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.
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 stop 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 train 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, perfect for a summer’s evening.
📍 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, and one of the oldest. Dating all the way back to the 1820s, 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, plus, read about it’s sordid history on the walls and Google its haunted nature if you dare…
📍 You’ll find Pevril of the Peak at 127 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JQ.
🚆 Nearest train 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 train 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 (by the Courteeners, obvs). The Star and Garter has also been used in countless TV productions including Brassic and It’s A Sin, and is ridiculously proud of the space it has earned and kept in Manchester. 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 train 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, and is truly one of the best terraces in Manchester.
📍 You’ll find The Wharf at 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST.
🚆 Nearest train 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 train station is Manchester Piccadilly.
11. Mother Mac’s/The Rat & Pigeon
One of the Northern Quarter’s most legendary pubs has now closed down, with Mother Mac‘s signs pulled down and builders have already moved in. The Back Piccadilly boozer has stood the test of time, since first opening as a public house back in the 1870s, having most notably seen a gruesome massacre in 1976, when then-landlord Arthur Bradbury killed his wife, her three children and even the pub’s cleaner.
Based on a current licensing application submitted to Manchester city council, it’s set to reopen as The Rat & Pigeon – so appears it will still operate as a pub. The names linked to the application have a long history with the local hospitality scene, including through the Crown & Kettle pub, so we’re expecting great things from the new occupant of the iconic boozer.
📍 You’ll find the rebranded Rat & Pigeon 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 Didsbury – 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 part of the ‘Didsbury Dozen’ pub crawl, which takes in so many of Didsbury’s other fantastic pubs.
📍 You’ll find The Didsbury at 852 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SG.
🚃 Nearest tram stop 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 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 train 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 train 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!