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Are you looking for the best Manchester sports bars? We are here to help!
Manchester is famous for many things but football is definitely the one thing our beautiful city is the best-known for.
Between all our wonderful sports teams, amazing stadiums and the local culture, Manchester is a hot spot for all sports fans.
Now if you are wondering what are the best pubs to watch football in Manchester, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we tell you everything about the best sports bars in Manchester. Perfect to watch the games and have some fun!
1. Box Deansgate
If you are looking for places to watch football in Manchester and have a good night out then try Box Deansgate.
This dedicated sports bar is one of the best places to soak in the atmosphere of any big sporting event.
This epic venue has 25 HD screens so there’s no need to worry about getting a good spot.
That being said, rock up just five minutes before big games kick off and you will find this place packed.
They show the best sports from Sky, BT and Box Office with commentary on the key fixtures.
On their website you can also check out their upcoming fixtures to ensure they’re playing your team’s game.
Their concept is that you will come for the sport but you will stay for the fun and atmosphere.
During half time play some shuffleboard or darts and stay after for amazing pizza, burgers and kebabs, as well as more yummy drinks.
2. The Bishop Blaize
The Bishop Blaize has earned a reputation as an excellent pub for Manchester United fans.
The pub is on Chester Road less than five minutes’ walk from Old Trafford and ideal for a pre-game drink.
Just a heads up, The Bishop Blaize does limit visitors to those with a ticket to the game as it gets that lively and crowded.
On non-match days you can watch the other Premier League games at your leisure.
They’ve decked the place out in Red Devil memorabilia and merchandise for an even better pre-game atmosphere.
As it’s part of the Wetherspoon franchise, you can order drinks conveniently to your table and pay for them from their mobile app.
You just can’t go wrong with a fan favourite pub.
This place actually dates back to the 15th century (though it’s had many renovations), and it’s perhaps its history as well as the lively atmosphere that keeps people flooding back time and time.
3. Portland MCR
If you feel you cannot watch your favourite team without a hearty meal to calm the nerves then Portland MCR is one of the best sports bars in Manchester.
You will find Portland MCR on Portland Street close to Northern Quarter and Canal Street.
This sports bar and eatery is open seven days a week and they have some of the most delicious and frankly colossal burgers in the city.
Portland MCR is worth visiting for their American style menu alone but add on the extra of watching your favourite sport and you cannot go wrong.
As the place also serves food it’s got a bit more of a relaxed vibe compared to other sports bars in the city.
They’ve got 10 screens dotted around the bar playing the top sporting events all day long, seven days a week.
4. The Director’s Box
Director’s Box is another of the best sports bars in Manchester city centre. You’ll find this bar on Booth Street, a fantastic central location.
This is a go to place for all sports, not just football, any big sporting event they’ll be showing it.
There are a ton of 4K and HD TV screens dotted around the bar so there’s no craning your neck to watch the game.
If you are one of those who gets glued to the game, then you’ll appreciate the mobile app ordering system. It’s a super easy way to order and pay for food whilst watching your team.
They’ve got a lovely selection of craft beer and they also serve up some hearty grub, creating a great atmosphere for watching any game or match.
5. The Brotherhood of Pursuits And Pastimes
For awesome sports bars in Manchester check out The Brotherhood Of Pursuits And Pastimes.
You will find this sports bar on Mount Street just around the corner from the Director’s Box.
This bar is in a great location, especially if you are utilising the city’s tramway, it’s right by a station.
They show everything at the Brotherhood from football to golf, rugby to tennis and everything in between.
They will even take customer requests for even the most unique of sports games.
That might sound a little odd, but they are that dedicated to the experience that given the chance, they’ll even provide you with headsets to listen to the commentary if they can’t put the full audio on.
The two-storey venue offers a sophisticated yet lively place to watch your favourite sports.
It’s definitely a higher end bar, fighting is kept to the boxing rings on the big screens in this sports bar.
Downstairs there’s a games area featuring football and pool tables and surrounded by screens. There’s also a private area where you can book booths with your own screens.
6. Second City Sports Bar and Lounge
The Second City Sports Bar And Lounge is on Blossom Street in Ancoats, right next to the Northern Quarter.
It’s one of the only sports bars in Manchester’s Ancoats, so it’s great if you are staying in this location or live nearby.
You should definitely check out the Second City if you are a fan of a variety of sports including American favourites.
They have a late licence for boxing, NFL, UFC and WWE so no need to worry about the time difference!
They are fully equipped to show all the sports on Sky Sports and BT Sports as well as the pay per view events.
They will also show multiple channels at once, meaning you won’t miss out on your event.
Make the most out of your time at Second City by tucking into their American style food menu as well as competing with your friends at FIFA on the PS4.
At half time head outside to their seating area to enjoy the sunshine.
7. Dive Bar & Grill
Another of the best places to watch football in Manchester is Dive Bar & Grill.
You will find this sports bar on Tib Street in the bustling Northern Quarter.
This is another excellent location not just for football but also for food.
They have a fantastic outdoor covered and heated terrace where you can eat and drink. This is an excellent spot for a summer evening.
There’s also an events room for sport viewings and during the biggest sporting events or matches (like the Manchester derby) that they open up the entire inside of the venue to create more space.
There are 15 large TV screens as well so no matter where you are seated or standing you will get a good view.
With so many seating options it creates a more relaxed and casual atmosphere rather than any hooligan-esc vibes.
Enjoy some cold beers, excellent American grub, football and a good chat with your mates.
8. Shack Bar & Grill
The Shack Bar & Grill on High Street is conveniently located behind the Arndale Centre and next to Northern Quarter.
If you don’t want to watch the game at home, but still like the feel of private viewing then book one of the Shack Bar’s private booths which comes with a TV.
Sometimes you just want to concentrate on the game and talk tactics with your mates.
There are plenty of other screens dotted around the bar in all its nooks and crannies.
They’ve got a great range of beers and cocktails on offer for enjoying whilst watching the match.
After the game why not enjoy a game of beer pong or darts, there are also some pool tables.
When the big games are on, the atmosphere really picks up in this place.
From derby day to the Super Bowl, the Shack Bar & Grill have got you covered.
9. Walkabout – Manchester
Another of the best pubs showing football in Manchester is Walkabout located in Printworks.
Walkabout is an Aussie bar with everything you need for a top night of sport.
You can always trust in the Aussie mentality to put on a good sporting show.
Munch on some amazing chicken wings and enjoy a Foster’s whilst you support your favourite team.
There’s no strong football team affiliation here but don’t be surprised to walk into a sea of red or blue on United and City match days.
This is a top place to watch the footy, it’s laidback with people just appreciating the lovely game.
As well as Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and Euros matches they also show a variety of other sporting events.
After your event let the party continue and the drinks flow.
10. Bradford Inn
As it’s just a 15-minute walk to the Etihad Stadium, Bradford Inn is a great place to watch the game.
Though you can walk to the Bradford Inn from central Manchester it’s more convenient to take the Metrolink to Holt Town station and walk from there.
Though you will find a fair few Manchester City fans flocking to this local pub on match day, it still welcomes away supporters if you need to find a place to watch the game.
If you do have tickets for the game, then head to the Bradford Inn before the game for drinks and snacks.
Inside there’s a sizable lounge area, a bar and a beer garden for summer.
As well as the footy there’s free pool nights on Thursdays.
They have a number of TV’s showing Sky Sports and BT Sports games, fights and matches.
11. Tib Street Tavern
Another of the best pubs showing football in Manchester is the Tib Street Tavern.
Its Northern Quarter location makes this one of the most popular sports bars in Manchester.
Every match day you will find this place jam packed with supports, with revellers joining after the game for an epic night out atmosphere.
The pub feels authentically British with its dated booths and slightly cluttered feel, but they’ve added in a ton of plasma screens so you can watch the game whilst at the bar or whilst tucking into some great food.
They specifically open on Monday’s from 4 pm to 11pm to cover the Premier League Monday games.
As well as football they show rugby, golf, tennis and more at the Tib Street Tavern.
If some of your groups aren’t so enthusiastic about football, there’s a sports free zone in the tavern to somewhat escape the cries of missed goals and cheering.
12. The Seven Oaks
Another of the best football pubs in Manchester is The Seven Oaks.
This pub is on Nicholas Street right in the heart of Manchester and within walking distance from Spinningfields and Northern Quarter.
Seven Oaks was first established way back in 1824.
If you are looking for a traditional English pub atmosphere for watching football, then this is the place to be.
New refurbishments have made the pub even more attractive for sports fans.
In keeping with the pub’s name there are seven, 89 inch screens across two floors providing coverage at the pub.
There are more than 10 sports and a variety of leagues being shown at The Seven Oaks, including Premier League, the Bundesliga, Serie A, the Ryder Cup, Six Nations, NBA and UFC.
This is a definite local joint, with an atmosphere to match.
Though many locals head here for game day, it’s also welcoming to new folk who love sport.
If you get peckish whilst watching the game you can order some of their snacks at the bar.
13. The Sports Bar at Freight Island
Located in Freight Island, near Piccadilly Station, the Sports Bar is a super fun option for those who want to see the matches and play at the same time.
The cool thing about this bar is that it’s both a gaming and sports bar. This means they have loads of arcade games (including Guitar Hero) and they also do screenings of all the important matches.
This includes the World Cup, Rugby, Football and more.
Also, since it’s in Freight Island, you can enjoy all the other perks and get some food and drinks.
Now that you know everything about the best sports bars in Manchester city centre, it’s time to go and watch some football!
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