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9 Manchester Gastro Pubs That Do Food So Well, You’ll Forget It’s a Pub
You ever been to a pub, taken one bite of the food, and thought, “Hang on, this is actually… really good?” Like, suspiciously good? As if the chef forgot they were in a boozer and started plating up like they were gunning for a Michelin star?
Yeah, that’s exactly what we’re talking about here. Manchester’s got no shortage of cracking pubs, but not all of them take their food seriously. Some are just happy slinging out a sad bowl of chips that somehow cost six quid.
But these places we adore? They go the extra mile. Proper, made-from-scratch pies, Sunday roasts that deserve awards, and the kind of pub grub that doesn’t just “soak up the pints” but makes you come back purely for the food.
We’ve spent too many nights eating our way through Manchester’s gastro pub scene, so we can say that we’ve got you covered with our list below. If you still think pub food is all about microwaved lasagne and questionable scampi, you’re about to have your mind changed!
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 Manchester had a pub that could tell tales, The Old Wellington would be the city’s biggest gossip. It’s been standing since 1552, making it the oldest pub in town—and not just in name, but in proper, creaky, history-soaked authenticity.
The food here doesn’t try to be fancy, and that’s exactly why it works. The steak and ale pie is a fan favourite, packed with slow-cooked meat and swimming in rich gravy. The fish and chips? A crispy, golden masterpiece.
And if you’re here on a Sunday, their roast dinners are the kind that make you reconsider ever cooking at home again. Drinks-wise, it’s all about cask ales—local brews, perfectly poured, and the kind of stuff that reminds you why the North does beer better than anywhere else.
The courtyard outside is one of the best beer gardens in the city, perfect for watching the world go by (or debating whether to order another round).
| Pro tip: The place fills up fast, especially when the sun’s out. Get there early if you want a seat outside, and don’t expect a quiet drink, this place is always lively. |
The Wharf
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Address: 6 Slate Wharf
Contact details: +44 161 220 2960
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
If you like your pubs with waterfront views, a proper beer selection, and enough space to bring the whole lot of your indecisive mates, then The Wharf is your spot. The menu isn’t just your standard pub fare—it’s got the classics, sure, but done properly.
The slow-braised beef short rib is melt-in-your-mouth good, the haddock and chips is always spot-on, and their Sunday roasts are the kind that will have you napping immediately after.
The Wharf takes its real ale seriously, and you’ll always find a solid rotation of local and national craft brews on tap.
They also do a great gin selection, in case you’re feeling fancy. If it’s sunny, you’ll struggle to find a better place to sit outside in Manchester. The outdoor terrace overlooks the canal, making it one of the best spots in the city for an al fresco pint.
Just be warned—on a warm day, it’s a battle for tables, and once people sit down, they aren’t moving anytime soon.
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a Sunday visit, book ahead. Their roasts are legendary, and walk-ins are always left staring longingly at the occupied tables. |
The Black Friar
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Address: 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford
Contact Details: +44 161 667 9555
Operating Hours: Mon–Sun 12PM–12AM
Pricing: £££
Website
Once upon a time, The Black Friar was just another old Manchester pub that had seen better days—then it got a full-scale transformation, and now? It’s one of the best gastro pubs in the city.
They’ve kept the charm of the original pub (which dates back to 1886), but added a modern, high-end twist. There’s a cosy bar area for those who just want a pint and a Scotch egg, but head to the dining space, and you’re in for something seriously special.
The food here is next level—proper seasonal, locally sourced ingredients turned into plates that make you rethink what pub grub can be. The chicken, leek, and bacon pie is the kind of comfort food that sticks with you, and the beef wellington for two is an absolute showstopper.
The drinks list is just as impressive, with craft beers, signature cocktails, and an extensive wine selection.
| Pro tip: Want something truly special? Book the Chef’s Table for a private dining experience with a custom menu, ideal for foodies who love a bit of exclusivity. |
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 is a legend in the Manchester beer scene—not just because of its historic tiled interior, sloping floor (watch your step), and welcoming atmosphere, but because it’s the home of Marble Brewery, one of Manchester’s most respected craft beer names.
Before we even get into the food, let’s talk about the beer. The taps here are always pouring some of the best brews in the city, whether it’s their own Marble Pint (a proper session ale) or guest beers from other top UK breweries.
Now, onto the food. The Sunday roast is up there with the best in Manchester, with thick-cut meats, crispy-yet-fluffy roasties, and homemade Yorkshires. But don’t sleep on their weekday menu either—it’s proper gastropub comfort food done right.
Think slow-cooked beef brisket, beer-battered halloumi, and a mushroom and truffle pie that even the most die-hard meat-eaters rave about.
| Pro tip: The floors are famously uneven, so after a few pints, you might start wondering if it’s the beer or the building playing tricks on you. |
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
Most pubs have a bit of a lived-in, old-school charm, but The Refuge flips that idea on its head. This place is huge, grand, and effortlessly stylish—set inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, it’s got high ceilings, statement lighting, and a seriously impressive cocktail bar.
The food here is big on flavour and built for sharing—think Mediterranean-inspired small plates, charred meats, and seasonal vegetables that taste far better than they have any right to. The crispy lamb shawarma is a standout, and their salt cod croquettes are dangerously moreish.
If you’re just after drinks and snacks, their charcuterie and cheese boards are perfect for a casual bite with a cocktail or two. Speaking of drinks, their cocktail game is strong. They mix up some of the best signature cocktails in Manchester, and their gin selection is top-tier.
But if you’re keeping things classic, there’s a good range of craft beers, wines, and spirits too.
| Pro tip: The Winter Garden bar area is one of the most stunning spots in Manchester, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a sneaky afternoon cocktail. |
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: ££
Some pubs are fancy and modern, some are old and traditional—The Bay Horse Tavern is the best of both. If you’re here for a proper pint, you’re in luck. They’ve got real ales, craft beers, and lagers on tap, plus an impressive gin and whiskey collection if you’re feeling adventurous.
Their Sunday roast is a Manchester favourite, packed with all the trimmings and a properly good homemade gravy.
But even if you’re not here on a Sunday, there’s plenty to love—their pies are ridiculously good, the triple-cooked chips are legendary, and if you’re in the mood for something lighter, their small plates and sharing boards are always solid choices.
| Pro tip: If you love a good gin, ask the bartender for recommendations, they’ve got some seriously good bottles behind the bar. |
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: £££
Tucked away in the bustling heart of the Northern Quarter, Croft NQ is a proper hidden gem that nails the balance between casual, cool, and downright delicious.The food is pub grub with a serious upgrade.
We’re talking slow-cooked meats, loaded fries, and creative small plates that go down a treat with a beer or cocktail. Their Korean fried chicken is an absolute must-try—crispy, spicy, and smothered in a sauce that makes you want to order seconds before you’ve finished the first.
They also do a solid plant-based menu, so your vegan mates won’t feel like an afterthought.
Speaking of drinks, Croft NQ is all about variety. They’ve got a rotating selection of craft beers, some excellent house cocktails, and a gin shelf that’s dangerously tempting.
If you’re in the Northern Quarter and fancy top-tier food without the faff, Croft NQ is a no-brainer. Just be warned—it fills up fast, especially on weekends, so don’t bank on finding a table easily if you rock up unannounced.
| Pro tip: Their loaded fries are legendary. Whether you go for the truffle parmesan or the spicy buffalo, they’re an absolute game-changer. |
Dishoom Manchester
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Address: 32 Bridge St
Contact details: +44 161 537 3737
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri 8AM-11PM
- Sat 9AM-11PM
- Sun 9AM-10PM
Pricing: ££
You don’t usually think of an Indian restaurant when you hear “gastro pub,” but Dishoom Manchester is one of those places that bends the rules—and does it brilliantly. Inspired by the Irani cafés of old Bombay, this place oozes atmosphere, charm, and some of the best food.
If you’ve never had their famous Bacon Naan Roll, stop what you’re doing and go immediately. But the real magic happens on their main menu, where you’ll find rich, flavour-packed curries, perfectly spiced grills, and small plates designed for sharing.
The House Black Daal is legendary, the Gunpowder Potatoes pack a punch, and if you’re into slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth lamb, the Nalli Nihari will ruin all other stews for you. Drinks? They do killer cocktails, a great selection of Indian beers, and even a few boozy chai options.
| Pro tip: The queue here can be ridiculous, so book ahead or go at off-peak hours. And if you’re visiting in the morning, their chai is free until 11 AM, an absolute steal. |
Sandbar Manchester
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Address: 120 Grosvenor St, All Saints
Contact Details: +44 161 273 1552
Operating Hours: Mon–Sun 12PM–12AM
Pricing: ££
Website
Ask any beer-loving Mancunian where to find a proper selection of craft ales in a laid-back, no-nonsense pub, and Sandbar will come up every single time.
It’s an independent, fiercely local spot that’s been serving up some of the best pints in Manchester for over 20 years, and it’s just as good for food as it is for drinks.
Sandbar is one of the best spots in Manchester for a quality, wood-fired pizza. Their hand-stretched sourdough bases are crispy, chewy, and loaded with fresh toppings; they’ve also got solid veggie and vegan options, because this place knows its audience.
But the real star here is the beer. The taps are constantly rotating, featuring some of the best local and international craft brews. If you’re into real ale, Belgian saisons, or even a good old-fashioned lager, you’ll find something worth drinking here.
| Pro tip: If you’re a craft beer nerd, chat with the bartenders, they know their stuff and can help you find your new favourite pint. |
