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Top 9 Pubs in Manchester City Centre You’ll Want to Hit Tonight
So, you’re looking for a proper night out in Manchester City Centre, are you? Well, you’ve come to the right place, mate! Manchester’s pub scene has it all—and then some.
Now, I won’t lie, narrowing it down to just a handful was like trying to pick a favourite crisp flavour. (It’s cheese and onion, by the way—don’t argue.) But I’ve done the hard work for you, scouring the city for the top spots to wet your whistle.
I may or may not have lost count of how many pints it took to compile this list. (Research is thirsty work, after all.) What you’ll find here isn’t just your average listicle. Oh no, these are pubs with stories to tell, ales to savour, and vibes to soak up.
Let’s dive into Manchester’s top boozers that’ll make your night one to remember. Or, you know, at least a little fuzzy around the edges. Cheers!
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: ££
The Old Wellington is one of the oldest pubs in Manchester, and its 16th-century timber-framed charm has been drawing in locals and tourists alike for centuries.
Located right next to the cathedral, it feels like you’ve stumbled into a time capsule where good beer and hearty food reign supreme. Inside, you’ll find cosy wooden interiors, low-beamed ceilings, and a sense of warmth that’s perfect for a catch-up over a pint or two.
The outside courtyard is where the magic happens on sunnier days, buzzing with people sharing laughs and ales. The menu has all the pub classics you’d hope for: pies that could win awards, fish and chips fried to golden perfection, and a Sunday roast that locals swear by.
Don’t let history fool you – this isn’t some dusty relic. It’s alive, thriving, and packed with atmosphere. And if you’re the curious type, you’ll love the fact that the whole building was actually moved to its current location in the 1970s.
| Pro tip: Secure a spot in the courtyard when the sun’s out. It’s prime real estate for sipping your pint while soaking up Manchester’s medieval vibes. |
Grey Horse Inn
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Address: 80 Portland St
Contact details: +44 161 236 9869
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: ££
Website
If you blink, you might miss the Grey Horse Inn tucked away on Portland Street. But don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you – this is a proper pub in every sense. It’s small, cosy, and unapologetically traditional.
Walk in, and you’re greeted by a compact bar, polished wood fittings, and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’ve found a local’s secret spot. The cask ales here are the stuff of legend, with rotating taps featuring some of the best brews in the region.
Beer geeks will be in heaven, but don’t worry if ales aren’t your thing – they’ve got lagers, wines, and spirits to suit all tastes. Their food menu doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and thank goodness for that.
Pies, crisps, and a pint – sometimes, that’s all you need. Locals love it, and there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time – because sometimes, less really is more.
| Pro tip: The pie-and-pint deal is an absolute steal and tastes even better when paired with their cask ale recommendations. |
The Wharf
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Address: 6 Slate Wharf
Contact details: +44 161 220 2960
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Fancy a pub with a view? The Wharf has you covered. Nestled along the canals in Castlefield, this isn’t just a pub; it’s a full-blown experience. Imagine a sprawling beer garden, fairy lights twinkling as the sun sets, and a pint in hand as canal boats float by.
The menu is elevated pub grub done right. Think rich steak and ale pies, fresh seafood, and even lighter options if you’re not looking to undo all your hard gym work. But here’s the kicker: The Wharf is dog-friendly.
So while you’re tucking into your meal or sipping your craft ale, you might just find a wagging tail or two keeping you company. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or a pre-night out warm-up, and the atmosphere is a constant mix of lively and laid-back.
| Pro tip: Head here early to snag a spot in the beer garden, it’s the best seat in the house on a sunny day. |
The Bay Horse Tavern
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Address: 35-37 Thomas St, Northern Quarter
Contact details: +44 161 669 5799
Operating Hours: Every Tuesday, 8PM
Pricing: ££
The Bay Horse Tavern is the Northern Quarter’s take on the classic British boozer, but with a modern twist. Walking in feels like finding a snug retreat from the urban hustle, with its vintage wooden furnishings, leather armchairs, and a fireplace you’ll want to plant yourself next to all winter.
The vibe? A cosy mix of locals catching up over pints and creative types dissecting their latest projects.
Now, let’s talk food. The Bay Horse Tavern doesn’t mess around when it comes to grub. Their pies are as hearty as they come, with fillings like steak and ale or chicken and leek.
They also whip up loaded sandwiches that could put any meal to shame (the salt beef sandwich is a standout). And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, their grazing boards are perfect for sharing with mates.
| Pro tip: Pop by for their midweek deals, their pie and pint combo is a no-brainer for under £10. |
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 everything you’d expect from a Northern Quarter gem: quirky, intimate, and bursting with personality. Their menu packs a punch, with options that cater to every craving.
From crispy buttermilk chicken burgers to loaded fries drowning in cheese and gravy, it’s unapologetically indulgent. Veggies and vegans aren’t left out either—their plant-based options are just as satisfying.
And let’s not forget their cocktails—playful, expertly mixed, and dangerously moreish. What makes Croft NQ special is its unpretentious charm.
| Pro tip: Order their signature loaded fries. Trust us, they’re worth every calorie. |
The Alchemist New York Street
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Address: 3 Hardman St
Contact Details: +44 161 817 2950
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Wed 8AM-12AM
- Thurs – Fri 8AM-2AM
- Sat 10AM-2AM
- Sun 10AM-11PM
Pricing: £££
The Alchemist New York Street is where science meets your pint—literally. This chic spot takes cocktail crafting to theatrical levels, with drinks that smoke, bubble, and fizz like a GCSE chemistry experiment gone deliciously right.
The menu isn’t just about the booze, though. They’ve got a full lineup of international dishes that go way beyond typical pub fare. Think crispy Korean BBQ wings, katsu curry, or their famous Beer Battered Fish & Chips (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).
You’ll also find plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, so no one has to sit this one out.
Inside, it’s all moody lighting, shiny brass, and a buzzing atmosphere. And when your drink arrives in a puff of smoke? Well, that’s the Instagram shot sorted.
| Pro tip: Try the Colour Changing One, it’s their most famous cocktail for a reason. |
The Old Nags Head
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Address: 19 Jackson’s Row
Contact details: +44 161 832 4315
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-12AM
Pricing: ££
The Old Nags Head is what happens when you mix proper Mancunian charm with a dash of football fanaticism and top it off with a cracking pint.
Tucked away just off Deansgate, this historic pub has been a favourite for decades, drawing in everyone from locals to tourists who’ve heard of its legendary status. Spread across several floors, the pub has something for everyone.
Downstairs, it’s all about pints and banter, while the upstairs karaoke bar promises a good laugh (or a cringe-worthy singalong if you’re brave enough). It’s also a hotspot for match days, with big screens and an electric atmosphere that’ll have you chanting along in no time.
Feeling peckish? Their food menu is a crowd-pleaser, with hearty burgers, wings, and classic pub bites that pair perfectly with a pint. And don’t forget to check out the walls—they’re covered in Manchester memorabilia, a little nod to the city’s proud heritage.
| Pro tip: Match day? Get there early to secure a good spot near the screen, it fills up fast. |
The Crafty Pig, Manchester
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Address: 4 Oldham St
Contact details: +44 161 237 9485
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Pricing: ££
Website
The Crafty Pig on Oldham Street knows how to put the ‘fun’ in funky. This is the ultimate Northern Quarter hangout for anyone who loves bold flavours, quirky vibes, and plenty of beer.
The interior is a mix of urban cool—exposed brick, industrial lighting, and colourful graffiti—and it’s got a lively, welcoming atmosphere that pulls you in the second you walk through the door.
Now, about the food. The Crafty Pig is all about indulgence.
Their loaded burgers are stacked so high they should come with a warning, and their hot dogs are unapologetically over the top (seriously, the toppings are wild). For sides, the mac ‘n’ cheese bites are an absolute must.
And if you’ve got a competitive streak, there’s shuffleboard and other games to keep you entertained while you wait for your food. The beer selection is top-notch too, with craft brews from local breweries alongside all the usual favourites.
| Pro tip: Order the Piggy Platter if you’re in a group, it’s a feast of their best bites. |
The Salisbury
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Address: 2 Wakefield St
Contact details: +44 161 273 1599
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-1AM
Pricing: ££
Website
If you like your pints with a side of rock ’n’ roll, The Salisbury is the pub for you. Just a stone’s throw from Oxford Road Station, this no-nonsense pub has been a favourite with music lovers and gig-goers for years.
Walk in, and you’ll be greeted by dark wooden interiors, a jukebox loaded with classics, and a crowd that knows their music as well as their beer. The Salisbury isn’t flashy, and that’s exactly the point. It’s all about the atmosphere and the excellent drink selection.
They’ve got a great range of ales, ciders, and craft beers, alongside all the classics you’d expect. And the best part? The prices won’t make you wince.
Food-wise, they keep it simple with snacks and nibbles, perfect for lining your stomach before a gig or a night out. But really, The Salisbury is all about the vibe—chilled out, unpretentious, and always buzzing with good energy.
| Pro tip: Check out their jukebox, it’s packed with tunes that’ll get you in the mood for whatever your night holds. |
