The Best Pubs in Manchester

Welcome to this canalside pub, a large building with countless nooks and crannies offering everything from cosy, intimate rooms to buzzy, dynamic areas. Downstairs features pub style service with several cask ales, while upstairs is a restaurant with full table service and menus that change with the seasons. The large terrace provides stunning views over the canal basin and is a popular spot for alfresco dining.

This pub is the lively brewery tap for Blackjack Beers, where the real magic lies in its brilliant beer selection. The friendly staff pour an exceptional range of local brews, from classic cask ales to cutting edge craft options like Cloudwater. You can challenge a mate to a traditional pub game while snacking on chilli nuts, a perfect pairing for your pint. It’s a top tier stop for any ale lover exploring the city centre.

This pub is a place for the discerning, eccentric, and alternative, offering a dazzling choice of over 400 ales, craft beers, wines, and spirits alongside fresh, authentic tapas. You can enjoy a tasty selection of tapas dishes freshly prepared in the kitchen, with options like patatas bravas and jamón croquetas served daily from 1:30 pm to 8:30 pm. It also has a great selection of non and low alcohol drinks, specialty tea and coffee, and serves food until 10 pm. Whether you are looking for a rare concoction or a simple local ale, this celebrated pub takes care of all its patrons.

Cask is a beer drinker's heaven hidden down a side street with an unassuming exterior. Squeeze through the tiny doors to find a lively continental style bar with the most comprehensive beer list in town, featuring local brews, German wheat beers, and strong Belgian imports. The knowledgeable bar staff can help you find an imported ale to suit your requirements. There's an outdoor patio garden, comfy seating, and an amazing jukebox boasting Manchester bands, plus you can bring your own food like fish and chips from across the road.

The Salisbury Ale House is a brilliant spot where friendly staff serve up delicious, well priced beer, with pints starting as low as £4.50. The place is alive with rock music and a fantastic jukebox, creating a welcoming buzz that feels both classic and alternative. It’s a proper local gem that nails the simple joys of great tunes, good company, and excellent value.

Step into this historic, Grade II listed pub, a true heritage gem from 1806 with beautifully preserved 1930s interiors and an unspoilt maze of snug rooms. It offers an incredible choice of drinks, from exciting cask ales and a fantastic wine list to seasonal cocktails and a great selection of low or no alcohol options. There is always something happening, with weekly quizzes, live music, and seasonal events to look forward to.

The Crown & Kettle is an award winning craft beer, ale and cider pub, established in 1774 and re-established in 2020. Located on the border of the Northern Quarter, this real ale bar offers a wide range of beers and a large selection of pies. The historic interior includes a ceiling worth checking out, and the friendly staff make it a great spot for a quiet, casual drink. Outdoor seating is also available.

This pub is a fantastic local spot known for its excellent beer selection and a welcoming, casual feel. It offers a great range of craft beers and spirits, with staff praised for their quality. The venue is consistently called a favorite in the area, providing a perfect balance of being not too busy and not too quiet. It is a revelation for anyone seeking top notch drinks in a comfortable setting.

This is a proper, traditional pub where the real ale flows and the welcome is warm. Known for its excellent beer selection and friendly service, it’s a favorite spot for office workers at lunchtime and anyone who appreciates a comfortable, no nonsense drinking establishment. With a character steeped in local lore and a clientele that appreciates a good war film, this is a place where black comfy shoes are practically a uniform and the pint is always perfect.

Step inside The Knott and discover a brilliant spot tucked within railway arches where fantastic craft beers and real ales flow freely. The freshly made, affordable pizzas are the perfect companion to your pint, creating a winning combination that keeps locals coming back. With a pleasant shady outdoor seating area, it’s an ideal place to relax with friends over great drinks and lively music. This pub bursts with character and is a true hidden gem for anyone who loves quality beer and simple, delicious food.