When it comes to finding a good pint of Guinness, it’s fair to say that not all Manchester boozers are created equal — however, we do believe we have some of the very best outside of Ireland.
Some pints are thin and watery, some have a bit of a bitter taste and some are missing that all-important signature creamy head. All things you want to avoid. In fact, if you go into a pub and see any of this our advice is to run.
Any bartender worth their salt will tell you that there’s a certifiable art to pouring out a proper pint of the black stuff, starting with a two-part pour: a practice considered sacrosanct for literally hundreds of years. Your pint should be properly poured with 3/4 of it filled with old stout, rested, then topped up with new, and when the drink is done a white residue should remain around the glass.
These, as we know them, are the very basics but serious Guinness drinkers can likely reel off a whole list of other criteria that we haven’t even touched on. For now, though, that’ll do and these are the very best places that boast not just a good but a great pint of Guinness in Manchester — in no particular order.
Well, we say no order… Widely renowned for having the best pint of Guinness in Manchester hands down, if it’s authenticity you’re looking for then Mulligans of Deansgate is a must.
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An authentic Irish bar with live music almost every night and plenty of cosy snugs to tuck yourself away in, it’s typically packed to the rafters and bartenders pride themselves on never, EVER leaving a bubble in your pint.
This equally cosy Northern Quarter bar on Thomas Street is another good choice for those looking for a great pint of Guinness and some bloody good food while they’re at it.
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Bay Horse always has deals on too, including a pie and a pint for a tenner on Mondays, which might be one of the most affordable prices for a Guinness and a good meal in the city centre full stop these days.
Run by one of Britain’s oldest and longest-serving landlords, come for its bold green tile-clad exterior and stained glass windows and stay for a very smooth pint of Guinness.
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4. The Castle Hotel – NQ
Great pub.Great Guinness.Great people.Credit: Dunk (via Flickr)/The Manc/The Castle Hotel (via IG)
Another great NQ pub, this time on Oldham Street, The Castle Hotel is another spot you can completely rely on for quality Guinness. Its pours have even been accredited.
The real ale pub boasts lots of charming little corners, a small beer garden out back, a great jukebox and a gig room where you can watch local bands whilst sipping on proper pints.
5. Kiely’s Irish Bar – Great Northern Warehouse
Phwoar. (Credit: The Manc)
In at number five is one of the very best Irish bars in Manchester for our money and that’s Kiely’s over on Great Northern. Prone to lots of spill-over from the busy scenes on Peter Street and Deansgate strip most weekends, you’ll find plenty of people heading in here for a great pint of Guinness.
With live music and sports on the box most days, not to mention plenty of room for the big crowds on match days and the likes of St. Patrick’s name day, you can count on this place for plenty of the black gold and good vibes.
This gorgeous Grade II-listed freehouse sits on the border of Ancoats and the Northern Quarter dates all the way back to 1774 and is literally oozing history.
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Reopened in 2005 in cooperation with English Heritage and lovingly refurbished not long ago, it has an incredibly fine and unusual ceiling, a brilliant pub quiz and one of the best pints of Guinness in the neighbourhood.
7. Edinburgh Castle
Quietly one of the best non-Irish pub pints of Guinness you’ll get in Manchester. (Credit: The Manc)
Whilst we’re talking about Ancoats, the elegant Edinburgh Castle also deserves a very honourable mention for its Guinness pour.
This refurbished Victorian boozer not only boasts Manchester’s most elite chip butty and great food all-round from its stunning upstairs restaurant but is also widely considered one of the best places for a pint of Guinness in town. Trust us.
8. O’Shea’s Irish Bar – Central
Well look who it is!Shelf and a half, that.Credit: O’Shea’s Irish Bar (via IG)/The Manc Group
Obviously, we have to talk about O’Shea’s. This Irish bar is widely considered a go-to for a good pint of Guinness, with some even reporting they prefer their pints to Mulligans — controversial, we know, but this is a democracy after all.
During the pandemic, the bar also made a splash in the city by opening a giant outdoor Guinness garden and you can rest assured it’ll be one of the best places to spend Paddy’s Day this year.
Another historic boozer recently reborn after a couple of years of sitting boarded up on the busy Manchester stretch from which it takes its name is one of our personal favourites, The Deansgate.
Now under the ownership of Greene King and serving up a cracking pint of Guinness from its ground-floor and first-floor bars alongside a hearty pub grub menu, what’s not to like?
10. Lass O’Gowrie – Oxford Road Corridor
Such a welcoming space.That tilt though…Credit: The Manc
Oh, she’s a bonnie wee Lassie, the Gowrie. One of the best-loved city centre spots you’ll ever have the pleasure of popping in for a pint, the Scottish-founded but heavily Irish-influenced pub knows a thing or two about pouring a proper pint of Guinness.
What’s more, we just love spending time in here full stop as there’s always plenty on; whether it’s a quiz or open mic night or you simply just want to sit out on their fairy-lit balcony terrace hanging over the River Medlock, it’s an absolute jewel in the Oxford Road Corridor‘s crown.
11. O’Neill’s – Printworks
Credit: The Manc
An absolute dynasty when it comes to Irish bars across the UK, we couldn’t not put O’Neill’s on this list as no matter how busy they get every Friday and Saturday they never fail to pull a good pint of Guinness.
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With Waxy O’Connor’s having left the Printworks a little while back, it’s now the go-to place for a solid stout in the popular leisure and entertainment venue, plenty of punters all over the country consider it their go-to for the craic.
Heading just outside of the city centre for our next tipple, there are some locals living in the enclave of Chorlton and beyond that believe Duffy’s is the very best pint of Guinness anywhere in Greater Manchester; better than Mulligans, O’Shea’s, Kiely’s — all of them. Big words.
We’d never be so bold as to fall on our swords when it comes to such a precious debate that people are always so passionate about, but what we will say is that this regular Man United pub is a very good place to split the G.
13. The New Oxford – Salford
Another gem located just outside of the city limits and down the road from Spinningfields is The New Oxford in Bexley Square on Chapel Street. Recently restored and absolutely glowing, it’s not only one of the prettiest traditional pubs you’ll find in 0161 but it does a bloody good Guinness.
With Irish roots and staff behind the bar, as well as an authentic vintage pump shipped straight over from Temple Bar in Dublin, the sip in this place is just as sublime as the setting. An extremely underrated spot.
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14. The Old Nag’s Head – Deansgate
AWe know this is technically easy rules but we’re counting it.Credit: The Manc
Another big stronghold for Reds — well, the biggest in the city centre, certainly — The Old Nag’s Head isn’t just a good place to watch the footy or make a fool of yourself on karaoke, the staff also serve up a pretty decent pint of Guinness too.
You might struggle to get a seat when United are and they do often have a bit of queue on the busier of nights, but the atmosphere in here is great, the dancefloor upstairs is dynamite and the rooftop terrace is a wonderful hideaway when the sun is out.
When one door closes, another one opens and in the case of the Thirsty Scholar, we were truly gutted to see it go but relieved to see it replaced with a very pretty Irish pub that’s instantly become a hit with the locals. Welcome to O’Connell’s.
The video above should tell you all you need to know about the charming aesthetic of this place and having been in a few times since it opened, we can confirm the atmosphere is following suit. Manchester has some of the best Irish pubs outside of Ireland, and this one quickly worked its way into the rankings.
16. The Station – Didsbury
Last but not least, we’re giving the nod to another pub located outside of the city centre and that is The Station, which also happens to be one of the best pubs on the Didsbury Dozen bar crawl.
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A fave amongst the suburbs locals and old boys going for a scoop in the afternoon, this is another one that many people put firmly forward as number one in the argument for the best pint of Guinness in Greater Manchester, not to mention at a decent price.
The best graduation deals and freebies in Manchester this celebration season
Danny Jones
To all those completing their university degrees this year, first off: congratulations – and second of all, we’re sure you’re looking forward to making the most of all those graduation deals, offers and free stuff you can grab in Manchester this year.
We know we were when it was our time (longer ago than we’d like to admit…)
The post-graduation ceremony meal – hopefully at least one final meal your parents are happy to cover the bill for before sending you out into ‘the big wide world’ – is a truly special one, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t still look for savings where you can.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of graduate deals and freebies available in central Manchester for the class of 2026.
15 of the best offers and free things for 2026 graduates
1. Fenix – St. John’s
What is it: One of the best restaurants in Manchester, serving up plates featuring plenty of Greek heritage as well as modern-Mediterranean, elevated cuisine from one of the city centre’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The offer: Special lunch menu noon until 3:45pm set at just £37.50 or sit down for dinner from £45.50; both include a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and you can even walk away with an engraved bottle of Champagne to take home with you. Available 1 July until 1 August – reserve your table while you can.
2. The Alchemist – Central, Spinningfields and Salford Quays
What is it: Manc-born mixologists and cocktail bar chain which started in Spinningfields, before opening on New York Street and beyond and going on to be a staple of the UK hospitality scene.
The offer: A complimentary ‘Cosmic Oyster’ for everyone around your table when booking ahead – you can do so HERE.
What is it: Stylish London-centric seafood and grill with Japanese and Robata-inspired cuisine, best-known for sushi, steak and their famous caramelised black cod dish.
The offer: Extensive sharing-style menu priced at £55 a head, including all the highlights and a gratis glass of Henriot Champagne for every guest, available until 24 July; you can reserve your spot now.
What is it: A canalside cornerstone of the Castlefield community, with a large outdoor terrace and beer garden, complete with a dedicated cocktail hut on busy sunny days, and two cosy floors inside.
The offer: Graduation set menu, with options for two or three courses and a glass of fizz on them, running from 6-31 July. Find out more.
What is it: Boutique city centre hotel just off Market Street offering numerous luxuries, including afternoon tea packages, set menus and more from the in-house restaurant, tender by award-winning chef Niall Keating, as well as various high-end rooms.
The offer: Free glass of cava with bookings, simple as that; available all throughout July and August.
What is it: Stunning, homely gastropub and bistro with multiple rooms across two floors, as well as a large terrace with various open-air and covered areas.
The offer: Happy hour drinks for your entire party and the chance to be the one lucky winner who’ll have the ENTIRE overdraft paid off in full by the team as part of a prize draw. Book and find the full terms and conditions right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
7. Piccolino – Central, Didsbury, Bramhall, Hale, Wilmslow and Knutsford
What is it: Popular British chain of Italian restaurants operated by the Individual Restaurants Group (IRG), with numerous locations across the country.
The offer: Graduates get a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their classic recipe tiramisu on the house. Booking in advance is advised.
What is it: Another one of the IRG brands, offering similar Italian cuisine as well as great deals and an expanded drinks menu.
The offer: Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Credit: The Manc
9. The Lowry – Salford
What is it: One of Greater Manchester’s most famous hotels, located right on the edge of the city centre, with a highly-rated bar and restaurant to boot. Needs no introduction really.
The offer: Those staying in town for their ceremony can enjoy a luxurious stay with 10% off the best available rate, plus 15% off food and drink, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, AND 50% off a second room for family members, too. A perfect package for out-of-towners – you can book HERE.
What is it: One of the best curry houses in all the region, specialising in contemporary Indian food and Pakistani flavours, too.
The offer: Their popular annual graduation deal is back for 2026, with the customary welcome drink making a return alongside a signature pudding to finish off; make sure to write ‘graduation’ and add ‘dessert’ in the booking notes. They’re also right near the main uni stretch, which is always handy.
What is it: ‘Feast of the Wise’ graduation menus are available from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco
The offer: ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menu – £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner – with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Credit: The Manc
12. Browns – Central
What is it: A mainstay of the King Street strip, just around the corner from Cibo and The Rex hotel (another good option for those stopping over), specialising in British and European brasserie classics.
The offer: Receive a complimentary glass of Browns’ very own Champagne for the graduate and every accompanying guest, with two courses for £29 or a trio for just £36. You can book HERE.
What is it: Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a classy city centre setting, with covered outdoor seating and some great vegan options, too.
The offer: Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a wrap and fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with a full ‘Graduation Feast’ for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. *This offer cannot be used alongside other offers, however.
Credit: The Manc
14. Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s
What is it: A sky-high rooftop food and drink spot where Japan and Peru meet in an incredible fusion that makes for a fantastic culinary experience.
The offer: ‘Nikkei’ dining experience throughout July, with a curated sharing menu (£40pp/£35 for vegetarians) and a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne for the graduates.
What is it: The Yorkshire-born brand now serving up us locals from their New York St site and arguably one of the best places for a posh tea or meal out no matter the occasion, with top-quality steak, seafood, bubbles and more.
The offer: Three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff – pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Stockport bar that took a chance on Underbanks announces shock closure
Daisy Jackson
A bar owner who was called ‘mad’ for opening his business at The Underbanks in Stockport has announced he’s closing down for good.
The Cracked Actor was launched by actor Joe Patten back in 2019, long before the Underbanks was considered one of the coolest districts in Greater Manchester.
Joe said he ‘saw the beauty in those bricks’ and took a chance on the unit on Little Underbank, transforming it into a Victorian-inspired blues bar.
And although other operators told him he was ‘mad for opening anything on that street’, Joe proved everyone wrong, and The Cracked Actor became a real Stockport favourite.
Sadly, he has now announced that The Cracked Actor will be closing its doors in just a few weeks’ time.
Joe said that he wants the business to ‘go out at its height’, stressing that ‘it’s not a sad note we are closing The Cracked Actor – it’s more of a thank you for getting me all I had dreamed of’.
He wants to focus his attention on other projects, like The Banshee and Holy Diver.
His full statement reads: “So Stockport, its taken a long old time to make this decision. But some things have to end on a high. And boy its been a whirlwind.
“The Cracked Actor was my first bar in Stockport and has always weathered the storm. Sadly, these days I have a lot going on. And some things take away from the attention I can pay to my little bar. I want to call time on The Cracked Actor and go out at its height. It’s odd as I have always defended this bar against everything it came up against in this climate. I thought I would always pass this bar down to my kids.
“But it feels the right time to call time. This bar got me on the map and its opened the doors to soo much more that came afterwards. We now have The Bansbee and Holy Diver and exciting opportunities are always pulling me away from where I started.
“I want to focus on whats next and make sure what I’m doing has my full attention. So it’s not a sad note we are closing The Cracked Actor, it’s more of a thank you for getting me all I had dreamed of the day it opened.
“When I opened the bar 7 years ago every bar owner called me mad for opening anything on that street. Now its booming with bars that have come after wards. Some times you just gotta see the beauty in those bricks.
“I want to pay a massive thank you to my fiance Amy, whome without this bar would have closed 4 years ago. She took to it and saw how much it meant to me. And her Aiden and Oliver bought it back from a slump. Shes bought it back to all its glory and made it better than I ever could have,working endless hours.
“I want to thank all my customers many of of them who have been coming since day one Gary. TeJ & Gary, Boby Dylan, Simon and Ash, to name a few.
“We will be open for the next Two weeks to have a massive send of. And our final day to public will be Saturday 11th July. With a private send of on 12th.”
Danny Jones -
17th March 2025 
