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)
Sport
Bury FC manager steps down just two days after appointment following major backlash over history
Danny Jones
In case you missed the news over the weekend, Bury FC manager Michael Jolley stepped down just two days after joining the club following major backlash to his appointment.
The uproar and almost immediate U-turn came in response to his past conviction.
After learning of his history, the club were met with a significant amount of stick from Bury fans and other football supporters, leading Jolley himself to quickly resign. Confirming the outcome by mutual decision, the club revealed his departure on Sunday afternoon.
Bury Football Club can confirm that Michael Jolley has today been relieved of his duties as First Team Manager by mutual consent.
Sharing an official statement, The Shakers wrote: “The Board recognises the strength of feeling expressed in recent days by supporters, staff, partners and players, and the very real impact the Board’s decision to appoint Michael has had on individuals connected to the Club…
“We will also be engaging directly with players, staff and stakeholders to listen, learn and ensure that appropriate support is available. Our immediate priority is the welfare of our people and the stability of the Club and our community.
“We believe this step is necessary to help restore confidence, create space for reflection, and allow Bury FC to move forward in a way that reflects our values and responsibilities.
“Bury Football Club remains committed to acting with integrity, transparency and respect. Further updates will be shared when appropriate.”
Confirming that the assistant manager, Tim Lees (who helped lead the side to a 2-1 victory over Mossley AFC at home this weekend), will be leading the team as interim head coach for the time being, they also noted that Jolley insists he didn’t want his signing to place unwanted attention on the club.
Wishing them the best in their search for the next man to take them forward, and believe they have a “special connection” with their local community.
Jolley states he made higher-ups aware of his past conviction before being interviewed for the job, as he explains in a lengthy statement of his own, which was released before Bury’s own announcement.
Following a period of reflection, I have decided to relinquish the opportunity to become the Manager of Bury FC. Full statement attached. pic.twitter.com/bAHekBfnb5
Addressing the situation on social media, the Sheffield-born former Grimsby and Barrow boss said: ‘After a period of reflection over the weekend, it has become apparent that my appointment at Bury FC has become a distraction for the club and so I have decided to relinquish the opportunity to become first team manager…
“Additionally, I welcome the fact that every investigation into the incident, whether through the legal process, or the subsequent investigations by the UK government, The FA, all established through evidence that I was deceived and at no time did I act maliciously.
“All three organisations concluded that there was no evidence which should prevent me from continuing my career, and that is what I have done, periodically, since that time. I consider safeguarding a critical aspect of coaching and have always delivered safe practice 100% of the time throughout my career.”
As he explains in the full document, “16 and a half years later, [his] CRB check has long since shown as clear, but in the interests of transparency and openness”, he still ensures any prospective employers are made aware of the case.
He goes on to say that he has become used to the abuse inside stadiums and online, given the nature of football fan culture, but now that he has a young family, he makes it clear that they are a key factor in the decision as he looks to prioritise their safety and wellbeing before his own.
The local outfit is once again looking for a new steward to steer them back in the right direction and, hopefully, away from any more intrigue and/or controversy. A return to the EFL still seems a way off, but who would you like to see installed as the gaffer at Gigg Lane, Shakers?
Brits are petitioning to give ‘SIR’ Kevin Sinfield the knighthood he deserves
Danny Jones
An impassioned Brit, along with nearly 100,000 others, are championing a petition to give a Greater Manchester sporting role model a knighthood.
The UK is long overdue for a SIR Kevin Sinfield, if you ask us.
Yes, now five years after his first remarkable charity challenge in the form of his inaugural ‘seven in seven’ ultra-marathon, our very own Kevin Sinfield officially completed his sixth edition of the fundraising feat earlier this month.
Having now raised more than £1.2 million for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in memory of his friend and former late, great, Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow – and that just this year alone.
👏 An outstanding achievement!
🏃 Kevin Sinfield CBE completed his latest 7 in 7: Together Challenge this afternoon, raising over £1.1 Million for @mndassoc!
To take into account every penny he’s helped generate for the crucial neurological cause, he’s helped welcome in excess of £11 million since he started this tributary journey nearly six whole years ago.
Sinfield has become nothing short of a national hero over the last few years, and the people think it’s about time he is recognised with the highest honour.
The Oldham-born native has already been given a trio of notable awards, including an MBE, OBE and CBE, which also means he doesn’t technically qualify to be considered for a knighthood until 2027 at the very earliest.
However, the petition’s creator, Mel Handforth, believes that an exception should be made and the “arcane” rules around the New Year’s Honours should be changed to allow Sinfield (and, indeed, others) to be celebrated more promptly.
Even the Speaker for the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, is one of many to have argued for the stipulation to be scrapped.
Despite countless calls for him to be included in the most recent list, which saw the likes of David Beckham finally made a knight, he was overlooked due to the three-year gap protocol.
He also somehow missed out on being shortlisted for this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, though you can guarantee he would have plenty of votes from the general public – especially here in the region and, indeed, over in his adopted second home of Yorkshire.
You can see who did make it onto this year’s list down below.
The same happened again at the Pride of Britain a year later, and the retired rugby league player turned union coach was also handed an honorary degree by the University of Leeds in July 2024, just a month after Burrow sadly passed away.
But Sinfield has quite literally had the backing of millions to be made ‘Sir Kevin’ for well over half a decade now; we made him our ‘Manc of the Month’ back in November ’22, and our stance on him being given a knighthood is even clearer now than it was back then.
As Handforth writes in the bio of the Change.org petition: “The words ‘legend’ and ‘hero’ are often handed out, but Kevin Sinfield truly embodies them both. He’s not doing this for recognition – he’s doing it because he cares deeply about the MND community and honouring his friend Rob’s legacy.
“Let’s show Kevin that his nation stands with him. Sign this petition to urge the Honours Committee to recognise Sir Kevin Sinfield for his remarkable service to humanity.”
If you agree, you can sign the petition to make him Sir Kevin Sinfield right HERE.
Danny Jones -
17th June 2024 
