As the home of two of the biggest football clubs in the country, Manchester is a city that lives and breathes football. While the city is largely split in two between Man City and Man Utd, there are also several other clubs in the area including Stockport County, Salford City and Altrincham.
When fans aren’t taking in the action at the grounds themselves, they are known to flock to the city centre to watch the drama unfold over a drink or two. Manchester is home to countless excellent pub and bars but which ones are the best for watching football?
Our guide below provides you with everything you need to know.
Best pubs to watch football in Manchester
Best pubs to watch football in Manchester – Deansgate
Box – Regarded by many as the premier sports bar in the city centre, Box Bar on Deansgate has everything you would want for the match. Screens everywhere you turn, decent food and two floors of seating. The only drawback is that the bar can get incredibly busy when a big match is on. 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY
Sawyers Arms – Across the road is the Sawyers Arms which also shows live football. This is a classic British pub but it caters for football fans with a giant projector screen. 138 Deansgate, Greater, Manchester M3 2RP
The Lost Dene – Next door to the Sawyers Arms is The Lost Dene which offers guests a similar experience. The pint selection in here is arguably slightly better, though. 144 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EE
Best pubs to watch football in Manchester – Northern Quarter
Tib St Tavern – The Northern Quarter has become an incredibly popular place for people to go for a drink over the past decade. Tib St Tavern is the most popular sports bar in the area, but make sure to book if you want to sit down. 74 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG
Shack – Shack is reminiscent of Doctor Who’s Tardis. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much and the ground floor isn’t all that. However, once you go downstairs, the place opens up and seemingly goes on forever. This is where you’ll want to head if you’re watching the football. 69 High St, Manchester M4 1FS
It's all happening at Tib St Tavern!
Ask at the bar or give us a ring on 0161 834 1600 to book in for any events.
Personalise your buffet options for a family gathering or enjoy one of our delicious home made burgers! pic.twitter.com/nMmzAoC37K
— Tib Street Tavern (@TibStreetTavern) June 14, 2022
Best pubs to watch football in Manchester – Printworks
Boom Battle Bar – Boom Battle Bar opened inside Printworks in 2022 and is an all-singing, all-dancing bar that guests could end up staying in all night. As well as showing live sport, the bar has dart boards, pool tables, shuffleboard tables, ping pong tables and more. Unit 2A, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS
Bierkeller – Inside Bierkeller in the Printworks is Shooters Bar. This large space is perfect for watching the football, particularly as you get table service if you pre-book, meaning you don’t have to miss a second of the action. The Printworks Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS
Walkabout – Walkabout doesn’t try and do too much but with Biekeller and ______ in the vicinity, it doesn’t need to. If you just want a pint and to watch the game in peace, then this is the place. 27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS
Best pubs to watch football in Manchester – St Peter’s Square
Directors Box – Directors Box is a sports bar a two-minute walk away from St Peter’s Square Metrolink station. The size of it is relatively small compared to some of the other ones mentioned here. 37 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AA
The Brotherhood Of Pursuits And Pastimes – With two floors of screens and seating areas, Brotherhood has a large capacity which makes it popular with football-lovers in the city. The food is also good for a sports bar and the pint selection is top-tier. 2 Mount St, Manchester M2 5WQ