Here in Manchester, all roads lead to football, and music, but mainly football. The FA Cup final will see Manchester United go up against neighbours Manchester City for the first time ever in the competition, so of course we’re all going to want to get a piece of the action. Unfortunately for us, the final is taking place at Wembley, like all major finals, so only the lucky 90,000 will get to see what’s likely to be a historical football event in the flesh, which is where our pubs, bars and venues come in. As Manchester prepares to turn red or blue, here’s our guide to the best places in town to catch the FA Cup final this Saturday 25 May.
1. Freight Island
Come together to watch the FA Cup final live on the huge screens within the sports bar fanzone and main area at Freight Island. Expect plenty of beer, top-notch food, arcade games and entertainment for all to enjoy. There are some necessary rules: no colours/football shirts or any item of clothing deemed to be inappropriate or offensive, with all customers required to pre-book, plus more logical guidelines available on the website. Expect Freight Island to be football mad from 12pm this Saturday.
📍 Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PZ.
2. Boom Battle Bar
Boom Battle Bar is usually a haunt for competitive mates to battle it out with a game of shuffleboard or axe throwing, but now the competition is hotting up for football fans with the FA Cup final being screened. Whether you’re the quiet technical fan who watches the player’s every move, the screaming at the TV and your mates, or the ‘I’m only here for the atmosphere’ with a cocktail in hand fan… there’s no better place to soak up the vibes and watch the FA Cup final.
📍 Boom Battle Bar, Unit 2A, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS.
3. Fairfield Social Club
Fairfield Social Club is the newest neighbourhood haunt in Red Bank, and provides the perfect environment for the FA Cup final. You’ll find incredible locally brewed beers, great cocktails and wines, lots of alcohol free options and the friendliest atmosphere Manchester has to offer. Let’s not forget the top street food served by BBQ masters Isit Kitchen to keep you going whilst you watch the action on the big screen.
📍 Fairfield Social Club, Irk St, Manchester M4 4JT.
4. Bierkeller
Everyone knows Bierkeller as the place to go for good beer, dancing on tables and a generally upbeat atmosphere. All of this comes in handy when watching the football, too, so we’re lucky that Bierkeller will be showing the FA Cup final in Manchester. Their dedicated Shooters Sports Bar was made for this kind of event, and the team are excited to welcome fans this Saturday, so book in to sip on refreshing drinks, savor delicious food, and soak up the electric atmosphere.
📍 Bierkeller, The Printworks Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS.
5. Cafe Football
The clue’s in the name with this one, and Cafe Football will be living up to its name this Saturday. Founded by Manchester United legend and pundit Gary Neville, Cafe Football is part of Hotel Football, just a stone’s throw from Old Trafford, so you can imagine the FA Cup final screening will be open to United fans, but City fans may want to stay away. Book your table here so you can eat, drink and soak up the beautiful game this Saturday.
📍 Cafe Football, 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester, M16 0SZ.
6. BOX Bar
BOX Bar is Deansgate’s most popular sports bar and offers a slightly elevated sports-watching experience, but don’t fret, it can be as raucous as any pub when it comes to Manchester football. The FA Cup final will be screened at BOX on Saturday, no doubt taking over all the amazing screens it boasts, meaning any seat is the best seat in the house. Enjoy great drinks and amazing food, cheering on the red or blues – book a table here.
📍 BOX Bar, 125 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BY.
7. Joshua Brooks
Known for its club all-nighters and great location, Joshua Brooks will be screening the FA Cup final this year, with free drinks tokens available for everyone who gets a £6 ticket. The atmosphere will be immense, but last entry is at 2pm, so come early and soak up the pre-match buzz!
📍 Joshua Brooks, 106 Princess St, Manchester M1 6NG.