of the most cosy, and you can hunker down here, have a game of pool and whack something on the jukebox, forgetting the world outside exists. The Pev is one of the absolute best pubs in Manchester, and if you’re lucky enough to get a perch, you won’t want to leave.
📍 The Peveril of the Peak, 127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JQ.
2. The Britons Protection
Another of Manchester’s oldest pubs, The Britons Protection is unbelievably cosy. With lovely little rooms going off a main corridor, and a great selection of craft, cask and keg, The Britons Protection stands proud right near the Bridgewater Hall, making it the perfect pre or post show bolt hole. With classic wooden interiors and carpets that wouldn’t look out of place in the Rovers Return, this is a proper cosy spot right in the heart of Manchester that’s well worth the visit.
📍 The Britons Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE.
3. Victoria Tap
Instagram post from @vic.tap
Whether you’re coming, going, or just want to pop in without even using public transport, Victoria Tap has made great use of a slim, vacant spot next to the tram line at Manchester Victoria station. Given its microscopic size, the Tap is an instant cosy spot, and despite it only opening its doors for the first time in 2023, it feels like it was always there. Pop in the next time you train’s inevitably late or cancelled, or visit one of its sister sites at Manchester Oxford Road station or Piccadilly Station.
📍 Victoria Tap, Victoria Station Approach, Manchester M3 1WY.
4. The Wayfarer
Instagram post from @thewayfarermcr
Despite its size, The Wayfarer on Great Ancoats Street actually gives very cosy vibes, with wooden interiors and low lighting. The staff are always friendly and there’s always a great selection of drinks on offer, making The Wayfarer all the more cosy and welcoming. This Manchester pub gets more popular by the day, so grab a table whilst you can and watch the world go by.
📍 The Wayfarer, 1-3 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JN.
5. The Freemount
Known for its fantastic music and its use as a filming location, The Freemount is a classic Northern Quarter pub, and its low ceilings and cosy corners makes it feel just lovely. The gorgeous pub also does a hell of a good Guinness, not only meaning it has an eye-catching mural on its façade, but Guinness is potentially the cosiest pint you could ask for – so grab some of the black stuff and pull up a chair.
📍 The Freemount, 73-75 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1EB.
6. The Bay Horse Tavern
Another classic Northern Quarter pub is The Bay Horse Tavern, with cosy corners to eat and drink the day away. With mismatched furniture and dark decor, the vibes are super cosy and its location being on Thomas Street means you can pop in on a whim when it inevitably starts raining (or snowing). The Bay Horse also has a gorgeous hearty menu, so if you just can’t bring yourself to leave, you’re all sorted for tea.
📍 The Bay Horse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA.
7. The Edinburgh Castle
The award-winning Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats is the pure definition of a cosy pub, and remains relatively hidden away as Manchester pubs go. The quality at this Manchester pub is incredible, and besides it being a wonderful gastropub, the drinks are great too, with plenty of cosy spots to curl up and have a yap.
📍 The Edinburgh Castle, 17 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EP.
8. The Thirsty Scholar
The clue’s in the name with this one, as the Thirsty Scholar is located in the university area of Manchester, under a characteristic railway arch next to Oxford Road station. This cavernous form lends itself to a very cosy interior, with a beer garden out front under the arch if you prefer not to be so cosy. There’s a great selection of beer available, and a real old school pub vibe, making the Thirsty Scholar one of the most cosy pubs in Manchester.
📍 The Thirsty Scholar, 50 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP.
9. The Vine Inn
This dinky, industrial Irish pub is a real hidden gem in Manchester, tucked a few streets away from St Peter’s Square. The Vine Inn is cosy as it is, but venture downstairs and there’s a hideaway for groups and couples to hunker down in, with its very own bar down there too. With exposed brick and barrels dotted around, there’s a lovely cosy feeling about the place, and since not too many people know about it, you’re sure to be able to grab a cosy corner.
📍 The Vine Inn, 42-44 Kennedy St, Manchester M2 4BQ.
10. The Gas Lamp
Another subterranean hideaway, The Gas Lamp on Bridge Street brings distinctly Victorian vibes, with subway tile and an industrial feel throughout. Having said this, there are several cosy rooms to warm up in, and plush seating means you’ll be comfortable for the entirety of your visit. With plenty of beverage options and a great vibe, this is one of the hidden gem pubs you can add to your favourites.
📍 The Gas Lamp, 50A Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BW.
11. Gullivers
Instagram post from @gulliversnq
The iconic music venue Gullivers certainly delivers when it comes to entertainment, but it’s a pretty good pub too. Cosy nooks are the name of the game inside this elongated pub, with an extra room at the back as it gets more popular, but wherever you are at Gullivers, you’ll be nice and cosy. The pub itself also hosts live music, aside from the upstairs venue, making the spot a wonderful cosy space to spend hours.
📍 Gullivers, 109 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW.
12. The Shakespeare
The historical-sounding Shakespeare pub has occupied its position just off Market Street for years, but given its recent renovation, it’s been given a new lease of life. The Greene King pub has all the hallmarks of the 16th century ale house it proports to be, with a few bits of modernity thrown in. Low ceilings and small windows make it feel cosy, and you could see the Bard himself sat in a corner, writing his next masterpiece.
📍 The Shakespeare, 16 Fountain St, Manchester M2 2AA.
13. The Rat & Pigeon
Having recently replaced the iconic Mother Mac’s, one of the Manchester pubs with a fairly gruesome history, The Rat & Pigeon is small but mighty, creating a hidden oasis that’s as cosy as being on your own couch. Its dark lick of paint makes things feel sleek yet cosy, and is the perfect place to warm up whilst doing some shopping or after finishing work – cheers!
📍 The Rat & Pigeon, 33 Back Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1HP.
14. The New Oxford
Tucked away on Bexley Square in Salford, The New Oxford had a well-earned renovation last year, keeping all the cosiness, but tidying things up perfectly. Another of the oldest pubs in Manchester, The New Oxford is frequented by pub-lovers from all around and acts as a great sport-watching spot, especially in the summer, but by winter is welcoming for a pint in a cosy corner. With plenty of real ale on offer and Belgian beer making an appearance, you can’t go wrong.
📍 The New Oxford, 11 Bexley Square, Salford M3 6DB.
15. North Westward Ho
From the brilliant brains behind Pomona Island Brew Co, North Westward Ho has quickly become a favourite for many Mancs. Tucked into Chapel Walks, amongst offices off King Street, North Westward Ho is big in nature, but cosy in feel. With booths and corners aplenty, this stylish pub has plenty of places to shelter from the storm, with nods to the city outside. Serving Pomona Island craft beer, guest brews, German lager, British cider, Belgian ales, Italian spritzes, natural wine and so much more, there’s something for everyone here.
📍 North Westward Ho, 19 Chapel Walks, Manchester M2 1HN.
16. The Old Wellington
A stalwart Manchester pub that survived so much, The Old Wellington is not only a place to drink, but a landmark in Manchester. Standing in the medieval quarter, The Old Wellington is overlooked by Manchester Cathedral and adjoined by Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, boasting a huge beer garden and Tudor design. It goes without saying, the interior is naturally cosy with small windows and wooden cladding, and paying this pub a visit is a rite of passage.
📍 The Old Wellington, 4 Cathedral Gates, Greater, Manchester M3 1SW.
17. Bar Fringe
Bar Fringe is one that many miss, but wedged in on Swan Street, this Belgian wonder is a gem to those in the know. Serving mostly Belgian beverages, Bar Fringe is pretty small, making it one of the most cosy spots in Manchester to hide away in. Although the beer garden is a pull in the summer, the rest of the year can be just as lovely, with a pint in hand inside this lovely pub – give it a try!
📍 Bar Fringe, 8 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JN.
18. The Wharf
Castlefield is one of the more cosy corners of Manchester itself, and The Wharf is by far one of the most cosy pubs in the area. The pub inspired by the city’s industrial heritage (being a former canal-side goods stacking spot) is pretty well-known for its beer garden, but also for its incredible roasts and selection of drinks. Pay it a visit on a chilly day and watch as boats and unlucky pedestrians go by whilst you sup on a pint and tuck into a Yorkie pud.
📍 The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST.