A man with feet up in an airport lounge looking at a plane taking off A man with feet up in an airport lounge looking at a plane taking off

The best Manchester Airport pubs

Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Daniel Sheppard

Every self-respecting British person knows that you have to have a pint when you're at the airport waiting for your flight. And if you're not British and were just visiting, you may as well join us – call it a cultural experience. Manchester Airport boasts a number of venues where you can enjoy this rite of passage and kill some time until your gate is open. Keep reading for our guide to pubs in Manchester Airport.

  1. Terminal 2
    1. 1
      The Bridgewater Exchange After security
    2. 2
      Amber Alehouse After security
  2. Terminal 3
    1. 1
      The Lion and Antelope After security

Jump to

Manchester Airport pubs

Terminal 2

The Bridgewater Exchange

Website

After security

What makes The Bridgewater Exchange stand out is that it's home to the UK's first airside microbrewery, meaning you can enjoy some exclusive brews before you leave. This authentic airport pub serves an extensive range of beers and ales, alongside classic pub grub. It's a comfortable and traditional space with departure screens so you won't miss your flight.

Amber Alehouse

Website

After security

Check out Amber Alehouse if you're keen on craft beer. Run in collaboration with a local brewery, guests can sample quality beers along with comforting food like burgers, wings, and breakfast dishes for those catching an early flight. It's a trendy airport pub with a rock music soundtrack, exposed bricks, and images of various Manchester legends on the walls.

Terminal 3

The Lion and Antelope

Website

After security

The Lion and Antelope is a modern pub at Manchester Airport that serves up classic British cuisine as well as drinks. Fine real ales from Manchester are available here – perfect for getting one last pint in. Food choices include burgers and fish and chips. Whilst the food and drinks might be traditional, the setting is spacious and contemporary.

Airport pubs – About the guide

Manchester Airport pubs - Our guide to pubs at Manchester Airport is updated regularly. If you know of a great pub in Manchester Airport that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to Manchester Airport pubs. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.

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Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Daniel Sheppard, Content Writer UK, Thatsup

Daniel Sheppard

FAQ

What happened to Manchester Airport Terminal 1?

Manchester Airport's Terminal 1 has officially closed as of March 2026, marking the conclusion of a decade-long, £1.3 billion modernisation programme. Most airline operations have consolidated into the significantly expanded Terminal 2 "Super Terminal," while Terminal 3 now serves as a dedicated hub exclusively for Ryanair. The former Terminal 1 site is being repurposed to provide additional seating and new dining facilities to enhance the remaining terminals.