The best pubs in Didsbury

The best pubs in Didsbury

Didsbury, a suburb in Manchester, boasts a rich history dating back to the medieval period when it was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally a rural village, it has since evolved into a bustling part with plenty of pubs that are well worth visiting. From traditional taverns steeped in history to contemporary gastropubs with innovative pub grub menus, Didsbury's pub scene promises something for every palate and preference. Here, we explore a curated selection of standout Didsbury-based pubs, many featuring in the legendary 'Didsbury Dozen' pub crawl.

In this guide
  1. The best pubs in Didsbury
    1. The Didsbury – Countryside vibes
    2. The Famous Crown – A local fav
    3. Royal Oak – Historical Manc mainstay
    4. The Fletcher Moss – Live sports and British favs
    5. The Nelson – Dog-friendly Didsbury pub
    6. The Dog & Partridge – Cheese nights and trivia
    7. The Dockyard – A secret beer garden
    8. The Station – A games haven
    9. Mary & Archie – Brunch classics and bloody Marys
    10. The Head of Steam – Go for the street food
    11. The Woodstock Arms – Quiz nights and live music
    12. The Metropolitan – Award-winning food
    13. Ye Olde Cock Inn – A classic British boozer

The best pubs in Didsbury

The Didsbury

Countryside vibes

The Didsbury is located on the southern outskirts of the city, with a rustic charm and distinct countryside feel. Preserving much of its 18th-century character with its original fireplaces and wooden beams, it also boasts a generous outdoor space. Open from dawn till dusk, this spot offers a menu chock full of classic pub fare, notably the traditional Sunday roast. Drinks range from wines to cocktails, as well as an impressive selection of gins.

The Famous Crown

A local fav

Located between Stockport and South Manchester, The Famous Crown is a favourite along the Didsbury Dozen, decorated with stylish decor steeped in local history, highlighted by an original wrap-around bar. Guests can relax in the garden throughout the year, tucking into small plates and cocktails on the rear decking, enjoying drinks under blankets by the pergola into the evening, or opting for street-side seating with friends and a casual pint. The menu features British classics and contemporary bistro dishes.

Royal Oak

Historical Manc mainstay

The Royal Oak is another quintessential Manchester pub and the fourth stop on the renowned Didsbury Dozen pub crawl. With its traditional setting, it features several rooms organised around a spacious horseshoe-shaped bar. You can enjoy a range of beers and lagers from their well-stocked selection. The pub also proudly displays a collection of antique porcelain spirit vats rescued from a fire dating back to the 1990s.

The Fletcher Moss

Live sports and British favs

The Fletcher Moss in Didsbury offers a quintessential pub vibe with its cosy interiors. It is located just off the bustling high street and is renowned for its food menu, which boasts a variety of classic pub favourites paired with a wide selection of beverages, including locally brewed beer and fine wines. Sports fans can catch live games and events while soaking up the pub's vibe.

The Nelson

Dog-friendly Didsbury pub

The Nelson is a cosy pub with a single room decked out with multiple TV screens showcasing live sports and events. On specific evenings, a DJ spins tracks with a mix of Folk and Motown tunes to get guests boogying. You can participate in the local darts league here, while sipping guest beer from Moorhouses. You can even bring your furry friend along.

The Dog & Partridge

Cheese nights and trivia

Located in the bustling heart of Didsbury Village, The Dog and Partridge is a local neighbourhood pub offering a selection of classic and craft ales alongside fine wines. It boasts an elegant interior, setting it apart from traditional pub aesthetics. Evenings draw in a young crowd, enticed by quiz nights, live sports broadcasts, and dedicated cheese nights.

The Dockyard

A secret beer garden

Located in leafy Didsbury Village, The Dockyard is a local favourite serving an extensive range of beers. They also show live screenings of major sports events on big screens, and there's also a pool table and dart board for those who prefer to get stuck in. Thursdays are a highlight with their lively quiz night taking place. They boast a rotating craft beer lineup, meaning there are fresh options every few weeks. And when the sun comes out, you can bask in their secret beer garden while sipping on a pint or two.

The Station

A games haven

Located in the northern part of Didsbury Village, The Station is a traditional neighbourhood pub that has undergone changes in recent years. Inside, you'll find a room equipped with a dartboard, card table, and television, while outside, benches line the front, and a small beer garden adorns the rear. Decorated with references to Ireland and Irish Gaelic sports teams, the pub is especially bustling on weekends and is one of the stops on the Didsbury Dozen.

Mary & Archie

Brunch classics and bloody Marys

Nestled in Didsbury, Mary & Archie offers a friendly and relaxed place to sink a pint and grab a bite to eat. The kitchen serves up a variety of brunch favourites, from classic egg dishes to hearty full English breakfasts, alongside a selection of tasty burgers. Drinks options include draft beers, wines, spirits, and timeless cocktails, with a unique house twist on the Bloody Mary. Guests can also enjoy outdoor seating.

The Head of Steam

Go for the street food

The Head of Steam Didsbury is the place to go for top-tier local craft beers and real ales, accompanied by a remarkable variety of brews sourced from around the world. Complementing these offerings are a selection of cocktails, spirits, environmentally-conscious wines, and hot drinks. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, the pub regularly hosts excellent local street food vendors which change often, meaning there's always something fresh to try.

The Woodstock Arms

Quiz nights and live music

The Woodstock Arms is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or a cosy family dinner. Its menu brims with classic dishes, complemented by an extensive drinks selection and a friendly vibe. The Woodstock also hosts regular events, from live DJs and bands to fun quiz nights.

The Metropolitan

Award-winning food

The Metropolitan, fondly known as 'The Met', was once a grand Victorian railway hotel. Now transformed into a vast bar and restaurant, it's celebrated for its mouth-watering Sunday roasts and hearty breakfasts, ideal for easing hangovers. Visitors can also treat themselves to afternoon tea and enjoy the acclaimed Steak & Venison Pie, winner of the esteemed British Pie 2023 Award.

Ye Olde Cock Inn

A classic British boozer

Ye Olde Cock Inn in Didsbury is the epitome of a quintessential British pub located in a historic building with welcoming interiors. It's renowned for its lively atmosphere and regular pub quizzes, boasting a lush outdoor space perfect for enjoying sunny days. Their menu offers a variety of hearty pub favourites paired with an extensive selection of beverages, ranging from local ales to top-tier spirits. Sports enthusiasts can also catch live games and events here.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this guide?

Editors

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.