Become the group GOAT by suggesting one of these Manchester pubs on your next crawl

Finding a new local is an important, potentially life-altering decision - you've abandoned a classic in search of a new love, and the choice you land on may dictate nights out for years to come. Whether you've embarked on that journey or need a wildcard to spice up your next night in town, we know how overwhelming the Manchester pub scene can be. To make things easier, we've compiled a list of our favourites that guarantee to impress.

We've considered it all, from sun-trap beer gardens to food you won't shut up about for weeks - trust us when we say these are the best pubs in Manchester. 

The Molly House

Image: The Molly House / GayMapper.com

Skiddle recommendation: fantastic tapas with plenty of vegan options

When: Sunday – Thursday 1pm-11pm, Saturday – Sunday 1pm-1:30am

Where: 26 Richmond St, Gay Village, M1 3NB

At the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, the Molly House flaunts two floors of plush vintage seating to satisfy your wine, craft beer and tapas cravings. This well-loved boozer sits close to many locals’ hearts - with an iconic mural of LGBTQ+ heroes and a cosy, eccentric atmosphere, people from all walks of life are not only welcomed but celebrated.

As Central Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023 and ranking on the Good Beer Guide for 2025, the Molly is nothing short of legendary. From tea and coffee to local beers and craft ales, an impressive wine list and Spanish and Latin American tapas, there really is something for everyone.

Sadler's Cat

Image: Sadler's Cat / Confidentials.com

Skiddle recommendation: base up here for a pre-gig pint

When: Monday 4pm-10pm, Tuesday – Thursday 12pm-10pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm- 12am, Sunda: 12pm- 8pm 

Where: Sadler's Yard, NOMA, M4 4AH

As Cloudwater Brew Co's community-built pub in the centre of NOMA, Sadler’s Cat, to no surprise, showcases an impressive range of craft beers. Whether you're a lover of IPA or just fancy a Diet Coke and some scampi fries in the sun, their leafy beer garden in the corner of Sadler’s Yard offers a welcome break from the buzz of the city.

On rainier days, a darts board, card games and a host of moreish bar snacks make Sadler’s the perfect hideout for you and your mates. Going alone? We suppose the bar staff aren’t bad company either, just don’t tell them we said that.

The Black Friar

Image: The Blackfriar / Theblackfriarsalford.co.uk

Skiddle recommendation: top Sunday dinner spot

When: Sunday – Monday 12pm-9pm, Tuesday – Thursday 12pm-10pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm-11pm

Where: 41-43 Blackfriars Road, Salford, M3 7DB

While technically located in Salford, not Manchester, The Black Friar deserves a spot on our list of must-gos. Established in 1886 and now the oldest surviving Boddington’s pub, there’s nowhere better to get a pint of the bitter stuff.

The food really is the star of the show at this place, with mouthwatering locally sourced produce and an array of menus spanning from barbeques to roasts, to pies to share.  A little off the beaten track, but The Blackfriar really is one of the best pubs in Manchester - or Greater Manchester, sorry Salfordians.

The Trof

Image: Trof / Northernquartermanchester.com

Skiddle recommendation: Live music sessions, Fridays from 8pm

When: Monday – Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday – Saturday 11am-1am, Sunday 11am- 12am

Where: 6-8 Thomas St, Northern Quarter, M4 1EU

Following their mini-refurb, Trof reopened its doors and is somehow better than ever. Whether you pop in for their famous quiz or the perhaps even more famous roast dinner, the warm atmosphere at this Thomas Street staple never disappoints.

An intimate dining room upstairs and a "proper pub" at street level, Trof’s fantastic chefs and bartenders make every visit worth it. As one of the most acclaimed food spots in Manchester with exciting cocktails and a playlist to Shazam your heart out to, this really is a crowd favourite. Plus, happy hour every weekday is hard to pass up.

The Angel Pub

Image: The Angel Pub / Ilovemanchester.com

Skiddle recommendation: The Angel pub quiz

When: Sunday – Thursday 12pm-11pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm-1am

Where: 6 Angel St, NOMA/Northern Quarter, M4 4BQ

The Angel pub doesn’t grace Manchester pub guides as often as it should - as one of the oldest surviving freehouses in the city, tucked away beside Angel Meadows, this wee watering hole is a true Manc icon. 

With an impressive food menu and range of cask ales that keep regulars coming back for more, the charm of The Angel lies not only in its history, with over 175 years of service, but in its loyal customer base.

The Eagle Inn

Image: The Eagle Inn / instagram.com/eagleinn

Skiddle recommendation: late-night favourite for a boogie and a bevvy

When: Monday – Thursday 3pm-12am, Friday – Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm-12am

Where: 19 Collier St, Salford, M3 7DW

The Eagle Inn is in its own lane, with an ambient Victorian interior that spans multiple rooms; there’s no shortage of space to relax. Open late week-round, it's easy to spend the whole night here. But what makes this place so special is its award-winning live music venue hidden in the back, which hosts small gigs, funky DJ sets and even theatre performances.

Another Salford hit on our list of Manchester recs - the Eagle is definitely worth it.

Port Street Beer House

Image: Port Street Beer House / Pubgallery.co.uk

Skiddle recommendation: for "the best in seasonal, modern craft beers and real ales"

When: Sunday – Friday 12pm-11pm, Saturday 12pm-12am

Where: 39-41 Port St, Northern Quarter, M1 2EQ

A stone's throw from Piccadilly, Port Street Beer House worships all things pints - if the name wasn't any indication. If you're looking for a quieter spot than Stevenson Square for some Northern Quarter people watching, Port Street is perfect. Down to earth, relaxed, friendly - this lot stick to the simple things and do them well.

Well there you have it, our picks of the best pubs in Manchester. We really had our work cut out for this one, as we truly are spoilt for choice in this fab little city.

Found your next spot for pres on this list but not sure where to go after? For clubbing, gigs, events and the lot, check out what more Manchester has to offer on Skiddle.

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