Manchester is one of England’s major cities, which not only makes it a hub for professionals, but it’s also a great place to visit. From the Etihad Stadium to the Science Museum, all the way down to the Manchester Art Gallery, you aren’t going to run out of things to do and explore in Manchester.
But sometimes, you might just want to take a step back from all these attractions and head to a pub to grab a pint with your friends.
And while Manchester is full of pubs and bars, not all of them are great. On top of that, some of them might be hard to find or get to, especially if you’re still learning how to navigate around the big city.
To help you find the best pubs and bars in Manchester city centre where you and your friends can go and have a drink, in this article, we’ll give you a list of our top picks. And at the end of this article, as a bonus, we’ll suggest a great way of splitting up the bill with your friends using tapeeno.
The King’s Arms
The King’s Arms is one of the best pubs and bars in Manchester city centre. This pub is owned by Paul Heaton, the singer of Beautiful South and perfectly combines the old and new in its design. On top of that, the bar has a more than decent food and drinks menu, which is essential when the goal is to have a quality time out.
On top of that, the King’s Arms is known to have a lot of events. There’s a high chance you can catch a live music gig, comedy night, and even craft events at the pub. Another cool characteristic is the fact that the bar is designed with an old-school theme.
So, walking into the bar feels very nostalgic, even if you’ve never tried classic English pubs before. The highlight of this pub is definitely the events that happen throughout the week, so don’t hesitate to check what types of events they’re offering while you’re there.
Eagle Inn
You can find the Eagle Inn along Trinity Way. It’s down the road from Blueprint Studios and is a very historically rich pub. The bar was established back in 1903 and has been a place for fun in Manchester for more than 100 years.
This is a hidden gem in Manchester that’s worth searching for. The fusion of modern and traditional design elements is flawless, giving off a great vibe. On top of that, they usually have great local bands playing, which is great if you’re looking to have a fun and music-filled evening.
The Crown & Kettle
This might sound funny, but one of our favorite things about the Crown & Kettle is the ceiling. We know this sounds ridiculous but if you find yourself in the Northern Quarter area, we recommend checking this place out and looking at the ceiling, it’s absolutely amazing.
With that said, the whole building has a very unique vibe to it, which attracts locals every night of the week. And if you want to try out Manchester’s great offering of local craft beers, this is definitely the place to go. The bar has a fairly younger crowd, which means that it’s very lively.
The Marble Arch
Our next recommendation is the Marble Arch. From its beautiful architecture both outside and inside to the amazing details in design, it’s a must-visit if you’re looking to drink a beer with some friends or co-workers in Manchester.
The bar has a vast collection of ales and lagers that is almost unmatched in Manchester. So, you can rest assured that you won’t be spoiled for choice if you choose to go for drinks at The Marble Arch.
Sinclair’s Oyster Bar
As the name suggests, you can get high-quality oysters in this pub. So, when it comes to food to match your drinks, you won’t have much to complain about when visiting the Sinclair’s. Additionally, the bar has a great selection of drinks, which makes it one of the best places to visit for drinks in the city.
With that said, you might want to go early if you want to catch a seat at this place. This is one of Manchester’s most famous pubs. So, as soon as the sun sets, you can expect the place to get packed, which could add a whole new layer of fun if you’re into bars that are packed with action.
Grey Horse
The Grey Horse pub in Manchester is a great place to enjoy a drink with friends. The pub offers a wide variety of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as a menu of traditional British pub food. The atmosphere at the Grey Horse Pub is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Whether you’re looking for a place to watch the game or simply relax with a pint, the Grey Horse Pub is the perfect spot for all occasions.
Thinking of Visiting Any of These Bars? Here’s How to Make It Easier to Split the Bill
Any one of these Manchester pubs will give you a good time. Some of these pubs are for lively parties, while others are ideal for a more chilled drink. But regardless of which bar you go to with your friends, inevitably, you’ll have to split the bill, which can be pretty complicated and annoying if you’ve paid for the bill by card.
That’s why we highly recommend the tapeeno app if you plan on bar-hopping with friends. With the app, you don’t have to overcomplicate things when the bill arrives. All you have to do is use one card to make the payment, then figure out how much every person owes you.
From there, you can input the amount your friends need to send you on the app, then they can tap their card on your phone, and you’ll receive the money. That way, you don’t have to worry about asking everyone individually for their cut or spend time exchanging bank details. With tapeeno, splitting the bill with friends is made easy so you can focus on having a great time with your friends.
