The best pubs in the Northern Quarter

Having undergone a big restoration in 2017, The Bay Horse Tavern is a modern version of a classic Victorian pub. These days, the venue combines traditional and contemporary style to create a cosy and vibrant environment. Choose from a large range of drinks, indulge with classic pub food, or join fun events like open mics and a weekly quiz.

A compact and bustling pub with a cheerful atmosphere, The Unicorn is a popular drinking spot in the area. The venue has a classic look, shows live sport, and has regular live gigs. Special offers on drinks give you value for money - the options here include spirits, refreshing pints of lager, and shots to get the party going.

Compact pub The Castle Hotel has a legendary reputation in Manchester, known as a hub for music and literature. Its history goes back to 1776 and these days it's a big part of the live music scene. Diverse acts play here, plus there's a jukebox. Ales are a speciality behind the bar but you can also try locally-brewed beers, amongst other options.

Located at the edge of the Northern Quarter, High Street Tavern is a comfortable family-friendly pub. It's based in a distinctive curved building but inside it's full of light and has an eye-catching chequered floor. The bar serves a wide range of drinks, plus there's pizza and traditional pub grub. Board games are available to play whilst you're here.

Tib Street Tavern has a lively and relaxed atmosphere and offers comfortable surroundings with soft banquettes and exposed brickwork. Live sport is a big deal here, and the big screens mean you won't miss a thing. Sit down and watch all of the major sports fixtures whilst sampling the varied range of drinks available at the bar.

Style-conscious gastropub The Abel Heywood is a popular destination for drinks and food, but it also offers boutique guest accommodation. The pub looks traditional with wood panelling and serves a variety of drinks, including locally-produced beers. Classic pub food is served here all day, with the Sunday roast being particularly popular.

Located at the edge of the Northern Quarter, The Hare & Hounds is a low-key local pub. It has an eye-catching tiled exterior and an interior brimming with tradition. The atmosphere here is peaceful. The pub is known for its ales and offers traditional bar snacks such as sausage rolls. There's regular live music, too.

The Freemount will soon catch your eye thanks to the green tiles and plants that clad its exterior. The interior is fuss-free, with pillars and wood panelling. This is a lively spot where the party goes on until late. Live music is on regularly, and the pub shows live sports fixtures as well.

Historic pub The Crown & Anchor is a traditional drinking spot with guest rooms. The atmosphere is lively at this down-to-earth establishment, which has a classic pub aesthetic both inside and out. A varied selection of drinks is on offer here, in addition to satisfying pub food, including a weekly Sunday roast.

Craft beer fans can enjoy a drink in the Northern Quarter at The Crafty Pig. This contemporary spot has a bright interior complete with rustic wood panelling. Budget-friendly food and drinks are on offer here, including craft beer, cocktails, pizza, and burgers. Events like bottomless brunch also take place here.

The history of The Lower Turk's Head goes back hundreds of years. Today it's a refined and spacious venue set over two floors. The ground floor has two separate bars whilst upstairs there's a heated terrace. This pub hosts a variety of events and specialises in beers and ales. Added to that, there are boutique guest rooms.

If you're looking for a down-to-earth backstreet pub, check out The Wheatsheaf. This long-established pub is friendly and welcoming, with a fuss-free appearance. DJs and live sports provide entertainment, but you can also play darts, dominoes, and pool. A broad range of drinks is on offer here, but the ales are especially popular.

Built in the 18th century, The Rose & Monkey Hotel is now a modern and trendy pub. It's a fun and cheery venue with comfortable spaces and eclectic decor. There's live music and a weekly quiz here, plus the venue serves a wide range of drinks and plant-based pies. Guest rooms are also available here, and discounts are available for travelling musicians.

Enjoy drinks or food in an easygoing setting at The English Lounge. This venue has an imposing exterior and a contemporary look inside, as well as a compact terrace. A diverse range of drinks are served here, plus pizzas and classic pub grub, including a Sunday roast. Live sport is shown and private hire is available for events. 

Charming traditional pub The Millstone has a smart green exterior and a fuss-free typical pub look inside. The atmosphere is cheerful and friendly, plus there's regular entertainment from DJs and karaoke. This long-established local venue serves a range of drinks, including craft beer and cask ales.