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Top 10 Family-Friendly Pubs in Manchester
Alright, mates! Ever find yourself hankering for a cold pint while enjoying scrumptious grub in a joint where the kiddos can let loose? Well, Manchester has spots that tick all those boxes. And not just any spots – proper homely ones where family feels right at home!
So, join us as we revisit the city’s top 10 family-friendly pubs, and get ready to find you next chill spot. Ready to hop on?
The Airport
Address: 123 Aviator Way, Manchester M90 1XY, UK
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-10PM
Contact: +44 161 498 8536
“The Airport” might have you thinking of check-ins and baggage claims, but this spot is a laid-back haven for families. Those large windows? They’re not just for decor.
They offer a grand view of planes soaring and touching down. The atmosphere inside buzzes with excitement as kids marvel at the aviation display while you chill with a refreshing brew in hand.
Their culinary delights span from crispy fish and chips to melt-in-the-mouth pies, ensuring both youngsters and adults leave with satisfied bellies. This place ensures everyone in the family heads home, raving about more than just the planes!
| Pro tip: Give the bangers and mash a go when you swing by. With sausages that have just the right amount of sizzle and a mountain of mash drenched in a hearty onion gravy, it’s comfort on a plate. |
Puss In Boots
Address: 147 Nangreave Rd, Stockport SK2 6DG, UK
Opening Hours:
- Sun – Wed 11:30AM-10:30PM
- Thurs – Sat 11:30AM-11:30PM
Contact: +44 161 483 4613
Oh, “Puss In Boots”? Absolute diamond of a pub, this one. It’s got that old-school charm with a smack of family-friendly fun. On a sunny day, the garden area is where you’ll want to plonk yourself – perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
Inside, it’s like a big warm hug, perfect when the Manchester drizzle does its thing. Their scran will take you from a proper British nosh to some clever new twists that’ll have you chatting about it for days.
And don’t get me started on the desserts – the chocolate lava cake is a legend around these parts. It’s a gooey, melty, choccy delight that’ll make you want to skip straight to the sweet stuff. Trust us, it’s that good!
| Pro tip: When there’s a nip in the air and you’re looking for something to warm your cockles, reach for their hot mulled wine. It’s like a snug blanket in liquid form, with spices that tickle your nose and a warmth that settles in your soul. |
The Woodhouse Gardens
Address: 13 Medlock Rd, Woodhouses, Manchester M35 9WN, UK
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM
Contact: +44 161 688 4910
Head over to Woodhouses, and you’ll come across “The Woodhouse Gardens” – it’s like a little retreat from the buzz. You’ve got greenery as far as the eye can see, bird tunes for a soundtrack, and kiddos running about with the biggest grins on their faces.
It’s like Manchester’s own secret garden, innit? Pull up a chair indoors and you’ve got all this cosy, rustic charm around you.
Prefer the great outdoors (outdoor activities manchester)? Nab a table outside and bask in the sunshine while you eat. As for the grub, it’s spot on – from burgers that’ll have you undoing a button to pastas that might just transport you to Italy.
| Pro tip: Drop in for their afternoon tea and you’re in for a charmer. It’s the ideal setup for a laid-back weekend gab with your mates or a cosy family treat. |
The Black Swan, Hollins Green
Address: Manchester Rd, Hollins Green, Warrington WA3 6LA, UK
Opening Hours:
- Sun – Thurs 12PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-11PM
Contact: +44 161 222 4444
“The Black Swan,” now that’s a proper local. It’s where yarns are spun, and pints are nursed – all against a backdrop of proper tasty food and a crackling, good vibe.
With its beams and bricks oozing character, and a team so friendly you’ll feel like a regular in no time, it’s pure Manchester through and through. Got the littluns in tow? They’ve got the run of a garden that’s more like a mini park, so you can let them loose while you take a breather.
And the food – oh, it’s the stuff of Sunday roasts and then some. Good, honest British grub that’ll fill you up and make the banter even better. It’s where a meal feels like a feast, and every laugh is shared with the whole room.
| Pro tip: When you drop in, don’t miss out on their ale selection. It’s the real deal for any beer aficionado. Match it with their celebrated steak pie, packed with tender meat and encased in flaky pastry, and you’ve got yourself a match made in pub heaven. |
The Saracens Head, Warburton
Address: Paddock Ln, Warburton, Lymm WA13 9TH, UK
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-9PM
Contact: +44 1925 755204
Tucked away in Warburton, you’ll find The Saracens Head, and it’s like stepping into a postcard from ye olde England. The place is chock-full of character, what with its ancient beams and fires that crackle away come wintertime, giving off that toasty glow.
It’s the kind of pub where families are part of the furniture – grandparents, parents, and kids, they’ve all been here. And it’s still the go-to for a bit of family time.
Little ones get their own space to go bananas in the play area, while the adults get down to the serious business of working their way through a menu that’s all about local produce and proper flavours.
| Pro tip: Swing by on a Sunday and you’re in for a real treat – their Sunday roast is the stuff of local legend. Tender, juicy cuts of meat, roasties done to a crispy turn, and all the trimmings you can dream of, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. |
The Beach, Rochdale
Address: 487 Rochdale Rd, Royton, Oldham OL2 5RY, UK
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Contact: +44 1706 847451
Right, “The Beach” in Rochdale – don’t get your swimwear in a twist, we’re not talking about tides and sandcastles here. But let me tell you, it’s a splash when it comes to family fun. It’s got a buzz about it that’s as lively as any seaside spot.
Space? Loads of it. Whether you’re after a spot in the sun or a cosy corner inside, they’ve got you covered.
And the menu’s a belter – it’s got everything from your pub classics to dishes with a bit of pizzazz. So whether you’ve got the taste buds of an explorer or you’re all about those tried-and-tested favourites, you’re sorted here.
| Pro tip: Their seafood platter is an absolute must-try. Fresh and packed with flavour, it’s a seaside treat in the heart of Manchester. |
Railway Inn, Mobberley
Address: Station Rd, Mobberley, Knutsford WA16 7QZ, UK
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Sat 12PM-10PM
- Sun 12PM-9PM
Contact: +44 1565 873537
The Railway Inn, a stone’s throw from Mobberley’s clattering tracks, is where history and present-day pleasures meet. This is where families find that sweet spot of relaxation as kids dash off to the outdoor playground, complete with slides and swings to burn off that youthful energy.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a menu that’s as diverse as the clientele it attracts. From hearty, meaty favourites that have stood the test of time to contemporary dishes that reflect the changing palates, there’s something on offer for every member of the family.
The Railway Inn stands as a testament to the perfect family meal out – good food, happy kids, and the kind of hospitality that keeps the locals, and not just the trains, coming back time and again.
| Pro tip: The lamb shank here, let me tell you, is a thing of beauty. Slow-cooked until it’s so tender it practically swoons off the bone. |
The George and Dragon, Glazebury
Address: 100 Warrington Rd, Glazebury, Warrington WA3 5NT, UK
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Fri 11AM-10PM
- Sat – Sun 10AM-10PM
Contact: +44 1925 382056
The George and Dragon down in Glazebury is not your run-of-the-mill pub, it’s a bit of a local legend. Just one look at that cracking exterior and you know you’re in for a treat.
Inside, it’s all about that cosy vibe with a roaring fire, chunky wooden beams, and a team that’s as friendly as they come. Pop in for a swift half or get the whole clan round for a proper feast, this spot’s got the lot.
It’s the kind of place where you end up nattering with the regulars and before you know it, you’re part of the furniture. Good times guaranteed, with food and drink to match – that’s The George and Dragon for you.
| Pro tip: The Ploughman’s lunch here is legendary. Fresh, hearty, and brimming with local produce – it’s the perfect mid-day treat. |
The Bulls Head, Sale
Address: 84 Cross St, Sale M33 7HF, UK
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Thurs 11AM-11:30PM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-2:30AM
- Sun 12PM-11:30PM
Contact: +44 161 976 5356
Step into The Bulls Head in Sale, and it’s like you’ve stumbled into a little gem where the olden golds meet a lick of the new. There’s a charm about the place, what with all the exposed brickwork that tells a story and quirky bits that’ll catch your eye and make you smile.
The vibe? Imagine the warmth of your best mate’s living room, if your mate had a knack for interior design. Now, the space — it’s got bags of it.
Kids can do their thing, playing knights and princesses without knocking over someone’s pint. And the grub, oh the grub! It’s like a greatest hits album of British food — every bite’s a classic. So, tuck into a feast that’ll make you want to shake the chef’s hand.
| Pro tip: Their steak and kidney pudding is a triumph, really. One forkful of this savoury delight and you’ll understand why it’s a dish that commands respect – it’s British comfort food at its very best. |
Little Manor, Thelwall
Address: Bell Ln, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2SU, UK
Opening Hours:
- Mon – Sat 11AM-11PM
- Sun 11AM-10:30PM
Contact: +44 1925 267904
Stroll into Little Manor in Thelwall, and it’s like you’ve been whisked away to a countryside retreat smack bang in the middle of village life. It’s draped in greenery and brimming with character; you can feel the stories oozing from its ivy-clad walls.
The atmosphere here? It’s the ultimate British pub vibe with a twist. Think of it as your favourite aunty’s house: familiar and full of love, but with a menu that keeps up with the times.
They’ve got room to spare, so your nippers can scamper about freely, making new pals or exploring the gardens, while you sink into a plush seat and let the world drift by.
Their menu is a smashing parade of British culinary delights with a modern twist. Whether it’s a chargrilled steak you fancy or a vegan special that catches your eye, every dish is a conversation starter.
| Pro tip: Their Sunday roast is the talk of the town. With veg roasted to perfection and meats that fall off the fork, it’s the kind of meal that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left. |
