Manchester has no shortage of places to head for if you fancy a good glass of something, but as with many other areas of life the city centre has seen sweeping changes over the past few years.
The decline of traditional boozers has been much remarked on, and in the city centre pubs have to compete with a wide array of wine and cocktail bars, specialist gin and rum outlets and craft beer bars with a huge array of sours, super-strength stouts, American-influenced hoppy pales and more. And that’s not to mention the number of old fashioned watering holes which have been converted into food-led gastropubs.
But all is far from lost if what you’re looking for is a good pint and a packet of crisps in friendly surroundings with good conversation - perhaps with a sports match on the TV or a game of pool or darts thrown in for good measure.
Manchester has a good number of traditional pubs remaining, even in areas which have seen the most dramatic changes, and there are also some beautiful historic watering holes which are on national heritage lists maintained by Camra and which have been welcoming thirsty punters through the doors for centuries.
So if you like a real ale in stunning surroundings, a lively night of chat and beers or even somewhere where you can just save a few pennies while slaking your thirst, here are 12 places around the city centre we would recommend.
1. Lass O’Gowrie, Manchester
Legend has it that the original landlord of this pub was a Scotsman who named the pub in honour of his favourite poem - ‘the Lass O’Gowrie’ written by the celebrated Scottish poet Lady Carolina Nairne.
2. Peveril of the Peak
Nancy has been the landlady at The Pev for decades and her warm welcome for locals and visitors alike has long made it a favourite of Manchester ale lovers. It’s a beautiful pub with its tiled exterior and stained glass windows, while inside the ales are listed on a blackboard. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
3. Briton’s Protection
One of the most famous pubs on the list is the Briton’s Protection. It is a Grade II-listed building and Mancunians have fought hard to protect it, most recently when it came under threat from planned developments nearby. As well as the beer and ale selection, it also specialises in whisky with a huge choice of drams. Credit: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps
4. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar
Easily identifiable by its black-and-white exterior and the huge crowds seated outside in good weather, Sinclair’s is another Grade II-listed building which survived an IRA bomb and a move to its current location. If you’re feeling the pinch this is a good place to head as the place is a Sam Smith’s pub, meaning good-quality beers at very reasonable prices. Credit: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps