Traditional boozers with decades of history and neighbourhood gems make up the backbone of this city's pubbing scene. Whether you're escaping the cold, snuggling up with someone special or just fancy an afternoon away from the pace of life, the cosiest pubs in Manchester are boasting roaring open fires and charming interiors - perfect for warming up this autumn and winter.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 28th November 2024
With its traditional furnishings and homely pub grub, there's no way you can miss out on this cosy pub in Manchester. Stop by Deansgate's The Sawyer Arms for the chance to kick back with a couple of pints and some lip-smacking dishes, before facing chilly winter winds.
One of Manchester's best pubs for cosiness is The Welly, which is tucked away on Cathedral Approach. These gorgeous, traditional interiors need no introduction, being made up of exposed beams and brick, alongside wooden tables and leather booths. Plus, the real ales and whiskies could really do with a mention.
Period features and a menu of hearty pub classics make The Woodstock Arms really stand out. Not only is the Sunday lunch to die for, but you'll be able to huddle together with family or friends in the beaut, traditional space.
One of Joseph Holt's iconic pubs, The Woodthorpe can be found in the Prestwich area, across from Heaton Park. The building was once the family home of Sir Edward Holt, who lived here in the 1800s, and the venue is full of history and charming features.
Cosy up on their leather seats for a selection of great beer and wine, paired with sumptuous dishes such as steamed duck dumplings, chicken tikka masala and juicy burgers.
Taking up residency in Spinningfields, The Oast House is a cosy pub for winter snuggling. Whether you're in the mood for chilling with mates over a hot bowl of fondue in the outside tipi, or you fancy a hearty Sunday roast indoors, this gastro haven is sure to impress.
Standing at the end of Deansgate since 1806, The Briton's Protection is one of Manchester's cosiest pubs. Two rooms (out of six) are home to roaring log fires and traditional interiors, so this watering hole is the perfect place to hunker down on chillier evenings.
Make your way to Heald Green to discover The Griffin, a dog-friendly gastropub that's best known for its extensive menu. The decor consists of tiles and dark furnishings, with a spacious sunroom section that lets in lots of natural light.
You can tuck into the likes of thick-cut gammon steak, lamb kofta flatbreads and halloumi burgers here, paired with a cracking selection of beer and wine. Plus, they show both Sky and TNT Sports on their screens.
Quirky watering hole The Bay Horse Tavern has a very homely fire right in its centre, poised for all to enjoy come the winter season. Nab a big comfy sofa and snuggle up with your pooch, or tuck into British classics in a booth.
The Molly House on Canal Street is not only a destination for tapas, but also when you want to snuggle up by the fireplace in candlelit surrounds. It's also packed with eclectic knick-knacks and eccentric decor, if you fancy something a little different from your pub trip.
If you need a pub with a fireplace in Manchester, you can't go wrong with The Marble Arch. Boasting 11 hand-pull pumps and a range of beers from guest breweries, this is one to tingle the tastebuds. Add in a roaring log fire and hearty pub food; you've got yourself a winner.
It's not just the booze that makes Edinburgh Castle so great - the food offering is even more acclaimed. A fine dining restaurant and relaxed boozer wrapped up in one, this atmospheric Ancoats spot touts glazed sweetbreads, freshly shucked oysters and Hasselback potatoes.
A real ale lover's haven, The Angel has a dining area with a log fire and interiors that dazzle with pub charm. On top of that, this cosy pub in the Northern Quarter has a downstairs bar area lined with local artwork, which is ideal for drinks alongside a laid-back vibe.
The Wharf is home to a great place for a pint come summer, but its warm interiors and toasty fireplaces make it a must in winter. Make your way to this cosy hideaway for light bites and a choice of six cask ales, 100 malts or over 50 wine bottles.
A pub and hotel in one, The Salutation is modern, yet still retains the traditional elements we all have a hankering for in winter. A long bar and exposed beams give it an old school and homely feel, while home-cooked bar snacks make for a cosy place to drink in Manchester, day or night.
The Black Friar Salford is half pub, half restaurant - with the boozer portion of the gaff bringing open fires and other lovingly restored features. There's even a pop-up tavern topped off by cosy blankets and hot toddies for winter too, alongside cabins in the garden.
When it comes to cosy bars in Manchester, there's nothing like bottles of vino to give you the wine flush and warm you from the inside out. That's where Wine and Wallop comes in, the relaxed take on a wine bar found in West Didsbury.
Think almost pub-style interiors, with a wooden bar, comfy leather booths and chandelier lighting, with everything from mega sausage rolls to warming soups, and charcuterie and cheese platters on the cards. Plus, of course, pints, wine and cocktails for days.
This Grade II-listed building in the Northern Quarter may pack in heaps of history, but it's also the perfect spot to settle down for a warming pint. Expect to find beautiful ceilings, wonderfully cheap beers and a Victorian firepkace, as well as a friendly atmosphere to boot.
A Chorlton boozer that's more dog-friendly than the park, The Beagle is a great choice of charming cosy pubs. With its vintage-inspired interiors and collection of kitsch trinkets, alongside a slap-up selection of local ales, this is certainly one inviting local.
The Lass O' Gowrie is nothing short of a Manchester institution, thanks to an iconic tiled exterior and great pub grub. For cosy vibes? We'd recommend the snug through the back, which is decked out in mossy dark greens with Manchester-themed wall art, vintage-look furniture and a fireplace too.
Packed full of history, charm and character, The Castle Hotel is one of the city's most famous pubs. With different rooms, small tables and a chatty crowd, this Northern Quarter haunt is nothing short of friendly - a great, cosy place to grab yourself a tipple or enjoy some live music.
A former coach house that's kept many of its original 18th century features, The Didsbury is a charming establishment filled with open fires and exposed beams. Plus, being in the gorgeous suburb it's named after ticks a few boxes too.
Both Mr Thomas' Chop House and Sam's Chop House just around the corner have cosy vibes today, with the sister gastropubs rocking old school interiors and a long history in Manchester - both having been around for over 150 years. While they're no longer owned by Samuel and Thomas Studd, who they're named after, they remain and independent, family-run business.
Expect the very best of British food and drink, including real ales, craft beer, steak and kidney pies, and their famous beef Wellington. For a slice of the best bits of Victorian England, there's no better.
If you haven't visited The Fountain House, then you're yet to try out one of the cosiest pubs in Manchester. Head to Albert Square for their famous Sunday roasts, as well as handpicked British wines and draught pints, against a backdrop of wood-framed decor.
