Best bars and pubs to watch the football and live sport in Manchester

We love Manchester in the summer. Long summer days. Beer gardens. Barbecues. Picnics. Open air concerts. Rain.

The only bad thing about summer is the 12-week gap between the Champions League Final and the Community Shield when there’s no football.

But not this year. Just in case you hadn’t heard, Euro 24 kicks off in Munich on Friday, 14 June. Yay!

A feast of football – 64 matches in 32 days finishing in Berlin on Sunday, 14 July when England play someone else in the final. Gareth Southgate the whole of England is with you! We still believe.

Just enough time for a quick holiday and back in time for the new domestic football season.

As the excitement builds for Euro 2024, England fans across the nation are gearing up for what could be the team’s best chance in generations to bring home the trophy.

What would be better than watching it with your mates in the city? We’ve got you covered for location with the best places to watch sports in Manchester.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, there’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of watching the Three Lions in a lively setting surrounded by fellow enthusiasts.

Especially in the city of football, our beautiful Manchester.

To help you make the most of this thrilling tournament, we’ve curated a list of the best bars, pubs, and venues to catch every heart-pounding moment of England’s journey.

From historic pubs steeped in football lore to modern sports bars with giant screens and unbeatable views, these spots offer the best of the best in atmosphere.

So, don your England jersey, grab a pint, and get ready to cheer the lads on to victory at these top locations to watch England at Euro 2024.

And let’s be honest, pubs and bars need your help as the Cost of Living Crisis continues. So why not show them your support?

Chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Nik Antona agrees.

They said: “Major sporting events provide a fantastic opportunity for communities to convene down at their local real ale pub or taproom and support these essential businesses…”

So what are you waiting for? Get out there with your mates and get stuck into the action.

Best places to watch sports in Manchester

AO Arena

Due to unprecedented demand, the AO Arena will be teaming up with Road to Victory, for Europe’s biggest Euros fan park. All England games from the quarter-finals onwards will be shown inside the venue, complete with high-end production, marking the UK’s biggest screening of the tournament.

From Saturday, 6th July 2024, AO Arena will be showing all England games on the big screen, Road to Victory promises a unique experience for fans, combining high-scale production with interactive technology, creating a multi-sensory Euros adventure.

AO Arena is transforming the iconic venue into a fully immersive football experience, complete with beer pong, penalty shoot-out and table football areas, all to be enjoyed with discounted pints.

Find out more and book tickets via this website

Lawn Club, Spinningfields

The Lawn Club in Spinningfields have now installed a giant 13ft outdoor screen in partnership with Lucozade to kick-off an ultimate summer of live sport starting with the Euros.

Find out more on their website here

Banyan Bar and Kitchen

Banyan Bar and Kitchen in the beautiful Corn Exchange will be showing all of the Euro 2024 games this summer. Not only that, they’ve got some unbelievable scran and drinks on offer.

Banyan offers a fantastic menu which features an array of flavours from around the world and there’s something for everyone, from their Bibimbap Salad to their Korean Fried Chicken Burger.

Satisfy your breakfast, lunch or dinner cravings with their deliciously creative menu. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, as well as an entire kids’ menu which makes Banyan the perfect spot for anyone.

They are also offering 2-4-1 cocktails… and ALSO, they serve Gin Trees. Just saying.

The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, Manchester M4 3TR

Find out more on their website here

Box Bar

With the EUROs set to kick off next week, popular local sports bar, BOX Deansgate, has launched an exciting competition to give fans the chance to win a £250 bar tab for a group of 6 for the Euro’s Final.

Inviting the public to submit photos of themselves, friends, or family members who resemble famous footballers, BOX are searching for the best male and female doppelgängers. Every entrant will earn themselves a free pint, so it’s a great one to get involved with.

To enter the competition, tag @theboxbaruk in your Instagram story with your lookalike image, using the hashtag #BOXDOPPLEGANGER, and send a direct message containing your entry. T&Cs apply.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. There will also be a weekly EUROs-themed quiz every Wednesday at BOX Deansgate to test fans’ knowledge, the famous ‘Bandeoke’ (live band karaoke) every Thursday, and live bands and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays to guarantee the party continues long into the night.

Football fans can also treat themselves to a number of European-inspired delights with a limited-edition food and drink menu, featuring exclusive dishes such as Currywurst Loaded Fries, the Bavarian Burger, and the ‘Olympian’ pizza. Plus, you can get 2-pint beer steins, Brewdog Mini-kegs, and a host of EUROs-themed drinks.

Find out more on their website here

125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY

Green Arches

Green Arches, serving incredible beer brewed on site in the Green Quarter, are showing all of the games at Euro 24. Not only that, they show all of football’s big games, period.

This summer for the Euros they will be having DJ’s on before and after the games, with a huge projector screen showing all of the action.

They’ve also got a lovely beer garden too, which includes a lager bar (to keep those queues small) and great pizza.

Find out more on their instagram here

Manchester 235

With a gargantuan screen to feast your eyes on, Manchester 235 is a great place to watch some live sports.

They have a fully stocked bar, glitzy surroundings and a casino on your doorstep if you fancy a flutter.

From football to boxing – via F1, cricket, NFL, rugby, horse racing, you name it – they are showing it.

Find out more on their website here

Atlas Bar

Right in the thick of it in Deansgate, Atlas Bar will be showing all of the Euro 2024 games this summer.

With an incredible selection of gins and beers to pick from, and a great buzzy atmosphere and a beautiful sun trap terrace – Atlas Bar is a great shout for a place to watch all the action this summer.

Find out more on their website by clicking here

Black Cat Club

Get ready to elevate your Euros experience at Black Cat Club, the new competitive socialising bar in town.

Enjoy shuffleboard and darts, relax in the chilled bar area, and watch live sports on five large screens. With unique “push for service” buttons, guests can order food and drinks directly to the table, ensuring no one misses a moment of the action. No tickets or pre-payments needed – just book a table for up to 9 people and get ready for an unforgettable time! Book here

Freight Island

Voted Manchester’s safest place to watch the Euros, Freight Island is a brilliant place to enjoy the action with their upcoming Festival of Football.

Admission is completely free to stand, so expect a buzzing and busy atmosphere. You can also book tables if you’d like to take a load off.

Fas can expect all-round entertainment with live music and DJ sets, and an array of diverse food and beverage vendors to fuel the football-filled days.

All other Euro 2024 matches are screened at Freight Island’s permanent Sports Bar in the mezzanine, and at the Taproom.

To book tickets to the Festival of Football, please click here

The Kimpton

If you’re going to watch the football this summer, why not do it in some classy surroundings?

Kimpton Clocktower and bar Refuge have something for everyone this summer with Euros watch parties, Father’s Day Roasts, Swifties cocktails and music specials

The Vault within Refuge will become The Official Manchester Union Lager Fanzone this June, with all England games set to be shown on the big screens.

Manchester Union is the official partner of the watch parties, with the first 50 people to book a ticket getting a pint on arrival – and tickets are free!

All ticket holders will receive a free Manchester Union badge – hopefully to remind them of England’s victory.

The chefs of Refuge have stepped up to the challenge and created a special Euro’s menu – so football fans can enjoy German bratwurst and pretzels while watching the games.

Find out more on their website here

Society

Society, Manchester’s independent street food and craft beer hideaway tucked away down the stairs in front of Bridgewater Hall, will show the Euro 2024 games, beginning with the friendlies on Monday 3rd June.

A great, spacious venue with a monumental selection of craft beers and wines – you wont regret a trip to Society.

Especially if the sun is shining, with a beautiful outdoor terrace by the small pond.

Society’s relaxed dining and drinking experience is perfect for groups both large and small, with guests able to order food individually from any of the five independent street food hubs located in the food hall. Choose from Neapolitan pizza experts Noi Quattro, Korean Fried Chicken champs Yoki Social Table, Indian street food heroes Chaat Cart, sushi superstars Manzoku, or burger and fries legends Slap and Pickle.

Tables of eight or more will have to book ahead.

Find out more on their website  here

The Hyatt Graduate Bar

With its massive screen, delicious menu, and top-notch service, The Hyatt is the a top shout for sports viewing.

Join them from June 14th to July 14th at The Graduate Bar for a relaxed and comfortable viewing experience of Euros 2024.

The Hyatt will be screening every game live on a gigantic projector, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action. Enjoy the thrill of every goal, save, and victory with a special offer: 24% off all food and drink during the matches.

With table service, you won’t miss any of the action queuing at bars. Indulge in our delectable menu featuring mouth-watering dishes such as Steaks, Burgers, Fish & Chips, Pizzas and more.

Don’t just watch the game; experience it in style at The Graduate Bar! 

Find out more on their website here

55 Booth St W, Manchester M15 6PQ

Roxy Ballroom

Gaming venue, Roxy Ball Room, will be offering two exclusive packages for football fans to enjoy during this year’s Euros.

Package 1, for £15 pp, includes a seat reservation plus two drinks tokens. Package 2, priced at £25 pp, guarantees a seat reservation, two drinks tokens plus a main meal.

Drinks include their own Arc Shot Lager, Corona bottle, Koppaberg can, house wines, 0% Smashed lager can and more. Guests will also be able to choose from a range of main meals from hand-stretched Italian focaccia pizzas to Roxy Dogs, or a jumbo slice and fries.

Fans are encouraged to book at the earliest to guarantee the best seat in the house.

76-78 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2FN and  Unit R3, Withy Grove, Manchester M4 3AQ

Find out more on their website here

Printworks

Football fans can catch all the UEFA Euros 2024 action live from Germany at Printworks.

O’Neill’s will stream the matches live on their HD big screens, and Walkabout will be offering free pints and 25% off drinks packages throughout the tournaments.

New tenant, Tank and Paddle, is also host to one of Manchester’s largest screens and with an additional 19 screens around the venue, guests will be guaranteed a great view of the games.

They will also be showing all the games, making Printworks a top spot for sports fans this summer.

Walkabout will also be streaming all of the UERFA Euro 2024 games.

Find out more on their website here

NQ64

Manchester’s iconic retro gaming location is showing all of the Euros on their beautiful outdoor terrace. Gather the squad and spend the summer sipping on super-sized cocktail sharers and battling it out on NQ64’s latest outdoor games and watching England bring it home.

Cheer on the lions and catch all the Euros football games in the NQ64 beer garden, where all games will be shown across four large screens.

Basking in the Manchester sunshine (ahem) surrounded by iconic games and some classic retro cocktails – who wouldn’t enjoy that?

12 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1SH

Find out more on their website here

Hard Rock Cafe

Score a winner at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester when you cheer on England as they play in Euro 2024 this summer.

The popular Printworks restaurant and bar is screening all of England’s matches, where the family-friendly atmosphere will only be matched by the great food and drink, including the famous Messi Burger and “Milanese style” Messi Chicken Sandwich – both of which are also available in smaller sizes on the kids’ menu.

England’s three Group C matches will all be screened across the restaurant – booking is recommended to ensure you don’t miss out.

Find out more on their website here

Director’s Box

Directors Box is another swanky bar with a great atmosphere, cutting-edge screens, an exceptional drink selection, and mouthwatering cuisine creating the perfect setting for watching the big game.

They’ve got the Six Nations, Premier League, and much much more.

37 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4AA

Find out more on their website here

The Brotherhood (of Pursuits and Pastimes)

The Brotherhood is one of Manchester’s premier luxury sports bars, celebrating the world of sports in a refined and sophisticated setting.

2 Mount St, Manchester M2 5WQ

Find out more on their website here

Tib Street Tavern

This no-gimmicks Northern Quarter boozer opened in May 2012 and embraces the history and tradition of the area, combining a vintage pub design with contemporary features.

Independently owned, it’s not attempting to be a theme bar and just offers a good old-fashioned selection of beers, spirits and wines.

74 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LG

Find out more on their website here

Mulligans

Mulligans, oozing with Irish charm and a welcoming atmosphere, have got screens dotted about this cosy pub.

With the best pint of Guinness in town too, what’s not to like?

A great shout to watch live sports including football (especially Manchester United), Gaelic Football, rugby, and horse racing.

12 Southgate, Manchester M3 2RB

Find out more on their website here

Sixes Cricket

Although specialising in a different sport, Sixes is a great place to watch all sports.

Tucked away in the beautiful Corn Exchange Sixes will show all of the world cup games, including all of England’s games.

The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, Manchester M4 3TR

Find out more on their website here

The Blues Kitchen

The Blues Kitchen is a great place to watch live sports in a rocking atmosphere.

With a brilliant atmosphere to boot, it’s a top place to catch the football.

13 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HN

Find out more on their website here

Lass O’Gowrie

Nestled on the banks of the River Medlock, just a short distance from Oxford Road, the Lass O’ Gowrie is a charming and historic pub that has stood the test of time.

This Manchester landmark has a rich heritage, appearing on maps as early as 1844.

Originally an Irish pub with Scottish roots, it has become an integral part of the city’s history and culture.

Oh, and they also show the sport.

36 Charles St, M1 7DB

Find out more on their website here

Do you have any suggestions for the best places to watch sports in Manchester? Let us know!