Categories > Guides and Tips
The Top 10 Pubs Showing Rugby in Manchester (And What to Expect!)
- The Best Rugby Pubs in Manchester
- Northern Quarter
- Tib Street Tavern
- The Lass O’Gowrie
- City Centre
- The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes
- The Director’s Box
- The Waldorf
- Walkabout
- O’Shea’s Irish Bar
- The Bierkeller
- Deansgate
- Mulligans
- The Sawyer’s Arms
- What to Expect on Match Day
- Crowd Vibe
- Food and Drink Offerings
- When to Arrive
- Tips for Rugby Fans Visiting Manchester
- How to Get Around in Manchester
- Metrolink
- Where to Buy Official Merch in Manchester
As a sports fan, watching a rugby game with my mates or fellow supporters is a scrumming good time! It’s not like I could go to every single game in the stadium—because if my wallet could, I would.
The better alternative is watching in a pub, with fellow fans while holding a cold pint in one hand and a burger in the other. It’s the second-best way, really, because of the lively atmosphere and good food.
If you’re tired of watching rugby at home, check out these pubs that show live sports viewings in Manchester and enjoy good beer and loud cheers!
The Best Rugby Pubs in Manchester
Northern Quarter
Tib Street Tavern
Media credit: tibstreettavern
Address: 74 Tib St
Contact: 0161 834 1600
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: ££
Website
Tib Street Tavern is the kind of place you take your best mates to in the Northern Quarter. Sure, it’s small, but that’s part of its charm, as it somehow brings a sense of community, especially when sports are on.
It’s got a refined pub style with a good number of well-placed tellies to watch rugby. The layout creates a warm atmosphere that feels like you’re watching with your mates, even when you don’t know anyone.
The burger with chips and a pint combo? Flavourful and perfect for watching sports.
Pro Tip:
When there’s a game on, arrive early to get a table. It gets really busy here, so there’s a high chance you won’t find a seat if you arrive late.
The Lass O’Gowrie
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Address: 36 Charles St
Contact: 0161 393 6750
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
Located on the corner of Charles Street and Pritchard Street, The Lass O’Gowrie is a dog-friendly traditional real ale pub that will catch your eye. The stunning exterior with its red and orange tiles and hanging plants makes it easy to spot.
It’s also easy to fall in love with it as soon as you set foot inside. Its brick walls, green ceiling, and soft lighting make it cosy and inviting. Sky Sports and TNT Sports are on the big tellies, so you won’t miss live sports while enjoying a pint.
Real ale drinkers will have a blast here. There’s a variety of cask ales, as well as wines and non-alcoholic options. As for the food, there are plenty of gluten-free options, like the Halloumi and Chilli Jam Ciabatta for a salty and spicy meal.
Pro Tip:
While the pub is dog-friendly, it can be a bit of a squeeze on match days. Avoid bringing your pooch to watch rugby here since the noise can stress them out, and be considerate of other guests.
City Centre
The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes
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Address: 2 Mount St
Contact: 0161 839 0557
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
Tucked in a Grade II-listed building, The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes is a stunning pub that has a sophisticated and refined decor. The posh design elevates the whole experience without alienating anyone.
It’s the proper pub to watch sports in, and by that, we mean not just rugby. All sporting events they show on TV are listed on their website, making certain you won’t miss a game!
The drinks are just as refined as the decor, including corkers, cocktails, and low-alcohol alternatives. When it comes to the burgers, they’re packed with flavours, with patties that are cooked with the right balance of spices.
Pro Tip:
Head there early or book a reservation to get the table with the best view of the TVs. It gets quite busy on certain nights, especially when a game is on.
The Director’s Box
Media credit: directors_box_manchester
Address: 37 Booth St
Contact: 0161 870 6283
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Friday -Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am
If you’re searching for a pub that’s not at all poky, The Director’s Box is exactly where you need to be! It has plenty of space to walk in and has loads of screens, so it doesn’t feel like everyone’s shoehorned into a tiny space (even during intense matches).
It’s the absolute place to watch sports because when there’s a live game, you can watch it here! The best part? You can book a table ahead of time, perfect for large groups.
And with a diverse menu, it’s easy to pick something to eat. We enjoyed the tender Tandoori Chicken that comes with Peppadew pepper sauce, as well as the East Cheesy pizza, which has a sourdough base and is stone-baked.
Pro Tip:
For an evening pop-in, wear a smart casual outfit, and avoid sportswear. They have a dress code after 6 pm.
The Waldorf
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Address: 12 Gore St
Contact: 0161 235 5286
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 1 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 11 pm
The Waldorf, a dog-friendly pub, will do nicely when you want to watch a game after work. It’s only a couple of minutes from Picadilly Station, and it has traditional pub decor that’s cosy and inviting, just what you need when you’re cheering for England!
It’s easy to watch rugby because of the full HD TVs, which are well-placed, by the way. On game-free nights, you can join the chess club on Wednesdays or listen to live music on Fridays.
It knows how to cook pub grub the right way! Start with the Doner King Nachos for Doritos, smothered with chicken and beef. Watching the game isn’t complete without a proper burger with juicy beef and streaky bacon, like The Beefy Blue.
Pro Tip:
On weekdays until 4 pm, you can get a free soda with your lunch order. But when the game’s on, it’s worth adding £1.50 for a draft beer.
Walkabout
Media credit: walkaboutprintworks
Address: 27 Withy Grove
Contact: 0161 672 4660
Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Wednesday – Thursday: 12 pm – 2 am
- Friday: 12 pm – 3 am
- Saturday: 11 am – 3 am
The Walkabout in Printworks is all about a proper night out. This pub is buzzing with energy, especially when rugby is on. The HD tellies are positioned right where they should be for everyone to watch.
The menu is made for rugby matches, too. If you’re coming with your mate or partner, the Matchday Platter is right up your street, as it’s made for two people. You can munch on chicken wings, karaage-coated chicken, onion rings, nachos, and more!
Pro Tip:
Book your reservation on game day because it gets busy. This way, there’s no waiting for a table to clear.
O’Shea’s Irish Bar
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Address: 80 Princess St
Contact: 0161 236 3906
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 1 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 11 pm
Since 1994, O’Shea’s Irish Bar has been serving good beer and good craic in Manchester. It’s one of the best places to get beer on tap, especially if you love a smooth and creamy glass of Guinness.
This pub bleeds sports. It’s the place to watch live rugby, as it has five tellies and a comfortable atmosphere, but lively when it needs to be. Even the menu is perfect for watching sports, since you get delicious food while watching your team win (hopefully!).
Pro Tip:
Check out their Instagram for live sports viewings. They frequently post match days, so you know when to go to the pub.
The Bierkeller
Media credit: manchesterbierkeller
Address: The Printworks, Withy Grove
Contact: 0800 0548 179, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Friday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Saturday: 11 am – 3 pm
Hours are subject to change depending on the season
If you want to watch rugby in a pub that’s roaring with cheers, The Bierkeller is well worth a look. It has three venues in one place for every occasion, including the Shooters Bar, which is a buzzing spot for live sports.
A big projector, LED tellies, massive pints, German beers, plenty of seating, long tables, and just all-around high energy make this pub one of the best places to watch rugby in Manchester.
Food-wise, there’s no going hungry here. The Traditional Bratwurst and a cold pint is the best pairing! Although if you’re popping in with your mates, the Früh Kölsch Mini Keg is a proper treat!
Pro Tip:
Contact the staff because their opening hours change during live sports.
Deansgate
Mulligans
Media credit: mulligansmcr
Address: 12 Southgate
Contact: 0161 832 9233, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 11 am – 11 pm
- Wednesday: 11 am – 12 am
- Thursday: 11 am – 1 am
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 12 am
Pricing: £
Website
Mulligans of Deansgate is a beloved Irish pub for proper craic. Talk to any Mancunian and they’ve probably been here at least once in their life, given it’s the oldest Irish pub in the city!
There’s a reason why this is a local gem. The atmosphere is fantastic, with Irish tunes, friendly staff, and overall good energy. And when it’s game day, you’ll be buzzing with delight watching your team on all the screens.
They pull fantastic Guinness here, served cold with a little dome head just above the rim—exactly how it should be. It’s spot on for a pint and rugby!
Pro Tip:
Mulligans get busy, so arrive early if you want to get a good table. On special days/occasions, there’s sometimes a line at the door!
The Sawyer’s Arms
Media credit: sawyersarmsmanchester
Address: 138 Deansgate
Contact: 0161 834 2133
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 am – 11 pm
- Thursday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Friday: 11:30 am – 12 am
- Saturday: 10 am – 12 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm
The Sawyer’s Arms is a pub in Manchester that’s stunning both inside and outside, with a quintessentially British character. It’s tucked in an architecturally beautiful building that has operated as a pub since the 1700s.
Rugby season hits differently when you have quality beer in hand. This Deansgate pub has a selection of continuously changing cask ales from UK regions, served with gentle foams.
Don’t leave without trying out their famous pie. The British Steak and Nicholson’s Pale Ale Pie is popular and an award winner, and for a reason! The tender beef, rich gravy, and all the flaky goodness just go perfectly together!
Pro Tip:
On days when rugby is on, arrive early to get a table and order a pie before they sell out!
What to Expect on Match Day
Crowd Vibe
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Expect a wild crowd on match days. Guests will be lively, excited, and full of energy, even when the pub is usually relaxed—the vibe shifts when the telly is on!
Pubs will be busy and teeming with people. Anticipate chanting and cheering, just like when you’re in the stadium, but in a smaller space.
Most show support by donning team kits and colours. It’ll also be noisy, so avoid bringing your furry friends even if the pub is pet-friendly. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, go to quiet places that don’t have a lot of people.
Food and Drink Offerings
Media credit: directors_box_manchester
Some pubs in Manchester will offer special deals on food and drinks on fixture days. There might be promotions or discounts, but it will still depend on the pub.
These places will offer the classic pub fare, like fish and chips. Many kinds of alcoholic beverages will be on the menu, with some pubs offering non-alcoholic or low-alcohol alternatives.
When to Arrive
Media credit: tibstreettavern
Arrive at the pub at least one hour before kick-off or book a reservation to guarantee a table. If you get there early, you might even find the seat with the best view of the telly and order food ahead of time.
But if you turn up late, there’s a massive chance you won’t get in. The place will be packed, and most, if not all, people are there to watch the match, so there likely won’t be available seating until after the match.
Tips for Rugby Fans Visiting Manchester
How to Get Around in Manchester
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Knowing how the transport system of Manchester works is something you should know. It wouldn’t be wise to rent a car if you’re going to a game because traffic and finding a parking spot would be a total nightmare.
But if you plan on watching a live game at the stadium, try to stay at a hotel near the stadium or somewhere close to a railway station (Piccadilly Station is centrally located), just to make getting home a lot easier.
Metrolink
The Metrolink is Greater Manchester’s tram system, which can conveniently take you to major railways and tourist spots all around the city. You can purchase tickets at various ticketing offices or get a travel card (available to use for multiple days).
Contactless payment works, too. Just tap your card (Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro) or phone at the card reader to pay for the bus or tram—just make sure your card or phone is enabled for tap-and-go.
Where to Buy Official Merch in Manchester
Media credit: salesharks
Aside from online shops, you can purchase official merchandise from official retailers in the city. For instance, the Sales Sharks sell their merch at the Macron Club Shop in Bury, north of the city centre.
Sports stores all around the city may also sell merch, although it depends on availability. Sports Direct and JD Sports are worth checking out since they sell rugby shirts.
