Grab your mates, loosen that tie, and leave your worries at the door! We’re about to embark on a laid-back expedition through the heart and soul of Didsbury’s pub scene.

Whether you’re a local in the know or a visitor seeking the authentic Manchester experience, these pubs are about to become your new favourite hideaways. Let the good times roll!

1. 1UP

Services: Bar, pub, restaurant, arcade

Website: https://1updids.com/

Address: 657 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 7864 024119

Operating Hours:

Monday Closed

Tuesday 5–11 PM

Wednesday 5–11 PM

Thursday 5–11 PM

Friday   5 PM–12 AM

Saturday 12 PM–12 AM

Sunday 12–10 PM

If you’re on the lookout for an arcade-style restaurant that’s different from your usual Friday night drinks, 1UP might just be the one for you.

First off, let’s talk about vibes. The moment you step in, it’s like entering a gamer’s dream den. 

We love that they have dim lighting, neon accents, and a symphony of game sounds in the background – it’s like they ripped the atmosphere straight out of your favourite RPG. 

Now, about the real MVPs: the games. 1UP has a stacked library, ranging from retro classics to the latest releases. You name it; they’ve got it.

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Furthermore, if you’re a tabletop geek, they’ve got a collection that could rival a wizard’s spellbook.

That said, we do have to mention that their slots can be limited especially during the weekends. We recommend booking in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.

Another thing we think patrons should know is that their menu isn’t available on their website.

So, if you have any food preferences you may need to let them know once you’re there, which might be a bit inconvenient

Despite these cons to them, many of the patrons we’ve spoken with described 1UP as more of a gathering spot for like-minded gamers than just a pub—and that’s why they still deserve a spot on our list.

2. Expo Lounge 

Services: Bar, pub, restaurant 

Website: https://thelounges.co.uk/expo/

Address: 766 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2DR 

Contact Details: +44 161 448 2141

Operating Hours:

Monday 9 AM–11 PM

Tuesday 9 AM–11 PM

Wednesday 9 AM–11 PM

Thursday 9 AM–11 PM

Friday           9 AM–11 PM

Saturday 9 AM–11 PM

Sunday 9 AM–11 PM

Expo Lounge is a hidden gem located along Wilmslow road that’s not just your average pub – it’s a foodie’s paradise with a heart!

The first thing that we love about them is their extensive menu. Holy moly, they’ve got a food selection that can cater to every craving imaginable. 

Whether you’re into hearty pub classics, trendy bites, or veggie delights, they’ve got it all covered.

That said, we think that the diversity of their menu means that those with preferences or allergies won’t feel left out during your social gatherings.

Furthermore, it’s not just about what they offer; it’s also about how they handle the customers within their place.

Based on our interviews with some of their regulars, their staff is well-versed on their offerings and are more than happy to provide recommendations for first-timers.

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Even so, we do have to mention some cons to them. For one, there are records of slow service especially during peak hours.

Another complaint that we’ve gotten from some of their customers is the lack of the overall available seating space. In our opinion, this can be a bit inconvenient during holidays and weekends since it might ruin the entire dining experience.

Despite these cons, though, we still think that foodies will love the Expo Lounge. Just make sure to plan ahead of time to get the most out of the dining experience.

3. Reasons to be Cheerful

Services: Bar, pub, restaurant 

Website: https://www.reasonsbeercafe.co.uk/

Address: 228 Fog Ln, Manchester M20 6EL, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 425 9678

Operating Hours:

Monday Closed

Tuesday 4–10 PM

Wednesday 4–10 PM

Thursday 4–10 PM

Friday           4–11 PM

Saturday 2–11 PM

Sunday 2–10 PM

At Reasons to be Cheerful, it feels like a warm welcome. The soft lighting, soothing tunes, good vibes, and an ambience whispers peace. 

This small beer pub might be modest in size, but let us tell you, it’s a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.

Now, let’s talk about beer. The selection might not be pages long, but it’s carefully curated. They offer craft beers, local brews, and hidden gems that the bartender will happily enlighten you about. 

For us, even though it’s a smaller pub with a limited number of staff, their cosy atmosphere makes the entire dining experience worth your while.

Another thing that we love about them is their friendly staff. Most of the regulars we’ve talked to have praised their server’s attention to detail and welcoming atmosphere every time they visit.

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What we’re a bit iffy about is their payment methods. From our research, we’ve found that you can’t pay with cash.

We think that this makes it a tad inconvenient and might deter those who prefer to pay with their pounds and peas.

Nonetheless, we still think that it’s a place where you can unwind with a book or have an intimate chat with a friend without feeling like sharing your moment with the whole world.

If you’re in the mood for a beer in a place that feels like a gentle exhale, Reasons To Be Cheerful is your spot. Cheers to simplicity, peace, and the perfect pint!

4. The Wishing Well

Services: Bar, pub, restaurant 

Website: https://www.thewishingwell.pub

Address: 1d School Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6SA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 399 0742

Operating Hours:

Monday 12 PM–12 AM

Tuesday 12 PM–12 AM

Wednesday 12 PM–12 AM

Thursday 12 PM–12 AM

Friday           12 PM–12 AM

Saturday 12 PM–12 AM

Sunday 12 PM–12 AM

The Wishing Well is a place where modern and classical come together. Their interiors are reminiscent of an old church which makes the dining experience much more interesting in our opinion.

Let’s start with their menu, they serve food à la carte style, allowing patrons  to choose and order individual items. We like how this makes room for flexibility and more focus on the client’s preferred food.

We also think it’s interesting that they have a completely different menu for Sundays. So when you feel like straying from the usual, or having your usual Sunday roasts, more options come around during that time!

Private dining is also one of the features that we love about this place. Whether it’s a celebration or just a fancy dinner for two, The Wishing Well has got you covered. 

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Another thing we appreciate is that during Holidays and special occasions, their interiors are decorated to match the season which most of their customers enjoy according to our interviews.

Plus, we love that reservations can be easily done via their website which makes dining and planning easier.

We just find it a bit unfortunate to hear that the service may take more time than usual on busier days, which can affect the overall experience. But, from what we’ve seen, this depends on the amount of reservations they get.

All things considered, we appreciate that The Wishing Well is the kind of place that thinks of everything so you don’t have to. It’s comfort, convenience, and a darn good time all rolled into one. 

5. Slug & Lettuce – Didsbury

Services: Bar, pub, restaurant 

Website: https://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk/didsbury

Address:  651 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6QZ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 434 1011

Operating Hours:

Monday 12–11 PM

Tuesday 12–11 PM

Wednesday 12–11 PM

Thursday 12–11 PM

Friday           12 PM–12:30 AM

Saturday 10 AM–12:30 AM

Sunday 10 AM–11 PM

Slug & Lettuce is a place that shines because of inclusivity! It’s where everybody is welcome, especially the LGBTQ+ community.

We also love that the vibes and overall atmosphere here is both upbeat and welcoming. From what we’ve seen, they host a lot of events from drag shows to live music on a regular basis.

Speaking of the menu, they provide a wide variety of foods everyone could wish for, including vegan, veggie, non-gluten-containing options and even a children’s menu which is a big plus in our books!

As for their drink selections, we’re also impressed to find that they have a wide range of offerings. From “boujee cocktails” to “delish dishes”, everything stands out due to the endless amounts of colourful nosh and drinks you can choose from.

Not only that, they also have limited time menus for seasonal events and special event reservations which makes them a great place to celebrate holidays and events. 

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On the flipside, we do have to mention that their prices are on the expensive side. £5.15 for a pint of Shandy cocktail is quite too much for our taste.

However, based on our interviews with their regulars, a lot of them were pleased with the price range since the overall experience is well worth it.

Another thing we should mention is that the service is a bit slower compared to other establishments. In our opinion this may be due to the regular events that keep the place packed full with people.

Nonetheless, Slug & Lettuce offers an enjoyable experience, making us feel like every visit feels like a celebration!

FAQs about Pubs in Didsbury