The Best Pubs in Salford

Step into the Marble Arch Inn, a true Manchester legend that was the very first home of the Marble Brewery. This gorgeous, historic pub is a paradise for beer lovers, boasting an impressive lineup of 11 hand pulls and keg lines pouring their own incredible brews alongside top notch guests. The kitchen serves up food that goes way beyond standard pub fare, making it a brilliant spot for a proper meal. With its stunning old tiles and welcoming outdoor seating, it is simply the best traditional pub in the city centre.

Welcome to this canal side pub, a large building filled with countless nooks and crannies offering both cosy, intimate rooms and buzzy, dynamic areas. Downstairs features pub style service with several cask ales, a decent wine list, forty gins, and over fifty malts, while upstairs is a restaurant with full table service. The chefs develop really cracking menus that change frequently to reflect the seasons, and the large terrace offers stunning views out over the canal basin. This pub has earned numerous accolades, including Manchester Food and Drink Awards Food Pub of the Year 2013 and MEN Best Manchester Pub 2013.

This is the Smithfield Market Tavern, a true gem for anyone serious about great beer. It serves as the official Brewery Tap for Blackjack Beers, but its regularly updated selection of local and craft ales, including legendary names like Cloudwater, makes it a vital stop on any pub crawl. The friendly staff and welcoming character create a space where the excellent keg and cask offerings are perfectly paired with classic pub games and addictive chilli nuts.

The Molly House is a place for the discerning, eccentric, and alternative, offering a dazzling choice of ales, craft beer, wines, and spirits alongside fresh, authentic tapas. With a selection of over 400 ales and beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, it caters to both the idiosyncratic imbiber and those seeking a simple local ale. A tapas menu is available daily from 1:30 pm to 8:30 pm, featuring dishes like patatas bravas and jamón croquetas. The pub also has an array of speciality tea and coffee, a great selection of non and low alcohol drinks, and outdoor seating.

Cask is a beer drinker's heaven, boasting what is described as the most comprehensive beer list in town with local brews, German wheat beers, and strong Belgian imports. Hidden down a side street with an unassuming exterior, this friendly little bar features a lively continental style and an outdoor patio garden. Inside, you can enjoy an amazing jukebox full of Manchester bands, comfy seating, and boardgames while taking advantage of the relaxed attitude that lets you bring your own food from the chippy across the road. The knowledgeable bar staff are always on hand to help you find the perfect imported ale, making every visit feel special.

Step into The Salisbury Ale House and you are immediately welcomed by a brilliantly friendly team and the sound of great tunes. This place is a proper gem for anyone who loves cracking beer at fantastic value, with pints of delicious ale starting from just £4.50. The cool jukebox and rock music create an energetic buzz, while the outdoor seating offers a perfect spot to enjoy the lively vibe. It is a no nonsense, brilliant pub that delivers exactly what you want: good beer, great music, and a warm welcome.

Welcome to The Britons Protection, a historic Grade II listed pub from 1806 that feels like a true heritage gem. It offers an unspoilt maze of snug rooms, terrazzo tiled corridors, moulded ceilings, and vintage bar fittings, all celebrated for their historic Regency charm and beautifully preserved 1930s interiors. On tap you will find exciting beer, cider, cask ale, and whiskey, along with a fantastic wine list, seasonal cocktails, and great low or no alcohol options. There is always something happening here, from weekly quizzes and live music to seasonal events, making every visit something to look forward to.

The Crown & Kettle is an award winning pub specializing in craft beer, ale, and cider, housed in a historic building established in 1774 and re established in 2020. Guests can enjoy an amazing range of local keg and cask beers, a large selection of pies, and friendly staff in a beautiful old interior with a ceiling worth checking out. This quiet, casual spot with outdoor seating is truly a pride of Ancoats.

The Gas Lamp is a true gem for anyone who loves a well chosen pint and a relaxed, unpretentious evening. This casual spot feels like a brilliant discovery, offering an excellent selection of craft beers and a notably fine range of whiskeys that keeps regulars coming back again and again. The friendly staff and lively but not overwhelming buzz make it the kind of place where you can happily lose track of time, even if you have to head upstairs to find a signal. It’s simply the best bar in the neighbourhood, a revelation for drinks and good company.

Step into the City Arms and you’ve found a true classic, widely celebrated as the best pub in Manchester. This spot is a haven for real ale lovers, offering a superb selection in a friendly, traditional setting that’s especially popular with office workers at lunchtime. The service is excellent, the vibe is wonderfully comfortable, and if you appreciate war films and a proper, no fuss pub, you’ll feel right at home.