Well luckily for you, we’re here to help you out at Secret Manchester. From scenic, dog-friendly spots overlooking the canal to historic and Grade II-listed haunts on the edge of the Northern Quarter, here’s our roundup of 16 of the best Manchester pubs and nearby:
1. The Bay Horse Tavern
Kicking off this roundup of the best Manchester pubs is The Bay Horse Tavern – a laid-back spot in the Northern Quarter which oozes plenty of charm and personality. It’s designed to be a modern take on a traditional Victorian boozer, and they’ve got a whole host of gins, keg beers and cocktails on tap here too. If you’re looking to make a visit here more of an occasion, then they do a bottomless brunch and they’ve got a banging roast menu too.
You’ll find The Bay Horse Tavern at 35–37 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA. Nearest tram station is Shudehill Interchange.
2. The Marble Arch
Next up on this roundup of the Manchester pubs is The Marble Arch, a historic and award-winning boozer on Rochdale Road which brews its own beer in its in-house brewery and whips up some of the best pub grub in town. Tucked away in the historic Angel Meadow area of the city, it’s a great spot to while away the hours sipping on fresh cask beers and artisanal ciders. There’s a great little beer garden in the back too.
You’ll find The Marble Arch at 73 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY. Nearest station is Manchester Victoria.
3. The Angel Pub
Situated right on the edge of the fashionable Northern Quarter, The Angel Pub is a great little independent pub in Manchester’s NOMA quarter, and they specialise in beer from small, local breweries. They’ve got a lovely little upstairs area too with a log fire, a spacious beer garden and a great range of locally-brewed bitters on tap too.
You’ll find The Angel Pub at 6 Angel Street, Manchester, M4 4BQ. Nearest tram stop is Shudehill Interchange.
4. The Black Friar
Lovingly-restored from its heyday in 1886, The Black Friar is a dog-friendly, Salford-based spot which has a modern interior and one hell of a good gourmet menu. On top of some great gin cocktails – including the ‘Black Friar Perfect Serve’ – they’ve got a big selection of wines and draught lagers on tap too, which can be enjoyed in the large outdoor garden.
They’re also doing some great deals this Summer to celebrate their first birthday, so get ahead and make the most of those deals!
You’ll find The Black Friar at 41-43 Blackfriars Road, Manchester, M3 7DB. Nearest station is Salford Central.
5. Eagle Inn
Set on a small backstreet close to Trinity Way, the Eagle Inn is best described as a pub-come-music-venue-come-event space. They do regular acoustic sessions here, and have a 80-capacity gig space which is regularly available for bands, DJ’s, club nights and theatre too. So, if you’re looking for some live music in Manchester, then this is the place to go!
You’ll find the Eagle Inn at 19 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW. Nearest station is Salford Central.
6. Pevril of the Peak
With an exterior covered in bold green tiles and stained glass windows, the Pevril of the Peak is certainly one of the most beautiful Manchester pubs. Dating all the way back to the 1820’s, it’s a grade II-listed spot that has been run by the same landlady Nancy Swanick for over 50 years. They have regular pub quizzes here too and have a darts board, a pool table and a jukebox to keep you entertained over an evening.
You’ll find Pevril of the Peak at 127 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JQ. Nearest station is Manchester Oxford Road.
7. The Molly House
Smack-bang in the middle of Manchester’s Gay Village, The Molly House is named after a ‘Molly House’ – basically the equivalent of a gay bar during the 18th and 19th-centuries. A cosy, two-floor venue, it’s covered in vintage chic decor and is frequented by all kinds of patrons. Everyone is welcome here, and your evening will be soundtracked by indie, pop, world music and more. Cheers!
You’ll find The Molly House at 26 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3NB. Nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly.
8. Star and Garter
Just a stone’s throw away from Manchester Piccadilly station, the Star and Garter is a vast watering hole that is home to the longest running club night in Manchester – the Morrissey Smiths Disco – a night so famous it’s even had a song written about it! It celebrated its 222nd anniversary in 2022, and it doubles as a live music venue too. A good reason for adding it to this Manchester pubs roundup we say – rock on.
You’ll find the Star and Garter at 18-20 Fairfield Street, Manchester, M1 2QF. Nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly.
9. The Wharf
Overlooking the canal in Castlefield near Deansgate Station, this spacious spot is situated in one of the most historic spots of Manchester, and it’s perfect for whiling away the hours. The Museum of Science and Industry is just across the footbridge and The Wharf is ideal for pre-theatre dining, with The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Opera House and Palace Theatre all just a short walk away.
It’s also dog-friendly, and they’ve got a spacious patioed beer garden which is ideal for when the sun is shining.
You’ll find The Wharf at 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester, M15 4ST. Nearest station is Deansgate.
10. The Castle Hotel
Next up on this Manchester pubs roundup is The Castle Hotel – a distinguished and lively spot with a history dating all the way back to 1776. It’s located on Oldham Street in the buzzing Northern Quarter, and it’s got a live music venue and performance space which is one of the cornerstones of the city’s eclectic live music scene.
You’ll find The Castle Hotel at 66 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE. Nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly.
11. Mother Mac’s
Nestled down a narrow back alley and the site of a gruesome crime scene back in 1976 – when a landlord killed his entire family and the pub’s cleaner – Mother Mac’s has certainly had its fair share of history. It’s rumoured to be one of the most haunted pubs in town, and is run by a lovely landlady and frequented by patrons who have been coming here for forty years and more. They’ve got some great beers on tap, and you’re likely to end up having a chinwag with the welcoming locals if you spend any time here.
You’ll find Mother Mac’s at 33 Back Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 1HP. The nearest tram stop is Market Street.
12. The Didsbury
Housed in an old coach house that has retained many of its original 18th century features, The Didsbury is located on a former village green in Disbury – a picturesque suburb just to the south of Manchester. They’ve got a large beer garden which is perfect for families, and this is the place to come if you’re looking for some great pub grub and more of a rustic atmosphere.
The pub also sits on the site of a former inn, which dates all the way back to the English Civil War in 1644. It’s also a party of the ‘Didsbury Dozen’ pub crawl.
You’ll find The Didsbury at 852 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2SG. Nearest station is East Didsbury.
13. The Eagle & Child
Ok, so this one is a bit of a spanner in the works, as it’s not exactly in Manchester per se. But it’s bloody beautiful, so we definitely had to include it in this best pubs in Manchester roundup! Part-pub, part upscale, boutique hotel, The Eagle & Child offers sweeping views over the surrounding moorlands, and they’ve got a fantastic selection of food here with veggie and vegan options here too.
The five rooms are all cosy – and dog-friendly too – and all the food sourced here is from local suppliers too.
You’ll find The Eagle & Child at 3 Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 0DL. The pub lies just off the M66 so you’re best driving here – parking is available.
14. Grey Horse Inn
A popular tavern right in the heart of town, the Grey Horse Inn is reputed to be one of the smallest pubs in the city, and it’s always highly popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s got an extensive selection of cask ales, lagers, wines and spirits, and it’s a part of the wider Hydes Brewery chain who have over 40 different venues across the North West region.
You’ll find Grey Horse Inn at 80 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4QX. Nearest station is Manchester Piccadilly.
15. The Shoulder of Mutton
Another pub which isn’t actually in Manchester but well worth the visit out to it, The Shoulder of Mutton is a traditional country pub situated right in the heart of the quaint Holcombe Village. Set at the foot of the Peel Monument which offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside – and is dedicated to the two-time Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel – and it’s a great spot to go after a lovely walk.
Set in a 17th century building, you can easily while away the hours tucking into the fantastic food which is served here. Add in a well-stocked bar and two large beer gardens, and you’ve got yourself a great spot here!
You’ll find The Shoulder of Mutton at Lumb Carr Road, Holcombe Village, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL8 4LZ. The pub lies just off the M66 so you’re best driving here – parking is available.
16. The Old Wellington
Rounding off this list of the best Manchester pubs is The Old Wellington, a traditional spot which is set right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Manchester Cathedral, the Cathedral Gardens, Victoria Street Station and The Printworks.
Nicknamed ‘The Old Welly’, it’s steeped in history and was originally built all the way back in 1552, so is the oldest building of its kind in Manchester. In fact, it’s the oldest pub in Manchester and is also one of the oldest pubs in the UK, so go and see what all the fuss is about!
You’ll find The Old Wellington at 4 Cathedral Gates, Greater Manchester, M3 1SW. Nearest station is Manchester Victoria.
So there you have it – 16 of the best Manchester pubs. So pull up a pew in the beer garden, grab a pint or two and enjoy some chill-out time in a boozer!