Manchester certainly has a fair few pubs, but which ones are the best? From authentic loud Irish pubs to quirky cosy pubs, football pubs, gastro pubs or even real ale pubs, Manchester's City Centre has got a plethora of great places where you're sure to find the ideal spot to chill with a couple of friends over your tipple of choice. See for yourself - check out our guide to the best pubs in Manchester's City Centre and you'll be on your way to finding your new favourite hotspot.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 9th October 2025
On the hunt for a pub in the city centre? Then pop into the Piccadilly Tavern. This top-notch boozer is home to a fabulous space, perfect for those of you seeking catch-up bevvies with pals, alongside a menu touting hearty fare and cocktails galore.
At Stables Tavern in Manchester's St John's near Aviva Studios, comfort food takes centre stage. Housed in the historic Rovers Return set from Coronation Street, this cosy pub serves up rotating local pints, homemade sausage rolls, and award-winning pies from Great North Pie Co.
With live music Thursday to Sunday and a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind over great food and drink.
The award winning Briton's Protection Pub has stood tall in Manchester since 1806! A favourite with critics and locals, it offers an incredible whiskey collection currently reaching near 300. This includes rare Scottish single malts and blends and some brilliant real bourbons, as well as what must be among the finest selection of Japanese whiskies in Manchester. Inside you will find six-conjoined rooms all of which have their own distinct personality, complete with roaring log fires - cosy.
Head over to Spinningfields haunt The Oast House for seriously cosy decor and a fantastic lineup of eats, including grilled chicken gyros, burgers and wings. If that wasn't enough, it also hosts live music every night and boasts a range of fabulous tipples.
Marble Brewery is a bit of an institution in Manchester – and The Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road is where it all began! It was the very first pub in the Marble family (which now also includes 57 Thomas Street and Marble Beer House in Chorlton), and the listed building was the site of the brewery itself until 2011. The long bar has 11 hand pulls that dispense both their own beers and selected guest ales, and there is a good selection of bottles, too.
Manchester is full to the brim of award winning pubs and The Lass O'Gowrie is no different. In the late 1800s, the part of Manchester in which the pub now stands - was known as Little Ireland - rumour has it that it's named after The Lass O'Gowrie poem. With a brilliant selection of drinks, the pub even boasts their very own beers and ales, exclusively brewed just for them!
Not many people have come to Manchester and not become acquainted with Sinclair's Oyster Bar. In the very heart of Manchester's shopping district, Sinclair's are known for their incredibly low-priced alcohol, quirky design features and Manchester history. On a rare warm Manchester afternoon the pub becomes the waterhole for the surrounding businesses. It's a must for anybody wanting to experience Manchester at its finest.
Another award-winning Manchester city centre pub, The Old Nag's Head has been a drinking favourite since 1880. Rooted in the very centre of the city, the pub serves a delicious food menu including homemade tasty snacks. There is even a video jukebox, what more can we say? If you want to escape the cold this upcoming Winter then the Old Nag's Head is a perfect sanctuary.
