Pubs are an essential part of the city here in Manchester, and we’re pretty proud of the ones we have. Whether they’ve been here for centuries, or just popped up yesterday, Manchester has a pub for everyone, and we’re notorious for having a good time – so it’s no surprise that Manchester has been named one of the best cities in the UK for pub culture.
New research by travel experts at Big House Experience has revealed which UK locations are home to the best pub culture, by analysing thousands of data points across every UK postal town area. Researchers created a comprehensive index awarding each location a ‘Pub Culture Score’ out of 100, analysing thousands of data points, from pub density to CAMRA-approved venues and microbreweries, to create a national index.
Manchester is one of the top UK cities for pub culture
Manchester ranks fourth in the whole of the UK, and nearby Chester ranks 14th. As a city preoccupied with pubs and socialising, we’re not surprised to be in the rankings for top pub culture.
The likes of Mulligans, The Crown & Kettle, Gulliver’s and The Wharf are seemingly propping up the UK’s pub culture, all from the streets of Manchester. With a whopping 800 pubs – only beaten by Bristol’s 1,211 and London’s 2151 – and five microbreweries, Manchester came out with a respectable final score of 96.1, and we’ll happily share praise with the likes of Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham.
Other top cities for pub culture
Bristol scores full marks when it comes to the humble British institutions, cementing its status as the UK’s pub capital. The city offers 1,211 pubs across the entire postal area, which is the equivalent of almost 25 pubs per 10,000 people.
Following closely behind is Edinburgh, with a near-perfect score of 99.5. Attracting more than 2.5 million international visitors each year, the Scottish capital’s pubs are among its biggest draws, from The Jolly Judge, known for its real ales, to The World’s End, instantly recognisable by its bright blue exterior. Notably, Scotland features twice in the top 10, with Glasgow ranking eighth overall, scoring 89.3.
Birmingham claims third place with a score of 96.9, driven by its 477 pubs and strong mix of traditional and modern venues – from dimly lit pubs to modern-day microbreweries. Other cities representing the North include Newcastle-upon-Tyne in sixth (94), Sheffield in seventh (90.7), and the lovely Ripon in Yorkshire at number 12 (79.5).
The UK’s top 20 pub culture locations
- Bristol — 100
- Edinburgh — 99.5
- Birmingham — 96.9
- Manchester — 96.1
- Reading — 94.2
- Newcastle upon Tyne — 94.0
- Sheffield — 90.7
- Glasgow — 89.3
- London — 87.5
- Chelmsford — 82.3
- Southampton — 81.7
- Ripon — 79.5
- Colchester — 78.6
- Chester — 76.7
- Shrewsbury — 75.9
- Hereford — 71.2
- Cardiff — 70.9
- Worcester — 70.8
- Cirencester — 68.2
- Brighton and Hove — 66.3