Categories > Other Services
The 5 Best Pubs in Manchester
How We Picked
1. Ape and Apple
Product and Services: Beers, Food
Website: https://www.joseph-holt.com/pubs/ape-and-apple
Address: 28-30 John Dalton St, Manchester M2 6HQ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 839 9624
Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.2/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.2/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.2/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Range of Beverages | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Good location
- Cozy interiors
- Offers live entertainment and shows
- Wide range of food and drinks
- Offers promotions
Cons
- May take some time to serve your order
One of the best things about Ape and Apple is their location. Since they are at the heart of John Dalton Street, you will have no issues finding their pub.
We like that their interior is light and spacious. Moreover, we adore that they also have tables on their rooftop terrace, where customers will get a beautiful view of the city.
As for those looking for entertainment, we are happy to share that they have live music. Aside from this, they also host Manchester’s longest-running free comedy club every Wednesday.
Regarding their menu, we are also pleased with the wide selection of food and drinks. They serve pub classics such as fish and chips, cheese and onion pie, firecracker chicken, and more.
Aside from beer, they also have their own extensive wine menu. This is why we believe that they will make a suitable venue for ladies’ night.
Furthermore, they also have a promo where you will get the entire bottle for free when you buy two glasses of wine. Remember that this promo does not include champagne – nevertheless, we think this is a good deal.
Our only concern is that there have been multiple reports where customers waited for a long for their order to be ready. According to some customers, it took more than 40 minutes for them to be served.
2. The Bay Horse Tavern
Products and Services: Bottomless Brunch, Events
Website: https://thebayhorsetavern.co.uk/
Address: 35-37 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 669 5799
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Google Reviews Score | 4.3/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Range of Beverages | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Moden approach to a Victorian pub
- Accessible location
- Offers bottomless brunches on weekends
- Wide selection of food and drinks
Cons
- Kids are not allowed after 7:00 pm
If you are in the mood for a Victorian pub, then you may consider The Bay Horse Tavern. They are known for having a modern approach to the classical tavern vibe.
Since it is located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, you will have no issues finding them. Just keep in mind that finding a parking spot can be tricky, especially during peak hours.
We also like that they have relaxed and cosy interiors. This is why we recommend this to those who want to have a nice and quiet brunch.
Speaking of brunch, they offer bottomless drinks on weekends from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Along with this comes a wide selection of food items such as sandwiches, toast, eggs benedict, and more.
When it comes to their regular menu, we are impressed with their wide selection of food. Here, they have eight types of food: starters, main, grill, pies, salad, sandwiches, sides, and desserts.
With all of these, anyone will indeed find a dish that will satisfy their appetite. For this reason, we suggest this to those planning to dine in big groups.
On top of all this, we want to remind you that children are not allowed after 7:00 pm here. Unfortunately, there are instances where the staff members accepted reservations without clarifying this with the guests.
3. Waldorf
Products and Services: Drinks, Food, Live Sports, Events
Website: https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/
Address: 12 Gore St, Manchester M1 3AQ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 235 5286
Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
Google Reviews Score | 4.3/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.7/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Location | 4/5 |
Range of Beverages | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Good for watching sports events
- Convenient reservation
- Has a wide range of food and drinks
- Offers low alcohol and no alcohol beverages
Cons
- Crowd may get rowdy
Many people go to pubs to watch sports with other guests. If you are this type of person, you will indeed have fun at Waldorf.
Here, diners gather to enjoy a live feed of major sporting events such as football, rugby, and horse racing. Just remember to book early, as the tables run out quickly whenever a big game comes up.
Thankfully, all you need to do to book a table is fill out a quick form on their website. Alternatively, you may call their customer service, and someone will pick up the phone immediately.
On the day of your reservation, you will choose your order from an extensive menu where there are a lot of choices. They have all the classics, such as wings, burgers, pies, pasta, and more.
When it comes to drinks, you will also not be disappointed as there are many liquor options here. They have vodka, tequila, whiskey, brandy, and gin.
On top of that, they also have a commendable variety of cocktails. As for those who want to keep it light, we are happy to share that they also have low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
Just remember that the crowd here may get rowdy, especially during heated moments of the game. So if you are looking for peace and quiet, it would be best to do so elsewhere.
4. The Wharf
Products and Services: Drinks, Food, Events
Website: https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/thewharf/
Address: The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 507 4240
Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Range of Beverages | 5/5 |
Rates | 4/5 |
Customer Service | 5/5 |
Pros
- Easy to locate
- Peaceful and quiet
- Has many spots where guests can chill
- Wide range of food and drinks
Cons
- More expensive compared to other pubs
The Wharf is a pub in a large building that is hard to miss. However, we like that they are also located in a convenient spot where guests can easily drop by whenever they want a good time over food and drinks.
The sizeable establishment may be overwhelming for some, but there are numerous intimate rooms and nooks where you chill. We also like that these areas give the guests a feeling of privacy even though they are in an open space.
However, if you are looking for an authentic pub experience, you should head downstairs. There, they have cask ales, forty gins, and fifty malts available for you.
If you want to move the party to a quieter spot, you may move upstairs, where there is full table service. There is also a large terrace with a beautiful view where you can eat seasonal dishes their chef prepares.
As for the rest of their menu, we are happy to share that they have something for everyone here. Aside from their main daily menu, they also have children’s and gluten-free menus.
On top of this, we were also impressed with the selection of drinks on their wine menu. They have white, red, rosé, sparkling water, and champagne.
Indeed, there is nothing to complain about with the services of The Wharf. Our only concern is that they are significantly more expensive than other pubs that made it to this list.
But if you are willing to pay extra for such excellent service, we suggest you go for it!
5. The Old Wellington
Services: Food, Drinks, Takeaway, Events
Website: https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/
Address: 4 Cathedral Gates, Greater, Manchester M3 1SW, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 161 839 5179
Operating Hours: Sunday: 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM
Google Reviews Score | 4.4/5 |
Score Consistency | 4/5 |
Location | 5/5 |
Range of Beverages | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Customer Service | 4/5 |
Pros
- Established in 1552
- Historical location
- Good for big groups of guests
- Delicious food
- Good variety of drinks
Cons
- Does not play background music
The Old Wellington was established in 1552, making it one of the oldest running food and beverage businesses in the area. It has a long history of giving locals and tourists a good time.
They are strategically located at Cathedral Gates, where you can easily spot them. We also like that they are accessible through both public and private transportation.
Aside from this, they also have a spacious interior that allows them to host big crowds. With this, we highly suggest them to guests who intend to come in big groups.
This is echoed by their regulars, who shared that they come here for corporate events and family occasions. They also gave us a tip that we should book early if we want to secure the reservation since tables here are in demand.
As for their food, you can tell they have spent years perfecting their flavours. So, they have a good variety of food that is loved by their customers.
Their drinks are also commendable. Here, their most popular offerings are the drinks from their extensive whisky range.
On top of this, we also give them plus points for their alcohol-free options. So, overall, we are happy with the services of The Old Wellington.
The only downside is that they do not play music here, which is something that has been bothering their guests for a long time.