Ok, so we might still be a bit dramatic when we say it’s like the Arctic over here right now, but it most certainly feels like it. For us, it’s all about the cosy knits, blankets on an evening in front of the tele, and most importantly, the warming pub grub that has us feeling all the cosy feels once the leaves start the fall. Which is exactly why we’re fully prepared and ready, stretchy pants on hand, for a season of pub grubbin’ in the North. Fancy getting in the winter spirit with us? Here’s our guide to some of the best places for pub grub in Manchester.
1. Bay Horse Tavern
A cosy spot in the Northern Quarter that emulates everything we know and love from your typical Victorian pub, The Bay Horse Tavern is home to a lovely, warming menu, packed full of your typical pub-style dishes that are best served on a cold day. Think bangers and mash absolutely lathered in rich gravy, massive Sunday roasts, tasty pies and pub-style burgers.
📍 The Bay Horse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, M4 1NA.
2. The Edinburgh Castle
Restoring the stunning Blossom Street pub back to its 1800’s glory, The Edinburgh Castle is a wonderful escape from the hustle bustle of Manchester city centre, dripping in candlelight and old lanterns that reek autumnal charm as you dig in to some good pub grub. Hide in the nooks and crannies of the old worldly building, tuck into their hearty, seasonal menu, and enjoy dishes such as fish and chips, sirloin steak, roasted plaice and so much more.
📍 The Edinburgh Castle, 17-19 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5AW.
3. The Abel Heywood
Abel Heywood has long ranked as one of the best hidden gems in the Northern Quarter, providing – in contrast to the area’s more industrial-themed bars and restaurants – a cosy hideaway that actually feels like the warming pub it strives to be. Find yourself a comfy seat in the restaurant, before filling up on dishes such as battered fish and chips, big juicy burgers, pies, roasted chicken and more – as well as cask ales, wines and cocktails.
📍 Abel Heywood, 38 Turner St, M4 1DZ.
4. The Wharf
Located right by the canal in the beautiful Castlefield district of the city, The Wharf is not only perfect for the summer with its waterside terrace, but also in the colder months, too. Inside the Manchester spot, find welcoming boat house vibes amplified with auburn oak for extra cosiness, with tons of warming pub grub dishes on offer including ribeye steak, honey and mustard pork sausages, deep-fried cod and more.
📍 The Wharf, The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, M15 4ST.
5. The Black Friar
Historic Salford pub, The Black Friar, has transformed its garden into a wondrous medieval Winter Tavern with all new Winter Cabins. From November 7, guests can stave away the chill of Manchester nights in the majestic Winter Tavern, with fires, frolics and feasting on The Black Friar’s new Christmas menu. From á la carte and festive dining to beautiful cocktails, you can have a merry olde English knees up in unforgettable style here.
📍 The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford, M3 7DB.
6. The Marble Arch
The Marble Arch may be one of the city’s unassuming pubs, but it’s well worth the visit if it’s warming pub vibes you’re after – and it’s one of the oldest. Sticking with a very traditional feel, the proper ale pub has a lovely menu on offer, packed full of classics such as burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, steak and ale pies, and an absolutely stunning Sunday lunch, too.
📍 The Marble Arch, 73 Rochdale Rd, M4 4HY.
7. The Didsbury
Situated right by the lovely Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden, The Didsbury pub is the perfect stop-off after a weekend stroll, with a proper traditional pub atmosphere, cosy decor, and tons of hearty dishes on the menu. Chow down on the likes of red wine lasagne, steak and wine pie, scallops, gammon and steak, before finishing off with classic puds such as Eton Mess, Bakewell Tart, Apple Crumble, Sticky Toffee Pudding and more.
📍 The Didsbury, 852 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, M20 2SG.
8. The Eagle & Child
Heading north of the city and right to the edge of the Greater Manchester border is the cosy public house, The Eagle & Child, situated in the quaint market town of Ramsbottom. The pub sets itself apart by offering sweeping views over the surrounding moorlands, which can be enjoyed as you tuck into hearty and proper pub grub made using locally-sourced ingredients.
Choose from the likes of local delicacy Bury black pudding with brown sauce (with a vegan option available); beer battered Fleetwood haddock with minted mushy peas and chunky chips; steak and ale pot pie; and “Double Bomber” cheese pie. Plus, the Ramsbottom pub also serves up a top notch Sunday roast as well as delectable desserts (did someone say sticky toffee pudding?)
📍 The Eagle & Child, 3 Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 0DL.
9. The Oast House
The Oast House in Spinningfields has quite the unique roof and it’s hard to miss. However, something you don’t want to miss is their comforting food menu featuring their Loaded Pies (yes, you read that right) launched for the winter season.
Filled with either Chicken Madras and topped with pilau mash, onion bhaji, mint raita, mango chutney and toasted almonds; Steak and Ale which comes topped with roast mushroom, roast tomato, onion ring and peppercorn sauce; or Pulled Pork and Apple, with wholegrain mustard mash, Hendersons gravy, piccalilli and a Bury black pudding scotch egg piled up on top; these pies are sure to make you feel all toasty inside. You can enjoy these and their Yorkshire pudding wraps in The Oast House’s cosy tipi.
📍 The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, Spinningfields, Crown Square, M3 3AY.
10. Worsley Old Hall
There’s nothing quite like seeking refuge in a warm and cosy pub after a walk in the countryside on a bitterly cold day and this pub near RHS Bridgewater hits the spot.
Nestled within Worsley Park, the 17th-century country house pub around eight miles from the centre of Manchester boasts wood-panelled rooms, plenty of character and a delicious menu filled with pub grub. The menu includes mains like braised shoulder of lamb, honey roasted ham with fried eggs and chips, broccoli and stilton quiche, fillet steak sandwiches and for those looking for a roast with a difference – pheasant breast stuffed with wild boar and apricot served with celeriac purée and game jus.
📍 Worsley Old Hall, Worsley Park, Worsley, M28 2QT.