Got what it takes to handle a 5kg cheese wheel? This one’s for you.
A huge cheese and wine party is coming to Manchester this summer, bringing free-flowing wine and mountains of cheesy goodness into the city.
There’ll be six different wines floating around for you to get stuck into and taste alongside various styles of cheese from around the world, ranging from creamy to crumbly, plus olives, crackers, capers, grissini and more.
A glimpse at one of the sample boards from Decent Drop who have organised the ultimate cheese and wine party
What’s more, there’ll also be some great cheesy prizes up for grabs on the night – including a massive 5kg cheese wheel, which one lucky guest will get to take home.
A must for all fans of the good stuff, you’ll be able to eat as much cheese as you like whilst sipping on fine wines from well-respected vineyards.
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Promising to rip up the rule book and put a fresh new spin on the fusty pairing nights of old, ‘Chat Cheese, Get Wined’ takes place at Lever Street on 25 June,
A three-hour cheese-fest like no other, tickets are on sale now starting from £45 for one or £80 for two.
January 2026 deals, discounts and offers at Manchester restaurants and bars
Daisy Jackson
January might be associated with hibernating, but it’s actually the best time of year to eat out – restaurants and bars across Manchester are slashing their prices with special offers this month.
Right across the city centre, you’ll find generous discounts, special set menus, and other offers all the way through January, to help our local hospitality scene through famously one of the most difficult times of year.
You’ll be able to save cash on pizzas, curries, steaks, noodles, cocktails, brunches, and just about every kind of scran you can think of.
There are a lot of January offers to discover around Manchester, and it can get a bit overwhelming to narrow it all down, so we’ve done the hard work for you with a fairly comprehensive guide to the very best January deals.
The best January deals and discounts in Manchester city centre
As always, check each restaurant’s terms and conditions at the time of booking, and happy eating!
What is it: A gorgeous neighbourhood restaurant that’s been a staple of the Northern Quarter’s dining scene for years – great brunches and sharing plates in an unpretentious, cosy setting.
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The offer: 30% off the dinner menu, Monday to Thursday, when you book and use the code JAN30.
The Daisy, Tib St
What is it: Just downstairs from Evelyn’s, The Daisy is a trendy little cocktail bar that does a great martini and always has a stellar soundtrack.
The offer: 20% off your bill, Tuesday to Sunday, when you dine at Evelyn’s (show proof of an Evelyn’s reservation or bill)
Deano’s, Edge Street
What is it: An American-Italian diner in the heart of the Northern Quarter, serving pizza and pasta plus giant mozzarella sticks.
The offer: 30% off all food, Sunday to Thursday – booking recommended.
Crazy Pedro’s, Short Street (and Bridge St)
What is it: A late-night bar and pizza joint, with slightly bonkers pizza toppings and cocktails laced with popping candy.
The offer: £10 pizzas until 10pm, every day in January
Chakalaka, Oldham Street
What is it: A South African bar and kitchen – think big, meaty plates of comfort food, plus a hidden beer garden (maybe not for January).
The offer: 50% off mains, Sunday to Thursday – booking recommended.
The offer: £3 tapas plates throughout January AND 2-4-1 on glasses of Sangria. Available at both locations from Monday to Friday until 6pm.
Morning Glory, Oldham St
What is it: A sunny new-ish coffee shop and cafe in the district with canned matchas and fresh bagels.
The offer: £2 Americanos and ‘Americcinos’ – all day, every day.
The Bay Horse Tavern, Thomas Street
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What is it: A modern take on a Victorian pub, right in the heart of the Northern Quarter – expect pies, puddings, chippy teas, and an impressive crisp selection.
The offer: 50% off food, Monday to Friday, booking highly recommended (but not essential)
Cane & Grain, Thomas St
What is it: Another long-standing Northern Quarter favourite, serving up ribs, rum, bourbon and beer.
The offer: 50% off food, Sunday to Friday, booking recommended
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The Morris, Thomas St
What is it: One of the newest hangouts in the Northern Quarter, The Morris is a pub downstairs, a funky retro cocktail bar upstairs, and then has an events space tucked up in the attic too.
The offer: 25% off drinks in the pub, Tuesday to Thursday; then 25% off drinks across the whole venue on Sundays
What is it: A long-standing Northern Quarter favourite, with great food all day long plus happy hours, parties, brunches and more.
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The offer: 50% off food, and a happy hour from 4-7pm, Monday to Friday.
Shack, High Street
What is it: Sports bar, brunch favourite, gaming bar, late-night haunt, and kings of a great happy hour – this is a proper Northern Quarter staple.
The offer: 50% off the entire main menu, Monday to Thursday in January.
Bab, Little Lever Street
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What is it: A kebab shop with a difference – locally-sourced ingredients, homemade marinades and sauces, and fresh flatbreads from scratch. Plus meze dishes and desserts.
The offer: 50% off ‘BABS’ every Monday to Friday from January 5, tables must be booked at least one hour in advance
House of Social, First Street/Sir Howard Bernstein Approach
What is it: A massive and marvellous food hall tucked behind the main First Street complex, serving everything from pizza, bakes, Indian street food and tacos, to ales, wine, cocktails and more.
The offer: Technically, they’ve got a few across their various traders…
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Burger and Beyond – £13.50 burger and fries lunch deal between 12-4pm, Tuesday to Friday + £20 ‘happy hour’: two burgers and a big portion fries to share from 4-6pm.
Dough Religion – Any classic pizza for £13, Tuesday to Sunday, 12-4pm.
Mughli – ‘Resident Curry’ offer: curry, side of rice and a naan for £17.50, all day from Tuesday-Sunday throughout the month
OK Taqueria – New menu items for January, including Steak Tacos, Tuna Tostadas, and a Chicken Tinga Burrito; prices starting from £9.90
Choi Wan – Brand new poke bowls launching in January.
Maray, Lincoln Square
What is it: A gorgeous Mediterranean restaurant with 10/10 service, where you can tuck into everything from falafel sharing plates to their famous disco cauliflower.
The offer: Green January; 50% off all vegetarian and vegan dishes with a reservation, Monday to Thursday. Book HERE.
Circolo Popolare at St Michael’s, Jackson’s Row
What is it: Manchester’s addition to the global Big Mamma Group brand, serving stunning Italian food and the largest lemon meringue pie you’ve ever seen.
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The offer: Dine in December and receive a FREE lunch in January 2026 with ‘Burrata Bucks’ that can be redeemed at the restaurant in the New Year – offer includes one antipasti dish and one main. Available to claim Mon-Friday from noon until 3pm. T&Cs apply for bookings of two or more people.
Maya – Canal Street
What is it: A stylish basement bar and restaurant on the corner of Gay Village, split across three floors and featuring a health dose of disco.
The offer: 50% off Sunday Roasts throughout Janaury + 50% off your total food bill for the full month of January when ordering from main menu (lunch and dinner), valid all day from Sunday to Friday – though it can’t be used in alongside any bottomless drinks deals.
Society, Barbirolli Square
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What is it: One of Manchester city centre’s best food and beer halls, featuring a variety of vendors serving a wide range of delicious cuisines.
The offer: A main dish from any of Society’s independent food traders for only £10, as well as pints and glasses of wine for a fiver. Available from 4-6pm, Monday to Friday.
The Cut and Craft, Mosley Street
What is it: A luxury steak and seafood restaurant inside a stunning old Manchester city centre bank, featuring very flashy toilets and even a ‘wine fountain’.
The offer: Steak and Chips for £19′ offer, available Monday to Friday from 11:30am-4pm; there’s also a new set evening menu priced at £26 for two courses – Monday to Thursday, 4:45-10pm.
What is it: One of Manchester’s latest Irish bar on one of its busiest streets, along with some great foodie classics and live music.
The offer: 50% off food from Monday to Thursday, so as long as you buy a drink – simple as.
Blinker, Spring Gardens
What is it: An award-winning cocktail bar with a dedicated martini menu – and a snack menu of retro Breville toasties.
The offer: In partnership with Sazerac Rye, Blinker is doing a selection of classic rye cocktails for £8 each.
New Wave, Tib Lane
What is it: A cosy ramen restaurant that started life in Mackie Mayor before opening its own restaurant in the city centre.
The offer: Ramen and a snack for £15, Tuesday to Friday, 12-5pm
Blues Kitchen, Quay Street
What is it: A late-night bar famed for its live music club nights, as well as serving a menu of food inspired by the Deep South.
The offer: 50% off the full food menu, all day, from Sunday through to Wednesday.
El Gato Negro, King Street
What is it: An acclaimed Spanish restaurant that’s a proud holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, plus a rooftop terrace – the perfect spot for some of the best tapas in Manchester.
The offer: Three dishes for £20, all day Sunday to Thursday, plus 12-5pm on Fridays – you need to sign up to El Gato Negro’s mailing list to claim the deal.
Black Cat Club, Brown Street
What is it: From the same team behind El Gato Negro, this is a more premium-feeling gaming bar than most, with interactive shuffleboards, darts, and plenty more.
The offer: £5 plates from Sunday to Thursday; plus £5 margaritas, frozen cocktails, pints and spritz.
Rajdoot Tandoori, Albert Square
What is it: One of the city centre’s oldest restaurants and a fantastic, family-run curry house serving authentic North Indian food.
The offer: 30% off your final food bill, Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 6 to 29 January – use JAN30 when booking
Spinningfields / St John’s
Caravan, Goods Yard Street
What is it: An all-day dining spot, bar, coffee roastery and stylish restaurant serving up food from around the globe.
The offer: Book a class at BARRY’s any time in January and you’ll get 50% off breakfast/brunch, OR vice versa – book brunch with us and get you’ll a complimentary introductory bootcamp class; Caravan is also bringing back their Six/Sip for £6 deal on food and drink from Monday to Friday throughout Jan and Feb.
The Trading Route, Goods Yard St
What is it: A brilliant new-ish local hangout with rotisserie chicken dishes (including an absolutely class Caesar salad and focaccia sandwiches) and great beers from Manchester Union Brewery.
The offer: 50% off rotisserie chicken, Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 31 January, when booking via THIS link.
The Lawn Club, Hardman Square
What is it: A bustling spot in the heart of Spinningfields that’s popular for its bottomless brunches, as well as lunches and after-work drinks.
The offer: 50% off food between 2 January and 13 February, bookings advised but walk-ins also welcome.
Sexy Fish, The Avenue
What is it: A glittering restaurant with sushi, glamorous cocktails, and an incredibly impressive interior design.
The offer: A £25 ‘Sexy January Set Menu’ with two dishes for £25 with miso soup – between 12-8pm Monday to Friday, 12-6pm on Saturdays, and 5-8pm on Sundays
The Alchemist, Hardman Street (also MediaCity and New York Street)
What is it: A long-standing bar and restaurant with locations across the North, famed for its creative and theatrical cocktails.
The offer: Prices are going back to 2010 throughout January, meaning £6 cocktails and dishes
Lina Stores, Quay Street
What is it: All-day Italian-influenced dining, from antipasti and pizza to salads, desserts, Bar Lina cocktails and much more. There’s even deli items and groceries to takeaway.
The offer: January ‘Pranzo Da Lina’ menu – three course for £15 courses, Monday to Friday from 12-2:30pm; salad box or a filled focaccia with a free tea/coffee and a mini cannolo for £9.95. Bar Lina is also doing cocktails for a fiver every day throughout the month, 5-7pm, quoting ‘JanOffer’ when ordering.
What is it: One of the coolest spaces in town, with beautiful mid-century interiors and great drinks, plus loads of events.
The offer: All-day happy hour throughout January, Monday to Friday, with £7 cocktails and £5 non-alcoholic cocktails.
Tartuffe, Quay St
What is it: Inside the kitchens at Side Street, Tartuffe serves rotisserie chicken and roasts, sometimes in the form of some of the city’s most epic sandwiches.
The offer: January set menu with two courses for £28 and three for £32, Tuesday to Thursday, 5-8pm, with a booking.
Piccadilly
Higher Ground, New York Street
What is it: A proud holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Higher Ground is a British restaurant operated by formidable hospitality trio Joseph Otway, Richard Cossins, and Daniel Craig Martin. It’s also one of Rick Stein’s favourite place to eat.
The offer: 25% off the set sharing menu, lunch and dinner, Wednesday to Friday with a reservation. Book HERE.
Bar Shrimp, New York St
What is it: From the same team as Higher Ground, a sophisticated and incredibly cool cocktail bar serving ice-cold martinis and fantastic seafood snacks and small plates.
The offer: Oyster Happy Hour with 50% off oysters, all day Wednesday to Friday.
Winsome, Princess Street
What is it: Shaun Moffat’s Michelin Guide-recommended British restaurant – think epic pies, thick-cut local meat, and plenty more.
The offer: 50% off food Monday to Friday lunchtime when you book.
What is it: An already-legendary New York-style pizza joint, serving gigantic slices plus belting frozen margs.
The offer: 50% off 14-inch and 22″ pizzas, Sunday to Thursday, with a reservation. Book HERE.
Madre, Kampus
What is it: An excellent Mexican restaurant, doing plenty of tacos, small plates, and spicy tequila cocktails in a beautiful setting.
The offer: 50% off tacos Sunday to Friday.
Salon Madre, Kampus
What is it: From the aforementioned Madre, with similar vibes, but add in pool tables and Mexican wrestling on the tellies.
The offer: 50% off tacos and Tommy’s Margaritas.
Beeswing, Kampus
What is it: A neighbourhood wine bar and tapas spot, with a cosy interior for colder days and a sunny terrace for the rest of the year.
The offer: 50% off tapas, Sunday to Friday, when you pre-book HERE.
Lock 84, The Reach Hotel, Ducie Street
What is it: Tucked inside one of Manchester’s newest hotels, this waterside restaurant has a menu of locally-sourced small plates and plenty of familiar North West suppliers.
The offer: Three small plates for just £18, plus your first drink free.
Bondi Bowls, Chorlton Street
What is it: A fast food spot inspired by the health-conscious takeaways of Australia – expect smoothie bowls, acai, salads, smoothies, protein balls, and loads more to nourish you from the inside out.
The offer: A cup of bone broth with a Bondi bowl for £13.95, available every day from 11:30am to 9pm throughout January.
Ancoats
Mit Alles at The New Cross, Cross Keys Street
What is it: A falafel and kebab spot in the kitchens at The New Cross, with freshly-grilled meats, handmade falafel, and shawarma.
The offer: A pitta, wrap or salad box for just £5 when you buy a drink, Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
Canto, Cutting Room Square
What is it: A sunny Mediterranean-inspired restaurant just off Cutting Room Square, where it’s all about tapas and sharing plates.
The offer: 40% off food, plus 40% off sangria and spritz, Tuesday to Friday.
Elnecot, Cutting Room Square
What is it: Another Ancoats staple, famed for its brunches, its Sunday roasts, and its seasonal evening menus.
The offer: 30% off the total bill, Monday to Saturday, including bottomless – book online and comment Jan30 in the notes to redeem.
Can Petit, Murray Street
What is it: A tapas and paella spot where tapas dishes start from just £5.
The offer: 20% off food, Sunday to Thursday, when you book in advance with the code 20CANPETIT.
What is it: The second site opened by the cherished Chorlton curry house and modern Dilli-style food spot. North Indian dishes cooked to the very best standard right here in Manchester.
The offer: 25% off food, Sunday to Thursday at both their Chorlton and Ancoats restaurants, plus BYOB at Chorlton from Sunday to Thursday with just a £4pp charge.
Deansgate
Hawksmoor, Deansgate
What is it: Surely needs no introduction, but Hawksmoor is a steak restaurant that was previously named the best restaurant in Manchester (and still is, if you ask me).
The offer: £19 steak and sides deal, from 1 to 31 January (plus BYO Monday, just pay £5 corkage).
Exhibition, Peter Street
What is it: Manchester’s most luxurious food hall, with modern interiors and three fantastic local kitchens – Osma, Anatra, and MoreJoy.
The offer: 25% off food and drink every day in January.
Haunt, Peter St
What is it:Coffees and brunches all day, which seamlessly switch into spritzes, beers and wines after work with Italian small plates.
The offer: 50% off main portions of lasagne, Wednesday to Saturday, from 7 to 31 January.
Pip at Treehouse Hotel, Deansgate
What is it: A creative new British restaurant from acclaimed chef Mary-Ellen McTague, where the cooking is always comforting and seasonal.
The deal: 50% off food, Monday to Wednesday from 5 January to 28 January.
Italiana Fifty Five, Great Northern
What is it: A traditional Italian restaurant with two sites in town and another in Didsbury, serving pizza, pasta and meat dishes.
The deal: 30% off food, Sunday to Thursday, when you book online, from 2 January until 31 January.
Oxford Road corridor
Hello Oriental, Circle Square
What is it: An East Asian giant, with an Asian bakery, Vietnamese kitchen, and dining hall, where you can get everything from dim sum and pho to Cantonese roast meats and Korean fried chicken.
The offer: 25% off your whole bill, using the code JAN26 when you pre-book, from 29 December until 31 January.
Junkyard Golf, First Street
What is it: The most literal take on crazy golf, where players weave around cars and slides and all sorts of other madness.
The offer:Happy hour all day every day throughout January (£6 cocktails, £4 pints, and £3.50 mocktails); plus 50% off golf after 9pm.
V. Goode Pies
What is it: The grab-and-go pie shop from the team behind the acclaimed Winsome mentioned earlier, serving classic flavours as well as creative twists like lasagne pie and breakfast pie. You can have them in a barm, dunked in gravy, or on a tray with mash and peas.
The offer: 99p bacon barms from Monday to Friday, 8-10am.
Victoria
Harvey Nichols Brasserie and Bar, New Cathedral St
What is it: A restaurant serving brunch, small plates, and lunch options at any time of day, overlooking Exchange Square and Manchester’s Medieval Quarter.
The offer: 30% off the entire bill, all day every day, from 2 to 31 January.
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.
Georgina Pellant -
8th June 2021 
