Here in Manchester, all roads lead to football, and music, but mainly football. The FA Cup final will see Manchester City go up against Crystal Palace, and when it’s us vs the Londoners, 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.
Can Crystal Palace make history with their first-ever FA Cup win, or will Manchester City be climbing the Wembley steps to lift the trophy for a record eighth time? As Manchester prepares to support the Blues – or you’re a United fan turning temporarily southern – here’s our guide to the best places in town to catch the FA Cup final this Saturday 17 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. All customers are required to pre-book, but entry is free and you can even bag yourself a free pint before the match starts (pre 3.30pm)! Expect Freight Island to be football mad from 12pm this Saturday.
📍 Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PZ.
2. Calcio!
Already dedicated to all things sports, Calcio! is the Northern Quarter hideout that’ll sort you out whatever the game. Of course, they’re screening the FA Cup final, and with 4.5 happy hour pints, tasty pub grub, plus darts, video games and foosball, there’s plenty to get stuck into during halftime or pre or post final. There’s no need to book, but do try to turn up early to ensure a seat (or comfortable standing position) and grab a pint and some grub whilst you wait.
📍 Calcio!, 24 Dale St, Manchester M1 1FY.
3. Fairfield Social Club
Instagram post via @fairfieldsocialclubmcr
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 tasty gyros served by FSC Kitchen to keep you going whilst you watch the action on the big screen outside – because yes, the weather is looking good…
📍 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. What’s more, everyone gets a free pint when (if) City score… we’ll take those odds!
📍 Bierkeller, The Printworks Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS.
5. The Brotherhood
Instagram post via @brotherhoodmanchester
Known for making a big deal of sports of all kinds, The Brotherhood will of course be showing the FA Cup final on Saturday. With the best selection of beers and a great atmosphere, there’s nowhere else to be on FA Cup final day – limited tables are still available here, so don’t miss a minute of the action.
📍 The Brotherhood, 2 Mount St, Manchester M2 5WQ.
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 your chosen team – book a table here.
📍 BOX Bar, 125 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BY.
7. Tib Street Tavern
A classic in the football spectator world, Tib Street Tavern is opening its doors for the FA Cup final this weekend, complete with roper pub vibes and entertainment to follow. The pub is walk-in only, but be sure to get there early to avoid disappointment, and hang around after the game for live music from regular Sam at 9.30pm. Why not make a night of it, eh?
📍 Tib Street Tavern, 74 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG.