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Warm Up by The Fire in These 6 Fantastic Manchester Pubs
Let’s face it, sometimes we just want that little special drinking spot that makes us look cool or classy while doing some day drinking, even as winter rolls around.
You know the one, and you can almost picture it. Safe and sound away from the biting cold outside, sitting on the comfiest (or at least not so bad) seat, the warmth of a fireplace keeping you cosy inside and out, and your favourite choice of drink in hand.
Well, you don’t have to picture it, because we found the spot! Or rather, the spots.
Manchester’s got lots of pubs scattered all around, but after doing our own pub crawl, we found the ones that are great for some winter drinking! So if you’re looking for the best and warmest pubs, read on to find out what they are!
The Briton’s Protection
Media from: @thebritonsprotection
Address: The Britons Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater Street
Phone: 0161 388 5735
Pricing: £
Operating Hours: Daily, 12 PM-12 AM
Vibes: vintage, old-fashioned, traditional, fancy
Good to know: has a beer garden, is pet-friendly
Website
Ever wanted to drink to a historic backdrop? Well, you can in The Britons Protection!
This vintage-style pub will make you feel like you’re drinking in the 1930s! They even serve their beer the good old-fashioned way, too, with serving hatchways connecting the bar to the rear rooms and traditionally hand pulling them. So you’ve got some more of that authentically vintage feel!
With its detailed and stunning interior, you can sit back and have a classy time drinking by the fireplace in one of the rear rooms. It’ll be perfect for a catch-up session with some old friends, or maybe a date with the history nut or interior designer that’s caught your eye.
Pro tip:
This pub is pet-friendly in more ways than one! The staff have some pet bowls and doggie treats available, so even your furry friends won’t feel left out.
The Black Friar
Media from: @theblackfriarsalford
Address: 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford
Phone: 0161 667 9555
Pricing: ££
Operating Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday — 12 PM-9 PM
- Friday — 12 PM-10 PM
- Saturday — 12 PM-11 PM
Vibes: rustic, cosy, get-together
Good to know: can host large events, has an outdoor area
Website
This humble little tavern-style pub is great for a gathering of any kind and with any drink! It has many different kinds of rooms for you to drink in, depending on your mood!
In the mood for some chatter with mates over beer? Their pub is great for that! Want to have a comfortably peaceful date with that special someone while sipping some wine? Their “Sanctuary” room with its cosy fireplace is perfect for just that!
No matter the occasion or the mood, you’ll enjoy the cosy atmosphere of The Black Friar, which blends traditional and modern design into a new, unique take.
Pro tip:
The Sanctuary is great for a working date/hangout too! Just remember to get yourself a table as early as possible! It can get filled up pretty quickly.
The Wharf
Media from: @wharfpub
Address: 6 Slate Wharf
Phone: 0161 507 4240
Pricing: ££
Operating Hours: Daily, 12 PM-10 PM
Vibes: laid-back, get-together, hideaway
Good to know: hosts quiz nights, is pet-friendly, has outdoor seating, has live music
Website
Water, fire, and good company. All the elements needed for a great time at The Wharf!
Not only does this waterside pub offer a good view of the nearby wharf (shocker, we know), but it also has lots of fireplaces that can warm up your mood on even the gloomiest of days. They even have a parlour-styled sitting area near one of their fireplaces where you can have a sip of wine and help yourself to a cheeseboard.
And if you want something a bit livelier? Then The Wharf’s got that too, because it holds community events, and eager patrons can join in so long as they book in advance.
Pro tip:
Some of the events that this pub holds have them offering some high-quality or rare drinks. So if you’re thirsting for something you can’t usually get, it’s best to keep yourself updated via their website and socials!
The Bay Horse Tavern
Media from: @bayhorsetavern
Address: 35-37 Thomas St
Phone: 0161 669 5799
Pricing: ££
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Thursday — 12 PM-12 AM
- Friday — 12 PM-2 AM
- Saturday — 11 AM-2 AM
- Sunday — 11 AM-12 AM
Vibes: rustic, laid-back, Victorian, homey
Good to know: has Sunday roasts, has bottomless brunch options, vegetarian- and vegan-friendly
Website
Now this is great for if you want something more low-key and chill, perfect for a slow night out with your special someone!
This tavern is comfortable all around, and we don’t mean just the seats! The Bay Horse puts a modern spin on Victorian décor, and it makes for a really cosy atmosphere. It’s why you’ll feel right at home seated at one of the tables by the fireplace.
And if you’re thinking of staying for quite awhile? They’ve got the option of ordering bottomless drinks too!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a nice cosy hangout spot on weekends, then this is the place just for that! Besides their amazing Sunday roasts, they also expand their menu to great brunch options on the weekends.
The Marble Arch
Media from: @themarblearchmcr
Address: 73 Rochdale Rd
Phone: 0161 832 5914
Pricing: £
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday-Thursday — 12 PM-10 PM
- Friday-Saturday — 12 PM-11 PM
- Sunday — 12 PM-8 PM
- Closed on Tuesday
Vibes: vintage, hideaway, homey
Good to know: has a beer garden, has Sunday roasts, has vegetarian and vegan friendly options, is pet-friendly, has quiz nights, has a smoking area
We all get that feeling once in a while, the need to just sit down near a warm fireplace with a glass of cold beer in your hand. And hey, sometimes, you need that to get away from the busyness and fast-paced city life!
Which is why The Marble Arch is perfect for that! Tucked away in the Northern Quarter, bricks and kegs make up this little pub that’s great for having a chat with your mates in a home away from home!
Whether it’s warming up by the roaring fireplace or going for a quick smoke in the garden, you’ll find yourself spending hours with your mates and some hand-pulled beers.
Pro tip:
Compared to most other pubs, the beer garden here is hidden away a bit more, so the beer garden entrance might not be immediately obvious. It might take a bit before you can spot it.
The Metropolitan West Didsbury
Media from: @metdidsbury
Address: 2 Lapwing Ln, West Didsbury
Phone: 0161 445 3145
Pricing: ££
Operating Hours:
- Sunday-Tuesday — 10 AM-11 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday — 10 AM-11:30 PM
- Friday-Saturday — 10 AM-12 AM
Vibes: rustic, Victorian
Good to know: has quiz nights, is pet-friendly, has a beer garden, a baby changing area, a smoking area, and a function room
Now this is the pub for all you sophisticated types!
The Metropolitan is known for its iconic interior, which was inspired by its Victorian roots, making for a stylish and relaxing atmosphere. Stepping into this pub, you’ll feel like you’re in a wine connoisseur’s home, and you can look fancy while dining too!
Lots of areas in the pub are styled to look like the railway hotel it started out as, which means lots of fancy-looking décor that can make for some post-worthy pics. They even have an actual library area where you can cosy up by the fireplace with some tea or wine!
It’s a great place to choose if you want to impress your date or have a more intimate gathering with close friends and family.
Pro tip:
Aside from all the good food and drinks, they have a seasonal menu too! Some items might be there for only a limited time, so you might want to try out any new additions to their menu as soon as you can!
