It’s official, we’ve been fully hit with Euros fever and we cannot wait for a full summer of watching the games and hopefullywith plenty of sun, but a lot of people are still on the hunt for family-friendly places to watch the action here in Manchester.
The fact is, the idea of piling into a busy boozer or fan zone and waiting for a sea of pints to be thrown into the air isn’t for everyone (as much as many of us love the carnage) and tournament time can often feel dominated by the ‘lads, lads, lads’ vibe but the beautiful game is famously for everyone.
With that being said, we’ve put together a quick list of places to watch the football in Manchester this Euros season that are perhaps a bit quieter, more kid-friendly or just a bit less boozy than you might find at most other pubs or fan parks.
Let’s kick off then, shall we?
10 places for kids and families to watch the Euro 2024 in Manchester
1. Nell’s – Kampus
Number two is local pizza legends Nell’s and their waterside site over at Kampus. It may be another one you possibly weren’t expecting, but who doesn’t love munching on pizza whilst you watch the game?
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Kampus has turned into one of the city’s coolest little corners, and with a beautiful, almost jungle-like beer garden and terrace there to soak up the rays, if you’re wondering where is best to spend your time before and after the Euros games, you might already have your answer here.
Arguably one of the most family-friendly options for those hoping to watch with their kids or maybe just find a less rowdy option with plenty of activities beyond sitting and watching the game itself, the brand new King Pins site in Manchester’s Arndale Centre is also screening the England matches this year.
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As our very own Will says, this place has virtually everything under one roof, including a whole summer of footy. What more could you ask for?
Another left-field one you most likely won’t have been expecting to be showing the footy this tournament season is PizzaLuxe, but after nipping along for a few slices, a pint and a casual mid-week 2pm kick-off (don’t worry, the boss approved), we can confirm it’s a great little alternative.
With the stylish Arndale lunchtime spot showing every game right throughout the competition and the full menu of pizza, fresh sides and salads on offer, it makes for a great central location to catch a game, and they even have a site at Manchester Airport in case you happen to find yourself in terminal one.
Next up is another old faithful favourite of any local foodie, and that’s Almost Famous, who happen to be showing the Three Lions at the Great Northern and Withington sites here in Manchester
With the latter receiving a raft of support from locals after it faced potential closure, the burger pros are back to doing what they do best, only with the added perk of screening all the action plus some seriously good deals on pints, cocktails and more.
For another foodie and family-friendly place to watch the Euros in Manchester, the city’s resident Hard Rock Cafe over in Printworks is another reliable option if you want the guarantee of a screen, a great value-for-money matchday meal and a lively but less rowdy atmosphere.
Showing every England group game – and hopefully all the knockout fixtures – and even serving up the official Messi Chicken Sandwich (we know he doesn’t play in Europe but still), you won’t go far wrong. Booking advised.
Credit: Supplied
6. King Street Townhouse
Getting into the second half now, and this one’s for those people who are essentially looking to recreate the comfort of their front room, only with room for all their friends and family to get involved too.
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King Street Townhouse‘s secret cinema has been a cult favourite for a while no,w it also happens to be one of the coolest and cosiest places for a quieter, more bespoke way to watch the games this summer.
One of the most family-friendly and personalised places to watch the Euros in Manchester.
7. Festival of Football – Freight Island
At the other end of the spectrum, if you still want somewhere with plenty of atmosphere but that’s fundamentally safe and welcomes a family-oriented crowd, this year’s ‘Festival of Football’ over in Mayfield is a great shout.
Don’t get us wrong, there’ll be plenty of limbs and all the rest of it in the main room, but the more reserved Plant Room has been turned into a dedicated family space for all ages. With full coverage, heaters and its own bar, it’s a floral little hideaway where you can still cheer on the boys. Book HERE.
In the heart of the midfield, you’ll find GRUB and Fairfield Social Club’s approach to screening the Euros one of the most inviting in the city too, with plenty of scope for the adults to have a good time with a few bevs, but whilst still ensuring an accessible atmosphere for everyone to come along.
We often see kids running around the terrace over at GRUB, and with one of the biggest dedicated screens in Manchester (yes, seriously); better still, if you book, you’ll automatically get 10% off the bar whilst the games are on. Sorted. You can get in touch with them on socials or via email for more info.
Another nice middle ground between a beer hall and a more relaxed fan zone is Bundobust, who are once again showing the games this Euros and serving up arguably some of the most flavourful scran you’ll ever tuck into whilst the footy is on.
With bookings available and lots of football-themed specials including The Vindaloo Pie collab with Great North Pie Co. and ‘The Fat Les’ pie barm (a.k.a. a Wigan kebab), not mention plenty to sip in, the risk you run is being so distracted by the food that you forget to look up and watch the match.
Lastly, just a tram ride away from the city centre or a short journey in the car, Hotel Football’s in-house cafe over in Trafford is perhaps one of the most family-friendly places to watch the Euros you’ll find anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Sitting just next door to the Theatre of Dreams, the daytime side of the local hotel, cafe and bar is fittingly serving a wide variety of food from around the globe; there’s an ice cream and sweet service on offer for little ones, as well as special competitions throughout Euro 2024. You can enquire HERE.
We hope you found this list of more family-friendly places helpful; you can, of course, find some other gems on our full where to watch the Euros in Manchester list – either way, we just hope you enjoy this year’s tournament and please, oh please, spare us penalties, footballing gods.
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Not to tempt fate, but we really do believe it’s coming home this time (famous last words).
And for one last honourable mention, we simply had to give a shout-out to what has to be our favourite British supermarket chain, thanks to their lovely initiative to make sure the elderly have somewhere comfortable to watch Euro 2024 as well.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Freight Island (via Instagram)
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One of the biggest and best new beer gardens in Manchester drops just in time for the World Cup
Danny Jones
You heard us right: what could very well be Manchester’s favourite new beer garden has just landed over in St John’s, and all can envision is non-stop sun, suds and sporting action all summer long.
This, my friends, is ‘The Green’.
Capturing a kind of mix between the simple combo of wide open space, booze and hopefully sun on the Stevenson Square we all know and love, with a bit of the Boxpark fanfare that will make it perfect come World Cup, we’re big fans of what they’ve put together here.
It’s also worth noting that this place is significantly bigger than you’ll find in most corners of central Manchester, complete with plenty of room to perch, from the rows of deckchairs to even tiered step seating that runs along the edge.
There’s new artificial turf laid down, complete with fresh wooden borders, lamp lighting, big benches perfect for squeezing plenty of mates on each side, as well as a decent number of small parasols. There are even QR codes to save time ordering at the bar.
Speaking of, the bar is already full up and running with a very solid lineup of summery drinks, for beers and fruity ciders to Aperol and plenty more. You are paying the expected St John’s prices, but when the rays hit just right, the footy’s on and you’re with your mates, you won’t hear us complaining.
Not just batch stuff being proud from the tap either – they’ve got cocktails, creative twists on frozen margs and lots of other stuff still in the pipeline.
But understandably, the instant start of the show is that large screen, which has already got us dreaming of the World Cup and tournament season year in year out, for that matter. And when we say large, we really mean it…
Just picture the scenes…
The lawn itself is plenty long, and the massive monitor is high up enough on the old studio wall that not a single soul will be missing a second of that action.
Be it the footy, Wimbledon, F1, rugby – whatever the discipline happens to be, we can’t wait to find any excuse to watch it all here (weather permitting). Only a short distance from Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield and more, we feel like this spot is about to blow up.
You’ll also be glad to know that while you can’t take food and drink from other venues around the beer garden itself, they’ve got a food lineup all of their own coming very soon, centring around Manchester locals and regional indies. That’s what we like to hear.
It’s just what that Grape Street area needed, and regardless of whatever potential seasonal shifts it might need to make, we hope it stays here for a very long time. Good vibes all-round.
A dozen freebies you can get with a Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal for 2026
Danny Jones
Race day is fast-approaching, but that also means so is the finisher line for you legends taking on this year’s Great Manchester Run, and in turn, so are all the freebies heading your way.
Everyone has their reasons for running 10ks, half marathons and more, but for a lot of people, they just wanna soak in the atmosphere – and all the free suds afterwards…
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of all the free stuff you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal this coming Sunday, 31 May.
12 free things you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal
1. Freebies and carb-loading at Bundobust
What is it: An Indian street food spot beloved here in the North, with plenty of beers on tap and unreal, Gujarati-influenced scran perfect for sharing.
The offer: Two-for-one on their famous vada pav sliders the day before the race upon showing entry confirmation, and a free pint when you show your medal at the bar.
What is it: A stylish bar turned late-night club come the evenings with a big terrace out back and plenty of room to dance the night away (for those with any energy left, that is), famous for its bottomless brunches and party crowd.
The offer: A complimentary drink at multiple venues in exchange for a look at your shiny 2026 medal, including the likes of Impossible.
Expect a good sign this weekend.Decent Sunday roast, too.
The offer: Very much a Ronseal situation this – simply show you finisher’s medal to cop yourself one of their traditional Vietnamese cookies made in the shape of, you guessed it, a medal.
4. Complimentary booze and offers at Electric Shuffle
What is it: An interactive games bar on Deansgate known for high-tech shuffleboard, darts and more, including more brunch and group booking packages.
The offer: A pint of beer, 175ml glass of house wine, 125ml glass of prosecco, or a soft drink on the house when you show your medal or race number; the venue will also be open from 9am on the day itself, serving plenty of GMR specials, including a full breakfast menu.
Right up to the top.If you fancy squeezing in a game afterwards…Sip and play. (Credit: The Manc Group)
5. Free ice cream at Hello Oriental
What is: An underground Pan-Asian food hall located on Circle Square, just off the main Oxford Road Corridor, with multiple vendors available.
The offer: Free cone of soft-serve on sight of your finisher’s medal – you can also upgrade to their deluxe animal-shaped waffle cones for £2 – or you can choose to claim a free drink with any main meal.
What is it: A famous London chop house that’s made its way to Manchester, serving big steaks, pork loins, Sunday roasts and more from a stunning Peter Street site.
The offer: Pick from any of their tap wines, beers or softs to toast to your success. One medal = one tap.
What is it: The on-site bar and restaurant attached to YOTEL Manchester – also located along the Deansgate strip. They’re also launching a new summer menu, too.
The offer: A free pint of the draught Motley Brew, made by Salford icons Seven Brothers, a zero-alcohol ‘Nojito’ or a soft drink.
8. The same goes for Freight Island
What is it: The massive Manc urban market, beer hall and entertainment venue, packed with tonnes of local food and drink traders.
The offer: Claim a free glass of prosecco, pint, glass of wine, or a soft drink – simply show your medal, and you’ll be given a token that you can exchange for the good stuff.
9. Bonus late checkout for those staying at Hotel Indigo
What is it: A boutique city centre hotel operated by the IHG hotel and resorts group, located right near Victoria train station for those travelling into Manchester.
The offer: Show your participation ticket on arrival and receive a complimentary 6pm checkout on Sunday, 31 May 2026. *Offer subject to availability. Management reserves the right to remove the offer at any time without prior notice.
10. Non-alcoholic goodness on the house from Nell’s at Kampus and Common
What is it: Much-loved Manc-born bar and pizza joint, serving New York-style slices, frozen slushie cocktails and plenty more.
The offer: A free pint of Lucky Saint with your medal; same again at Common over in the Northern Quarter, where you can also enjoy some well-earned ‘za.
11. Sunny servings of Aperol Spritz at Courts Club
What is it: Social club and bar centring around a multi-purpose basketball/tennis court and even boules, not to mention a fridge and outdoor stall both serving freshly-prepared grab-and-go scran, as well as plenty of outdoor seating.
The offer: Show your finisher’s medal at the bar from 12 noon and receive one Aperol Spritz per person. Simple as that.
12. And finally, your finisher’s pack, of course!
To wrap things up, shortly after you cross the finish line – and you WILL cross that line – you will also be presented with your customary bag of goodies, including your ‘been there done that, got the finisher’s t-shirt (unless you opted out), a bottle of water, and an edible treat.
But that’s not all: there’ll be plenty more freebies to pick up as you exit back through the official event village, such as more snacks and even another 0% beer from Lucky Saint, which tastes even better than the real thing when you’ve completed either 10k or 13.1 miles.
Last but not least, for those of you journeying into the city either to take part or even just to spectate, it’s worth taking a look at the most recent transport updates.
After all, we want to make sure you get here and grab as much of this ‘SWAG’ as possible once you’re done – you’ve earned it, after all.
Danny Jones -
17th June 2024 
