Why Manchester needs a ‘Support an Independent Pub Day’

There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a proper pub. You push open the heavy wooden door, and the scent of ale, aged timber, and maybe even a little hint of Sunday roast lingers in the air.

The low hum of conversation weaves around bursts of laughter, the occasional clink of glasses punctuating the scene. A friendly bartender nods as you step inside, and within moments, you’re cradling a perfectly poured pint, surrounded by the comforting glow of golden light bouncing off the beer taps.

A great pub isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s a living, breathing part of its community.

It’s where friends gather after work to decompress, where strangers strike up conversations that spark lifelong friendships, and where locals come together for everything from quiz nights to quiet contemplation in a snug corner. In Manchester, a city built on camaraderie, industry, and a fierce sense of identity, our independent pubs are woven into the fabric of our culture.

That’s why the Support an Independent Pub initiative, which has seen great success in London, should make its way up north.

Now, it’s time for Manchester to embrace this movement and celebrate its own rich pub heritage.

Support an Independent Pub Day

Since its inception, the Support an Independent Pub Day initiative has gained widespread support in London, helping independent pubs drive footfall and engage their communities.

“We have seen tremendous enthusiasm for this initiative, both from publicans, who view it as an excellent opportunity to build momentum and generate footfall during a particularly challenging period for independent pubs, and from customers, who cherish these places and want to pay tribute to their importance in their community,” says Alison Boutoille one of the key figures behind the initiative.

Even well-known creators passionate about pub culture, such as Historic Pub Crawls and Phil Carr, have thrown their support behind the movement, helping to raise awareness.

For Thomas J. Vosper, an expert on the UK’s pub scene and manager of Historic Pub Crawls on Instagram who has visited nearly 1,000 pubs in the last 18 months, the role of these venues goes beyond just selling drinks.

“They are often at the very heart of their community, helping people combat loneliness by broadcasting sporting occasions, running quiz nights, hosting karaoke, or providing a safe space for local community clubs – for everyone from young mothers to elderly knitting enthusiasts. In previous years, the initiative has raised awareness of the challenges independent pubs face in keeping their doors open for their local community.”

The impact of Dry January on independent pubs

One of the biggest threats to independent pubs is the annual downturn in business caused by Dry January. While health-conscious consumers cutting back on alcohol is beneficial on a personal level, it puts enormous strain on pubs that rely on consistent patronage to stay afloat.

“Dry January is a great way to reduce alcohol consumption, but unfortunately, it leads to a dramatic reduction in footfall for pubs. While chains can absorb these drops in visits, it is much harder for independent pubs, whose operating costs are extremely high due to their lower bargaining power,” Alison explained.

Even when customers stay away, publicans must still cover rising business costs, including energy bills, taxes, rent, and subscriptions for Pay-TV sports channels. “This is why footfall is so crucial for independent pubs,” she added.

Thomas echoes this sentiment, urging customers to think about where they spend their money. “When it comes to choosing a pub, I cannot stress enough the importance of prioritising independent pubs. We must visit these places and support them before they disappear – they are often run by the very people who have been raised in the same area, and they are intrinsically linked to the local community.”

Why Manchester needs this initiative

Manchester is known for its strong sense of community, and its independent pubs are a key part of that fabric. From historic venues to hidden gems, these spaces have been serving locals for generations.

“We originally created this event with the London Pub Explorer in London, but people from all over the country have joined the movement, so it’s definitely not limited to the city!” Alison said.

The idea is to use the power of ‘FOMO’ to encourage people to visit their local pubs, creating a buzz that drives footfall. “By harnessing the power of ‘FOMO,’ events can effectively draw people into these establishments. We want this event to be embraced by the independent pubs taking part, empowering them to craft unique experiences that reflect their individual character.

“While we can provide communication materials, we encourage each pub to create its own special events for the day, allowing them to showcase their distinctiveness and strengthen connections with their communities.”

Thomas believes that Manchester’s independent pubs should seize the opportunity to get involved. “Every independent pub in Manchester should take this opportunity to invite patrons to support them – be it after the quiet month of Dry January or beyond. There’s never been a better excuse to get down to the pub, grab a pint, and support your local.”

Celebrating Manchester’s Pub Scene

Manchester boasts an incredible variety of pubs, each with its own unique charm and history.

“There’s such a variety and rich history of pubs in Manchester that I had to cover them in two chapters of my book,” Thomas revealed. “But I would have to say that the standout ones for me are The Marble Arch – which is one of the most ornate I’ve seen, the Peveril of the Peak with its breathtaking green tiling, and the defiant Britons Protection. A special mention to the tiny pubs on The Animal Run in the city centre and also the iconic mural on the side of The Molly House.”

You can check out Thomas’ book by clicking here

Manchester’s pub culture is not only historic but continues to evolve. Thomas has been exploring the city’s independent pubs and sharing his experiences online. “I’ve had such a good time visiting 21 pubs to research and include them in my book that there are still so many more to see! The reception when sharing the videos on my social channels has been amazing and demonstrates my love for the city and its special pubs. On my last trip, I met the cast and crew of Coronation Street and filmed behind-the-scenes at one of the world’s most famous pubs – The Rovers Return – so next time I’ll be looking for the perfect place to host the book launch!”

A call to action for Manchester’s Pub lovers

With its incredible selection of independent pubs and strong community spirit, Manchester is the perfect city to embrace Support an Independent Pub Day. This initiative is more than just an event—it’s a movement to ensure that these treasured spaces continue to thrive for years to come.

Whether it’s a post-Dry January pint, a pub quiz with friends, or just a quiet evening in a place filled with character, supporting independent pubs is about more than just drinking—it’s about preserving the social fabric of our communities.

Now’s the time for Manchester’s pubs, patrons, and publicans to get involved, raise a glass, and celebrate everything that makes our city’s pub scene so special.

You can read more about the Support an Independent Pub Day Initiative here