As English folk, pubs are in our DNA and there’s no shortage of watering holes to choose from in Manchester. The general rule of thumb for many is the older the better, and we have some pubs dating back centuries that we’re extremely proud of, but in some cases many aren’t aware of. Experience every creak and nook, old carpet and low bar in each of these ancient pubs, as well as learning about some of their sordid history and legendary visitors – here’s our guide to the oldest pubs to visit in Manchester.
1. The Old Wellington
The oldest building in Manchester just so happens to be a pub, The Old Wellington. Bordering another historical pub, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, The Old Wellington was built in 1552 and quite fittingly is located in the Mediaeval Quarter of Manchester, near Manchester Cathedral.
Before it began life as a pub, it was part of a draper’s shop in the 17th Century, and was moved a few yards from its original position after the IRA bomb hit Manchester, as part of the city centre redevelopment. Many original features still exist, but the pub has be healthily reinforced to function properly as a pub today and has integrated a huge beer garden right outside in the courtyard which is always extremely popular in the summer; not bad for one of the oldest pubs in Manchester.
📍The Old Wellington, 4 Cathedral Gates, Manchester, M3 1SW.
2. Peveril of the Peak
A cult favourite amongst Mancs, Peveril of the Peak is pretty much hidden in plain sight, with many not even knowing it exists despite its vibrant green appearance. The Pev is said to be the only standalone pub in Manchester, and regulars love its pretty juicy history.
The pub was formerly a brothel for GIs in he Second World War, and was known as a notorious spot for a fight back in the day, and old newspaper clippings, portraits and facts adorn the walls of the modern Pev, reminding customers that it has had many lives before now. Quirks include a pretty low double-sided bar, several nooks to get comfy in, and a few different entrances, and these alongside the striking exterior make Peveril of the Peak a properly satisfying old pub for the people of Manchester.
📍Peveril of the Peak, 127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester, M1 5JQ.
3. The Britons Protection
Standing on its current site since 1806, The Britons Protection has a long history with the city of Manchester. Withstanding the Peterloo Massacre just down the road in St Peter’s Square, the pub still has murals dedicated to those who died, and its name would suggest it had something to do with recruiting soldiers back in the day.
This unique pub gives a real sense of history within its walls, with tiny rooms off the main bar section and lots of dark wood and stained glass. Popular with musicians playing at the Bridgewater Hall just across the road, the pub, and its fans, put up a fight a few years ago against developers taking over to demolish it, and is now still standing, as beloved as ever. We’re so glad it’s still knocking about, and we hope it’ll continue to be one of the oldest pubs in Manchester for years to come.
📍The Britons Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester, M1 5LE.
4. The Castle Hotel
Slotted in between now pretty modern establishments, The Castle Hotel keeps watch over the Northern Quarter, in the company of Gullivers across the road and funky bar Lost Cast next door. The pub is now famed for holding musical and literary events, making it a huge part of the arts scene in Manchester, and is known for serving some of the best pints around.
The Castle Hotel opened back in 1776, and still boasts some truly unique features, albeit a little updated since. The Victorian-pub décor includes all patterned ceilings, stained-glass doors and old fixed seats, as well as an ornate ceramic bar – one of only a handful in the UK. It’s just a stone’s throw away from everything the Northern Quarter has to offer, so do include it in a pub or bar crawl, or pop in after an afternoon of shopping – it’s one of the oldest pubs in Manchester, never mind the Northern Quarter
📍The Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LE.
5. The Molly House
Representing the Gay Village pubs, The Molly House is one of the most well-known pubs in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Taking its name from the ‘molly houses’ of the 18th Century – pubs or coffee shops where gay men would go to meet up – the pub is vibrant, floral and welcoming to anyone who comes through the door.
Adorned with classic red brick, the building used to house a tailor’s shop and was only converted into a pub in 2010, but hangs onto its history with post-Victorian shabby-chic décor throughout. The ground floor eatery serves amazing tapas, with vegan options available, alongside classic pub drinks, and upstairs houses a ‘bordello‘ with sofas and a terrace for a more casual, intimate environment. It’s the perfect place to kick off a night on the town, or somewhere to wind down after some partying.
📍The Molly House, 26 Richmond St, Manchester, M1 3NB.