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9 Manchester Pubs That Absolutely Nail the Art of a Great Lunch
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like a proper pub lunch.
Whether you’re after a Sunday roast that puts your mum to shame (sorry, Mum), a pie that’s actually filled with meat and not just air, or a stacked burger that requires strategy to eat, Manchester has the spots to sort you out.
Now, we’ve done the hard work for you—hours of eating, pint sipping, and contemplating the perfect chip-to-gravy ratio—to bring you the absolute best pubs in Manchester for a lunch that hits just right.
These are the places where the Yorkshire puds stand tall, the pints flow freely, and the portions won’t leave you wondering if you should’ve ordered a second meal.
The Old Wellington
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Address: 4 Cathedral Gates
Contact: +44 161 839 5179
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 11AM-11PM
- Sat 10AM-12AM
- Sun 10AM-10:30PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re looking for proper Manchester history with your pint, The Old Wellington is where it’s at. Built in 1552, this place has somehow survived everything from wars to weather tantrums and is still standing tall in the heart of the city.
Now, let’s talk food. They do all the classics, done right—fish and chips where the batter’s golden and crisp, steak and ale pie that’s packed with actual steak, not just gravy, and a Sunday roast that’ll leave you needing a nap.
If you’re a fan of proper chunky chips, this is your spot—none of those flimsy fries here. And, of course, the beer selection is top-notch.
They’ve got local cask ales, proper bitters, and a few guest taps that keep things interesting. If you like a good pint of something you haven’t tried before, this is one of the best places in Manchester to find it.
Pro tip:
Get a seat outside in the courtyard when the sun’s out, it’s one of the best spots in the city for a drink with a view.
The Wharf
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Address: 6 Slate Wharf
Contact details: +44 161 220 2960
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
The Wharf in Castlefield is hard to beat if you’re after a pub lunch with a proper view. It’s right by the canal, with loads of outdoor seating, so on a decent day, it’s the perfect spot for sinking a pint while watching the world go by.
Their steak and ale pie is pure comfort food, the kind that comes with a buttery pastry lid and a rich, slow-cooked filling. If you fancy something lighter, the grilled sea bass with crushed new potatoes is a solid shout, and their ploughman’s lunch is a cheese lover’s dream.
Sunday roasts are a big deal here, and they do them justice—thick-cut meats, perfectly crispy roasties, and a Yorkshire pud that holds its shape.
And don’t even think about leaving without trying the drinks. Rotating cask ales, solid lagers, and even a few cracking wines make it one of those places where you “just stop for lunch” and somehow it’s suddenly 5PM.
Pro tip:
Sit by the canal if you can, best seats in the house, especially in summer.
The Bay Horse Tavern
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Address: 35-37 Thomas St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: +44 161 669 5799
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
The Bay Horse Tavern pulls off that rare trick of being both stylish and no-nonsense at the same time. Food-wise, it’s all about proper, well-made comfort food.
Their pies are the real deal, with golden pastry and generous fillings, and their half-roast chicken with garlic butter is exactly the kind of thing you’d want on a Sunday afternoon.
They also do a banging fish and chips, and if you’re after something snacky, their small plates (think crispy pork belly bites and truffle fries) are great for sharing.
Drinks? Solid craft beer selection, a gin list that’s got plenty of choice, and a few cocktails that actually feel worth ordering in a pub.
Pro tip:
Order a pie. Any pie. You won’t regret it.
Croft NQ Bar and Kitchen
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Address: 26 Newton St, Northern Quarter
Contact Details: +44 161 236 8300
Operating Hours: Mon–Sun 12PM–12AM
Pricing: £££
Croft NQ is one of those places that’s cool without trying too hard—exactly what you want in a Northern Quarter pub. You walk in and it’s got exposed brick, a mix of wooden and industrial-style furniture, and just enough of a lively hum to keep things interesting.
The burgers here are stacked high, cooked to perfection, and loaded with toppings that actually make sense. Their steak and ale pie is one of the standouts, served with thick, crispy chips and gravy that’s proper rich and not just brown water.
The fish and chips? Golden batter, chunky chips, and minted peas that taste fresh, not out of a tin. If you’re a mac ‘n’ cheese fan, order it as a side—it’s dangerously good.
Drinks-wise, expect craft beers on tap, a solid cocktail list, and wines that actually go with the food.
Pro tip:
Order the katsu chicken burger, it’s got a proper cult following for a reason.
Albert’s Schloss
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Address: 27 Peter St
Contact Details: +44 161 833 4040
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 11AM-2AM
- Sat – Sun 9AM-2AM
Albert’s Schloss is big, bold, and unapologetically fun. The place is always buzzing, whether it’s midday or midnight, and if you’re after a pub lunch that feels a little larger than life, you’re in the right spot.
The Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) is a beast—crispy, tender, and served with proper tangy sauerkraut. If you’re more about variety, the Bratwurst platter lets you try a bit of everything, from smoked sausages to currywurst.
And their Sunday roast? It’s the stuff of legend, with perfectly cooked meats, crispy roast potatoes, and a Yorkshire pud that’s basically a small pillow of joy. But let’s be honest—you’re here for the drinks too.
Steins of German pilsner, schnapps shots, and cocktails that go down dangerously easily. Stick around long enough and you’ll probably see someone dancing on a table—it’s that kind of place.
Pro tip:
Get in on the “Sunday Service” roast, but book ahead, this place fills up fast.
Evelyn’s
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Address: 44 Tib St
Contact Details: +44 161 834 3303
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-10PM
Pricing: £££
Evelyn’s is where you take your mate who says they’re “not really into pub food.” It’s got that cool, effortlessly stylish Northern Quarter feel—big windows, loads of plants, and an atmosphere that somehow manages to be both relaxed and lively at the same time.
The menu leans fresh, vibrant, and globally inspired, which means you’re just as likely to see a miso-glazed aubergine as you are a classic burger. The buttermilk fried chicken with yuzu mayo? Absolute must-order.
The lamb flatbreads? Packed with flavour, with just the right amount of spice. Their lunch bowls are ideal if you want something hearty but not coma-inducing—grilled salmon with turmeric rice or harissa chicken with spiced grains, for example.
They also nail the drinks menu. Whether it’s an espresso martini, a proper craft beer, or one of their house-made sodas, there’s something for everyone. And if you’ve got a dog, bring them along—this place is totally pet-friendly.
Pro tip:
The brunch menu is just as good as lunch, get in early to grab a seat.
The Marble Arch Inn
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Address: 73 Rochdale Rd
Contact details: +44 161 832 5914
Operating Hours: Every Monday, 7PM
Pricing: ££
Website
This place has been around since 1888, and you can feel the history the second you walk in. The mosaic-tiled floor literally slopes (blame old-school building techniques), the wooden bar is full of character, and there’s always a proper buzz.
Their pies are the kind that actually come stuffed with meat instead of just air, the chips are thick and golden, and the steak is cooked exactly how you asked for it—no guesswork here. The Sunday roast? An absolute must.
They don’t skimp on the portions, and the gravy is rich, thick, and worthy of mopping up with every last bit of your Yorkshire pudding.
As the original home of Marble Brewery, this place has some of the best pints in the city. Whether you’re after a classic bitter, a hazy IPA, or a deep, chocolatey stout, they’ve got something that’ll hit the spot.
Pro tip:
The cheese and beer pairing board is criminally underrated, get it if you want to level up your drinking experience.
The Refuge
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Address: Oxford Street, The Principal Hotel
Contact details: +44 161 233 5151
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: £££
Website
Menu
If you’re looking for a pub that leans more on the stylish side, The Refuge is where you want to be. It’s inside The Principal Hotel, and it’s got high ceilings, grand decor, and a vibe that somehow makes you feel fancier the second you step inside.
The menu here is all about sharing plates that actually deliver on flavour; think spicy lamb shawarma, salt cod croquettes, and crispy halloumi fries that are dangerously addictive.
But if you’re after a classic meal, their Sunday roast is up there with Manchester’s best—perfectly cooked meat, roasties with the right crunch-to-fluff ratio, and a Yorkshire pudding so good you might consider ordering an extra one.
Drinks-wise, they do great cocktails, a solid beer selection, and a wine list that’s actually worth browsing. The portions are generous, so you won’t leave feeling like you’ve just had a ‘small plates scam’ pulled on you.
Pro tip:
If you’re with mates, order a mix of small plates to share, you’ll get to try more, and there’s no chance of food envy.
The Banyan Tree
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Address: Unit 3, Moho Building, Ellesmere St
Contact details: +44 161 278 0588
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Website
The Banyan Tree is the definition of a hidden gem. It’s not right in the middle of all the city centre chaos, but that just means you actually stand a chance of getting a table without waiting forever.
They do a proper full English that sets you up for the day, a steak and ale pie with proper chunks of beef, and a katsu chicken burger that’s gained a bit of a cult following.
Vegetarians aren’t left out either—their halloumi and roasted veg stack is a standout, proving that meat-free doesn’t have to mean flavour-free. The Sunday roast doesn’t mess about either—massive portions, tender meat, crispy roasties, and a Yorkshire pudding.
If the sun’s out, the terrace is one of the best places to sit—pint in hand, food on the way, and not a care in the world. And if the Manchester weather does its usual trick, don’t worry—the cosy indoor seating means you can still tuck into your meal without shivering over your pint.
Pro tip:
Get the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese as a side. Even if you’re already ordering carbs, just trust us on this one.
