Another year has passed, and once again, Manchester delivered more than its fair share of surprises.
From the Oasis reunion that took over the entire planet this summer, to silly criminals doing very silly things, to absolutely nuts developments in the world of property, there was a lot going on.
Remember when a Damien Hirst concrete swordfish statue fell into the dining room at Sexy Fish?
Or when that woman commented ‘Hey guys’ on her own wanted appeal and then tried to hide from police under a pile of toys?
Or when that person spent the equivalent of a small terrace house in one night in a local club?
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That was all this year – here are the 10 strangest things that happened in Manchester in 2025.
There are a lot of extravagant restaurants interiors in Manchester (especially around Deansgate), but not many boast an actual Damien Hirst sculpture collection.
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And now neither does Sexy Fish…
One of the restaurant’s enormous 3D, glittering, sea creature-inspired art pieces collapsed into the dining room in the middle of a lunch service back in September, sending chunks of concrete swordfish scattering everywhere.
You’ve done the queue. You’ve bought your merch. You’ve forked out almost a tenner for a pint, found your seat, and are ready to see one of the biggest gigs of the year.
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JUST KIDDING, it’s cancelled.
That’s what happened to tens of thousands of Mancs back in July, when Jeff Lynne’s ELO cancelled the show with the Co-op Live arena already full of fans.
Obviously, health comes first, but seeing that many people pouring out of the venue just minutes before the gig was meant to start was wild.
Hey, big spender
‘Exclusive’ Manchester nightclub shares customer’s eye-watering £88k bill
The cost of living crisis seems to have skipped this one particular person, who racked up an eye-watering bill of £88,589.60 in ONE NIGHT.
The bill was shared by The Continental Club, otherwise known as The Conti, which stands in the same spot as the old South nightclub.
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And this customer spent the equivalent of a small terrace house on drinks, including £9.5k bottles of tequila, £2k magnums of Dom Perignon, and 48 Red Bulls.
The Poznań went global
To be honest, Oasis getting back together was hands down the weirdest thing that happened in 2025. We literally never thought we’d see the day.
But even us lot here in Manchester were stunned at just how much the Live ’25 tour snowballed across the planet, including getting hundreds of thousands of not-Manchester-City fans to do The Poznan.
Never quite understood where the trend for turning your back on Oasis came from? Here’s your explainer.
A new green space! Just not for you
You know what we really love? A brand-new green space that is completely untouched – and by that we mean you literally can’t touch it because its locked off behind big black bars…
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This all came about because developers are waiting for planning permission to build a new student accommodation tower block right off Deansgate-Castlefield, but Manchester City Council has insisted the patch of dirt be spruced up in the meantime.
So the developers put turf down. And then put a big fence around it. Okay.
Have you heard of B&M?
Imagine going out for a nice drink in one of the city’s most long-standing bars, and then falling in love with their furnishings so much you decide to take it home with you.
That’s exactly what happened to Atlas Bar at the start of 2025, who shared CCTV of some customers making off with £180-worth of cushions.
And even weirder, that’s not the first time it’s happened in here – back in 2019 they had a similar incident where a woman stuffed a cushion up her top and ran.
News of a new Zara megastore (plus a new Bershka and Pull & Bear) at The Trafford Centre travelled fast – and once the doors actually opened, it was all anyone could talk about.
That’s because the new Zara is so futuristic, it’s like stepping inside ‘Kim K’s wardrobe’.
TikTok suddenly exploded with videos of women getting completely lost inside the concept store, including one who was separated from her friend for so long she thought they’d started a game of hide and seek.
‘Hey guys’
You’re on the run from the police, and doing a good enough job that they’ve had to issue a public appeal for information to find you. So far, so good.
But then it all unravels… because you commented… on your own wanted appeal… on Facebook. Sigh.
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This actually happened back in February, when a 22-year-old suspect commented ‘Hey guys’ to Greater Manchester Police’s appeal, leading them to find her attempting to hide under a pile of toys.
The Kardashian of Cheshire
Jack Watkin, also known as the Kardashian of Cheshire / Credit: Cheshire Police
More bizarre news from the crime world came in June, when a Cheshire influencer-turned-fraudster’s lavish lifestyle caught up with him.
Jack Watkin, who called himself the ‘Kardashian of Cheshire’, pleaded guilty to a £200k handbag scam.
He’d been using the lure of an Hermes handbag to scam people out of their cash, to fund a ‘breathtaking’ amount of luxury goods and hotel bills.
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Robert De Niro what you doin here?!
Nobu Hospitality co-founders including Robert De Niro broke ground on Nobu Manchester this week
Manchester has its fair share of famous faces passing through (no surprise when we have two of Europe’s largest arenas, plus a couple of football stadiums), but they don’t get much more famous than this.
Robert De Niro, bona fide A-list movie star, popped up in town last month to break ground on his new project, proving that he might actually be quite a hands-on member of the Nobu Hospitality group.
The star grabbed a shovel and market the start of the build of the new Nobu Manchester tower, which will be the tallest in Manchester.
10 of the biggest and best gigs coming to Manchester | 2026
Thomas Melia
Manchester has some fantastic live music lined up for next year, and we’ve rounded up 10 of the biggest live gigs and concerts coming in 2026.
This city is synonymous with having some of the best gigs around, so it will come as no surprise that 2026 is shaping up to be another jam-packed year of live music and unforgettable performances.
Whether your dream gig has to contain some jazz scatting, acoustic guitars or heavy EDM hits, this list has got most music bases covered.
So allow us to present to you 10 of the biggest live gigs and some of the concerts we’re most excited for in the New Year at Audio North, with acts and artists across a variety of genres.
10 of the biggest Manchester gigs in 2026
Mariah the Scientist – Manchester Academy (Wed 14 January)
When Mariah the Scientist last visited the musical capital of the North in 2024, she opted for Gorilla; this time, the US R&B singer-songwriter has chosen Manchester Academy.
She’s added another LP to her discography since, titled Hearts Sold Separately, it features the standout track ‘Burning Blue’, which has become her most successful single to date.
Ms Scientist is playing this venue’s biggest stage, playing out to over 2,000 fans will be ready to sing along to all her impressive hits, like ‘Is It a Crime’: her collaboration with Kali Uchis, and many others that have made her one of our artists to watch in 2026.
Off the back of their Co-op Live gig earlier in December, English folk-rockers Mumford & Sons are the gift that keeps on giving as they’re heading back to the city in February for a more intimate show.
Playing at Albert Hall in Manchester city centre, these London lads will be celebrating the release of their newest musical addition, Prizefighter, popping up in smaller venues across the UK for a one-of-a-kind album launch gig.
The celebrations don’t stop there as the trio will soon surpass a huge milestone with their hit ‘Little Lion Man’ close to one billion streams, a feat most artists dream of achieving – Tickets HERE.
Raye – Co-op Live (Tues 17 and Wed 18 February)
One of our leading vocalists, Raye, is stopping off at Co-op Live twice / Credit: Press shot (supplied)
Tooting talent Rachel Keen, widely recognised by her artist moniker Raye, is taking over Co-op Live for two nights of magical music, but as the title of the shows preface, This Tour May Contain New Music.
Her songs are addictive and distinctive, like the EDM/rap-fusion of ‘Escapism.’, or the big band-inspired ‘Where Is My Husband?’ – this South London star knows how to craft a pop hit.
Her career started in the Dance/EDM genre, where she contributed vocals and writing skills to a number of records. In previous shows, she usually merges these songs into a stripped-back showcase.
Unfortunately, general on-sale tickets have sold out, but you can still try and find premium seats for both dates HERE.
Lily Allen – AO Arena + Aviva Studios (10 and 11 March + 19 and 20 June)
This storytelling vocalist is returning to 0161 as part of the biggest headline tour of her career and getting ready to sing her latest tracks like ‘Tennis’, ‘Ruminating’ and more.
Allen is getting ready to turn both Aviva Studios and AO Arena into her pop-up ‘P*ssy Palace’ for four nights of ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl‘.
The London star announced her arena tour after selling out a string of theatre dates one week prior. We expect these extra dates to be just as exceptional; the only thing we don’t know is “Who’s Madeline?”
Both Aviva Studios dates are sold out, but don’t start ‘Ruminating’ just yet, as there’s plenty for her AO Arena shows HERE.
Basement Jaxx – Aviva Studios (Sat 28 March)
EDM icons Basement Jaxx are also coming to Aviva in 2026 / Credit: Jean-Luc Brouard (via Press Shot)
Felix and Simon – more commonly recognised as electronic act Basement Jaxx – are heading to Aviva Studios, and they’re bringing banger after banger.
Whether you’re ready to groove to ‘Romeo’, dance the night away to ‘Red Alert’ or lose control when ‘Do Your Thing’ blasts out the speakers, this night will be stacked with some huge tunes.
This EDM duo know how to command a crowd, so don’t wait for your friends to ask you, ‘Where’s Your Head At’ – get those tickets booked HERE.
The Scottish star is touring up and down the country, including Wigan, Preston and Blackpool, just to name a few, and has kindly decided to bless Manchester with her bouncy and upbeat tracks.
Get ready to be ‘Dancing At The Edge Of The World’ when soul singer-songwriter Brooke Combe plays out her cathartic tunes at this packed-out Manchester gig hotspot HERE.
Lusaint – Band on the Wall (Tue 14 April)
Local artist Lusaint is coming to Band on the Wall / Credit: The Manc Group
This time, Stretford soul singer Lusaint has chosen to bless Northern Quarter institution Band on the Wall with her next hometown performance.
She’s been slowly adding to her music catalogue since her last Manchester gig, and with the newly-released single ‘Blind’ as well as her latest EP, Apothecary Pt.1, Lusaint is ready to wow crowds with her incredible vocals – Tickets HERE.
Olivia Dean – Co-op Live (Sat 25 and Sun 26 April)
Superstar Olivia Dean is ready for Manchester – are you? / Credit: Jack Davison (via supplied)
2025 was Olivia Dean’s year; four singles charting in the UK Top 10 simultaneously and a number one album in the form of The Art of Loving, she’s unstoppable.
Playing two nights at Co-op Live in Manchester and a SIX-night residency (yep) at The O2 in London, Dean has captured audiences across the country with hits like ‘Nice To Each Other’ and ‘Man I Need’.
Her success is no surprise, being a Brit School graduate and her middle name inspired by R&B royalty Lauryn Hill, now she’s playing out to a combined 47,000 over two nights.
As you can expect, tickets for this one were snapped up pretty quickly, but there are a number of premium tickets for both dates HERE.
If you missed out on your chance to catch Neo-soul hitmaker Olivia Dean, why not check out this class local act at O2 Ritz Manchester instead?
Titled after one of Manchester’s busiest motorways, M60, this indie rock band aren’t just one of our favourite artists right now, they’re Gary Neville’s too.
Their biggest song, ‘I Don’t Mind,’ has amassed over five million streams, and ‘Honey’ is not far off with over one million streams. Give them a listen and catch them live HERE.
Doja Cat – Co-op Live (23 May)
Multi-talented musician Doja Cat knows how to put on a performance, and she’ll be doing just that when she arrives in Manchester with her ‘Tour Ma Vie‘.
Her music pays homage to her pop predecessors like ‘Jealous Type’, an ode to the aesthetics and sounds of 80s music, or her smash hit ‘Say So’, which is heavily inspired by 70s funk and disco.
This indoor Co-op Live date will be a lot drier than her last visit to Manchester took place at Parklife Festival, where the star found herself performing during one of this city’s infamous downpours.
‘Get Into It’ with Doja Cat as there’s an array of tickets available HERE.
The Weeknd – Etihad Stadium (11 June)
The Weeknd is returning to the Etihad / Credit: Sebastian Nagy (supplied)
Initially, The Weeknd had Manc fans contemplating the four-hour journey down to the Big Smoke with his tour dates originally listed for Wembley Stadium in London.
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Since the first announcement, the Canadian R&B record-holder surprised Northern fans with a large-scale gig right here in Manchester city centre at the Etihad Stadium next June.
This latest live appearance is labelled as ‘The Weeknd: After Hours Til Dawn Tour’, but it now incorporates his most recent album Hurry Up Tomorrow and features support from Rap act and collaborator Playboi Carti, and you can still get your hands on tickets HERE.
The best cosy pubs in Manchester city centre to hide away on a winter’s day
Danny Jones
There’s no better feeling than being tucked up all warm and cosy in one of many wonderful pubs in Manchester on a cold day in Manchester, and we should know – we get more than our fair sharethroughout the year.
Wind, rain, sleet or snow, there’s nothing that a couple of pints in one of our many beloved boozers won’t remedy, and when it comes to the festive season, especially, there aren’t many places that make you feel as welcome as you would in your own front room like a proper cosy Manchester pub.
That’s why we’re giving you a heads-up on some of the very cosiest and most classic Manc pubs for you and yours to pile into when it’s miserable out.
We’ll cheers to that.
The 20 cosiest Manchester pubs
Let’s start with a personal favourite of ours that’s rather handily just around the corner from our office:
1. The Stables Tavern – St John’s
First up is one of our favourite new additions to Manchester’s growing list of cosy boozers, and possibly one of the most aesthetic ones you could dream up in your mind’s eye, and that is The Stables Tavern over in the fast-growing St John’s District.
It’s worth beginning by noting that these guys do booze first – be it mugs of mulled wine or frothy pints of Guinness and local ales – but you can grab a little pasty or even a winter bake at this time of year, which we would argue is the perfect pub snack. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re seriously missing out.
Credit: Adam Fagen (via Flickr)Credit: The Manc GroupStumble out of one and straight into the other.
Next up is The Vine Inn: another Manc office favourite that gives you the perfect blend of ‘old man pub’ vibes but with the kind of mass appeal that sees countless punters piling into the pub and crowding outside on the streets, it’s that loved.
Luckily, you should be able to squeeze inside when the temperatures drop as it’s spread across three quaint, almost mini-floors (with two separate bars, by the way) that make it feel kind of like a beer bungalow, and that’s why it’s one of the cosiest pubs you’ll find in Manchester.
3. Lass O’Gowrie – Oxford Road Corridor
Credit: The Manc GroupSo long as you’re wrapped up properly, that little outside bit is one of the cosiest pub spots in Manchester (Credit: Lass O’Gowrie via IG)
“I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour”, so the song goes, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Morrissey was singing about the Lass when he wrote this; there’s always plenty of cheering, laughing – and, most importantly, drinking in this popular city centre boozer.
Located just off Oxford Road, it offers everything from big screens showing the footy, hearty roast dinners perfect for this time of year, live comedy, music and more. What you’d call a traditional Manc pub kitted out with local memorabilia and filled with good people, you’ll hear no complaints from us.
4. The Circus Tavern – Portland Street
This is Manchester’s smallest pub, and as if that wasn’t cool enough, it’s also one of the oldest pubs in the region, so it’s a must-see if you ask us. A perfect little hobbit hole to cram in when it’s cold outside.
Built back in 1790, The Circus Tavern became a pub in 1840 and has been frequented by the likes of Georgie Best and many other famous Man United players down the years, many of whom you’ll see photos of on the walls. A tourist spot in its own right and, needless to say, very cosy indeed.
5. Mr Thomas’/Sam’s Chop House – Central
Just off Cross Street on the corner of Back Pool Fold, you’ll find what is, for our money, one of the ultimate cosy pubs you’ll find anywhere in Manchester city centre: Mr Thomas’ Chop House, a.k.a. ‘Old Tom’s’ — and then, head literally across the road and you’ll find its twin, Sam’s Chop House.
Set up by the Studd brothers of the same name, these two sibling boozers have been serving Mancs for over 150 years now and have grown a glowing reputation both for the beautiful condition of their historic bars and for their incredible food. If it was good enough for Lowry, it’s good enough for us.
Comfortably two of the cosiest pubs in town. (Credit: Tom’s Chop House via IG/The Manc)
6. The Marble Arch Inn – Ancoats
Heading over beyond Ancoats way and onto Rochdale Road, we have the birthplace of Marble Brewery and the company’s award-winning flagship venue, The Marble Arch. If you’re up for doing a winter’s day ‘the right way’, then The Marble Arch has to be involved.
With its gorgeous mosaic floors, ornate bar, nine hand-pull pumps serving brewery-fresh cask beer, eight carefully selected keg lines on rotation and a partridge in a pear tree, it’s simply one of the prettiest and most traditional pubs you could ask for. The food’s mega too.
Heading over to Salford now, and we’ve got another beautiful boozer in The Kings Arms: a long-standing and simply sublime pub located not too far out of the city centre that’s well worth running into if you’re over that way and happen to get caught in the wind and rain.
Owned by adopted Manc musician Paul Heaton and made even more famous by live-in celebrity cat, Charlie, this real ale house with six curated hand pumps is a Manchester institution, not to mention great for live music and stand-up. Come on, what’s more cosy than a pub that comes with its own cat?
Sticking in Salford for a spell but down the road to Bexley Square, we always feel the lovely little spot that is The New Oxford never gets anywhere near as much credit as it should, given its charm and incredible lineup of real ales and Belgian beers.
Situated on a scenic cobbled corner that could easily be mistaken for some rural road in a small Cheshire village, this place is always packed with footy fans and a few extras in its courtyard during the summer months, but the regulars always know what’s up — not to mention they do a decent pint of Guinness too.
In case you missed it, @thenewoxfordpub over in Salford has a lick of paint and then some! 🤩
With renovators working round the clock for three weeks straight, the beloved local boozer is back open and looking better than ever.
Described as having the ‘oldest pub ceiling in the world’, you can collapse into a comforting armchair by the fire and muse over The Crown Kettle‘s 286-year-old history, pint in hand and plenty of tunes filling the room for sure.
With live music and DJ sets, regular beer-centric events, bingo, the odd pub quiz and plenty more, it’s no surprise this almost statuesque Manchester drinking staple has been named one of the best in the region — and it’s plenty cosy too, believe us.
Not just a super cosy pub but apparently one of the best reviewed watering holes in the region.
10. Peveril Of The Peak – Central
If you close your eyes and picture a proper English pub, there’ll be round tables, old tiles stained with decades of history, an unbeatable selection of beer, and a jukebox that’s regularly manned by loveable regulars who always make sure to keep the room filled with a warm and fuzzy atmosphere.
That’s exactly what you get with the Peveril Of The Peak: an iconic Manc boozer whose green exterior you can spot from a mile away. It’s only a small gaff but packed with plenty of history, all the best people, and it’s still being looked after by the city’s longest-serving landlady to this day. A good old gaff.
Hallowed, cosy and homely – truly one of the most legendary pubs in Manchester. (Credit: The Manc)
11. The Briton’s Protection – Central
From one historic pub to another, you can head over to Great Bridgewater Street and channel your inner Tommy Shelby as you neck a neat bit of bourbon or scotch to warm the cockles and listen to the crackling flames of the open fires at The Britons Protection.
Another oldie but a goldie, the Briton was established in 1811 and has remained a local favourite snug pub ever since, showcasing over 300 whiskies as well as homemade pies and pasties at lunch. This piece of public house heritage has been under threat for a while now, but we Mancs are keeping it alive.
Come on, as if we were going to leave out not only a contender for the ultimate cosy pub but possibly the very best boozer in all of Manchester. As well as serving comfortably the best Guinness in all the 10 boroughs and supposedly ‘the best outside of Ireland’, it’s also just everything you want on a cold day.
With live music every day, sport on the box pretty much 24/7; multiple lovely little nooks and more than enough bodies to keep the place warm even in the height of winter, not to mention a whole new second floor, Mulligans of Deansgate is now twice the worldie it already was. Sláinte!
An award-winning music venue and a bloody good pub, ditch the open-air venues and stuffy bars this winter and dip into the cosy Eagle Inn instead and bask in its comforting warmth.
Combining a traditional pub that delivers a real sense of ‘old Manchester’ with live music and three small rooms off a central corridor with a central bar — historically known by locals as ‘The Lamp Oil’ — The Eagle can’t really be called Salford’s hidden gem anymore: it’s a rite of passage at this point.
Heading over the other side of the Irwell and to the picturesque canals of Castlefield, waterside pub and restaurant The Wharf is undoubtedly one of the cosiest pubs in Manchester, with the ground floor feeling like one big lounge, the upstairs making for the perfect cosy date night spot and the outdoor terrace just as much a dream in winter as it is summer.
With amazing pub grub, a massive and ever-rotating drinks menu, as well as a patio that feels just as warming as the indoors with its big tipi and overhead heaters come winter, plus live music, hosting local clubs and various other events throughout the year, this place has it all. Plenty of cute pups, too.
Back into the centre now and toward Gay Village for what remains one of the most cosy-feeling pubs we’ve ever been in full stop, let alone just in 0161. If you’ve never been to The Molly House, then you seriously need to right that wrong.
With a name that harks back to a fascinating backstory, there’s nothing more welcoming than the sight of the open hearth, the waft of their irresistible tapas menu, the glow of their multi-coloured Tiffany-style lampshades and a drinks menu to suit all tastes. It’s even better at Christmas – enjoy!
Just a couple of blocks over and back onto Portland Street, you’ve also got the Circus Tavern’s equally pokey little neighbour, The Grey Horse Inn. Once again, it’s among the smallest you’ll find in Manchester, but it’s much more than a mere hole in the wall.
This single-room pub is one of the oldest buildings anywhere in Manchester and is run by Hydes Brewery. Basically just one not-so-big living room plonked right along one of the busiest roads in the city, this place is another very thing slice of Manc hospitality history.
Credit: Grey Horse Inn (via Facebook)
17. Cask – Castlefield and New Islington Marina
Circling back towards Castlefield again, you’ll find the original Cask and its lovely owners, who have been serving local crafts and fine Belgian imports for over two decades now. The staff are beyond sound and always happy to talk you through the lineup; they even let you bring in your chippy from next door.
With a nice little garden area tucked away in the back, cosy booths and board games to be enjoyed, it’s no wonder they wanted to replicate their success with the sister bar over towards Ancoats and the Marina — and that’s exactly what they’ve done. Two very welcoming spots all year round.
18. The Bay Horse Tavern – Northern Quarter
Not too far from there, you’ll find an NQ favourite in The Bay Horse Tavern: two floors of pure warmth, good vibes, proper food and a steady flow of the good stuff.
From its twinkly fairly light-draped interior to the perfectly dim-lit interior and variety or deals running throughout the week, the Thomas Street staple is busy no matter the season but there’s something very special about it in the winter. Top-tier Sunday roasts incoming.
Looks super pretty at this time of yearThey even still serve Boddies.Unreal food too.Credit: The Bay Horse Tavern (via Instagram)/The Manc Group
19. The Old Wellington – Exchange Square
Our penultimate stop is yet another historic site and cultural cornerstone that stood in Manchester for centuries — just not quite the same spot. Shambles Square feels fitting given how many times we’ve stumbled out of this place of a weekend.
Famously put up on stilts and relocated along with the attached Sinclairs Oyster Bar (also not a bad shout for this list), The Old Wellington might just be the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re in Ye Olde England, stumbling across a tavern and bedding in on a rainy night with tankards full of mead. At least that’s what we always imagine when we’re in there, anyway. Long live The Old Welly.
Last but by no means least, no list of cosy Manchester pubs is complete without the always popular and music-filled Castle Hotel over on Oldham Street — another storied venue that only seems to get better with age.
Whether it’s live music or the jukebox, a solid Guinness or a pint of Robinson’s, this tightly-packed space is one of those where you’ll never leave without bumping into a familiar face or having a friendly chat with a total stranger. With multiple rooms, an upstairs and a simple but classic British pub aesthetic, you just can’t beat spots like this.
We hope that puts you in good stead for places to enjoy a cold one this winter, pardon the pun.
It goes without saying that lists like these are never going to every corner of Manchester justice and there are countless other cosy pubs that we would heartily recommend you settle in at when it’s baltic outside, but the list would go on forever if we did that and this should get you started at least.
The same goes for the rest of the 10 boroughs; we’re sure wherever you live in Greater Manchester you’ll know plenty more than us about the cosiest spots near you, but in case you’re looking to venture further out of the region, we’ve put together a list of a few corkers that are a bit more out of the way.
Daisy Jackson -
29th December 2025 
