We’ve established that Manchester has some truly old pubs, and we honestly love it. Now, Historic England has made an interactive map of six of the city’s oldest pubs, offering a unique way to see Manchester. Working to champion England’s heritage, Historic England put together the list and map of Grade II Listed pubs in Manchester to allow tourists and locals alike to explore the historic pub walk, delving deeper into Manchester’s history, in a way that we may not have seen it before.
All of the city’s oldest boozers on the Manchester Historic Pub Walk route
1. The Britons Protection
Starting off at the wonderful Britons Protection, the early 19th-century building was first recorded as the Britons Protection in 1820, with the interior dating from a remodelling of about 1930. Historic England cites its “long front bar” and “ornate lincrusta ceiling” as features of note, in addition to the glazed sashes which could once be raised to provide service to those standing in the corridor – now, you can get served in the back rooms through a hatch at the back of the bar.
đź“Ť 50 Great Bridgewater Street, M1 5LE.
2. Peveril of the Peak
Another early 19th-century building, just down the road is the infamous Peveril of the Peak. Features of note, according to the list, include the “spectacular glazed tile exterior” and “a high-quality interior, with glazed screens, wood panelling and some tilework”, as well as a very small drinking lobby. We absolutely love this pub and it deserves every bit of praise it gets – definitely stop off here, if for nothing else, to learn about its long and salacious history.
đź“Ť 127 Chepstow Street, M1 5JQ.
3. Circus Tavern
A lesser known watering hole, Circus Tavern is “an exceptionally rare survival of a small, basic 19th-century beerhouse in the centre of the city”. The pub is said to be adapted from a late 18th-century building, probably a weaver’s combined dwelling and workshop, and is a welcome bolt hole to escape the hustle and bustle of Portland Street. The narrow walkways and tiny interior are something to behold, even if you can only bring a few mates along.
đź“Ť 86 Portland Street, M1 4GX.
4. Castle Hotel
A classic in the Northern Quarter and popular amongst locals, the Castle Hotel is well and truly part of the community in Manchester. The pub now hosts regular concerts and shows from local artists, but was an early 19th-century building remodelled by Kay’s Atlas Brewery in about 1904 when it acquired the glazed tiles to the exterior of the ground floor. Historic England also notes the tiled bar front, the mosaic floors in the former entrance lobbies, lincrusta ceiling, and mirrored bar back in the front (Public) bar, and the fitted bench seating in the Saloon Bar.
đź“Ť 66 Oldham Street, M4 1LE.
5. Crown and Kettle
Sitting handsomely on an Ancoats corner, the Crown and Kettle is definitely a striking pub, with stained glass windows adorning the façade, very much reminiscent of a church. The pub is said to have been built as a court-house associated with the nearby markets, but Historic England says this is probably an urban myth, attempting to explain the architectural style of the building. The pub has been through extensive renovations after a closure and fire, but as much as possible has been kept from before this.
đź“Ť 2 Oldham Road, M4 5FE.
6. Marble Arch Inn
The final stop on the tour is the Marble Arch Inn, built by McKenna’s Brewery of Harpurhey in 1888. The exterior of the ground floor is finished in polished pink granite, with brick above, but the glory of the pub is in the interior tile work, with a frieze listing the different drinks on offer. The pub has been modernised over the years, but the shadow of former features such as the original exterior door and long bar stretching between rooms, are still visible.
đź“Ť 73 Rochdale Road, M4 4HY.
You can view the entire list along with the map on the Historic England website, as well as below.