Best bars and pubs to watch the football and live sport in Manchester
- Written by I Love MCR
- Last updated 16 minutes ago
- Best of, Cornerstone, Food & Drink, Sport
We love Manchester in the winter. Cosy pub nights. Festive lights. Mulled wine. Football.
The chill of the season doesn’t mean the city loses its buzz—especially when it comes to live sports. With the football season in full swing, fans have plenty of action to keep them entertained, from the Premier League to the Champions League and everything in between.
Whether you’re supporting City, United, or just love the beautiful game, Manchester is the perfect place to catch all the action. From historic pubs steeped in tradition to bumping sports bars with state-of-the-art screens, the city has no shortage of great venues for an unbeatable match-day experience.
To help you make the most of this thrilling season, we’ve rounded up the best places to watch live sports in Manchester. Whether it’s football, rugby, or even cricket, these spots combine electric atmospheres with top-tier food and drink offerings.
Grab your scarf, settle in with your mates and let’s make this a winter to remember.
Best places to watch live sports in Manchester
Directors Box
The Director’s Box is a top choice for live sport enthusiasts. This city-centre gem boasts cutting-edge 4K and HD TVs, ensuring every match is shown in brilliant high definition. Alongside its stellar sports screenings, you’ll find a great selection of craft beers and a hearty burger menu to keep you fuelled for the action.
Address: 37 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AA
The Lost Dene
The Lost Dene is a go-to for game day in Manchester. Its classic interiors and leather booths create a cozy atmosphere perfect for settling in with friends. Offering an array of drinks and a hearty menu, you can keep your energy up with meatball subs, buckets of wings, or a foot-long sharing board of nachos.
Address: 144 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EE
The Crown & Anchor
Located in the Northern Quarter, The Crown & Anchor is a fantastic spot to catch live sport in Manchester. Recently renovated, this historic pub now combines modern interiors with its traditional charm, creating the perfect setting to cheer on your favourite team.
With a cosy atmosphere and multiple screens showing all the biggest matches, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Whether it’s Premier League football, rugby, or a major international event, The Crown & Anchor is equipped to provide a top-notch viewing experience.
Pair the excitement of game day with hearty British gastro-style dishes, a pint of your favourite brew, or even a pre-game breakfast on weekends from 9 am. Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station, it’s an ideal meeting point for sports fans looking for great food, drinks, and atmosphere.
Address: 41 Hilton Street Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 2EE
KAJI Manchester
KAJI Manchester, the high-energy Japanese fusion and flame grill restaurant on Bridge Street, is gearing up for an electrifying evening on 21st December as it streams the Usyk v Fury fight live across its massive cinematic screens. With the main event kicking off at 10.25 pm GMT, it promises to be an unforgettable night of action.
After the fight, the excitement continues with the KAJI NIJIKAI Afterparty, featuring DJ Vinnie B spinning classic R&B and old-school anthems to keep the energy high.
Choose from a range of dining and viewing options:
- Bar Booth Experience: Fight is shown on screens, though standing may be required for a clear view.
- Private Table Experience: Enjoy the fight in comfort from your own private table.
- Standing Bar Entry: Limited to 50 tickets at £20 each.
All tables include full table service for food and drinks, ensuring a seamless and premium experience throughout the night.
Address: Bridge Street, Manchester
Walkabout Manchester Printworks
Walkabout Manchester Printworks is a sports lover’s haven. Inspired by Australia’s passion for sports, this lively bar offers a selection of plasma screens showcasing everything from cricket to Premier League football. Add in their unbeatable drinks offers and affordable food—yes, including kangaroo burgers—and you’ve got the ultimate spot to catch the game.
Address: Printworks, Manchester
Box Bar
Box Deansgate brings a high-end touch to the sports bar scene in Manchester. Located in the heart of the city, it’s packed with large screens showing everything from football and rugby to darts and beyond. For added entertainment, challenge your mates to a game on the shuffleboard tables. Hungry? Their menu features crowd-pleasers like salt ‘n’ chilli chicken, barbecue burgers, and stuffed kebabs.
Address: 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY
Sir Ralph Abercromby
For a classic English pub experience with a sports twist, the Sir Ralph Abercromby is a must-visit. Nestled in Manchester’s city centre, this traditional pub exudes charm with its cosy interiors, roaring fireplaces, and a no-frills approach.
It’s the perfect spot for sports fans looking to enjoy live matches in a relaxed and welcoming setting. With a large selection of ales and screens broadcasting all the action, the Sir Ralph Abercromby offers an unbeatable match-day atmosphere.
Address: 35 Bootle St, Manchester M2 5GU
Green Arches
Green Arches, serving incredible beer brewed on site in the Green Quarter, usually has the big football games on.
They’ve also got a lovely beer garden too, which includes a lager bar (to keep those queues small) and great pizza.
Address: 11 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4FE
Calcio! 
Calcio, located on Dale Street, is a top-tier destination for sports fans and retro gaming enthusiasts in Manchester. This unique sports bar screens live football, NFL, rugby, and more, creating an electric atmosphere for fans of all kinds.
When the games are over, take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with original game consoles or enjoy reruns of classic matches. And while you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try their famous tacos—they’re a must-try!
Address: 24 Dale St, Manchester M1 1FY
Manchester 235
With a gargantuan screen to feast your eyes on, Manchester 235 is a great place to watch 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.
Address: Great Northern Warehouse, 2 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP
The Bierkeller
In Manchester’s iconic Printworks, The Bierkeller is the city’s favourite Bavarian bar, bringing the lively spirit of Oktoberfest to every match day. Its Shooters sports bar is kitted out with massive projectors, LED screens, and TVs, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action. Pair the thrilling atmosphere with Shooters’ Bavarian-inspired menu, offering bratwursts, wings, and a variety of German beers, wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options.
Once the game wraps up, keep the fun going with a round of pool, darts, or beer pong—this spot promises an unforgettable night.
Location: Printworks, Manchester
The Turing Tap
A lively city centre venue, The Turing Tap attracts a diverse crowd, from students to sports enthusiasts, thanks to its bright, modern interiors and welcoming vibe. Located on Oxford Road near the Manchester University campus, this sports bar is a favourite for its reasonable prices and great atmosphere.
Catch Premier League football, Premiership Rugby, or even the Super Bowl, all broadcast in HD across its screens. Pair the action with a pint or a bite from their budget-friendly menu, and enjoy a relaxed yet electric match-day experience.
Address: 421-423 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9WG
The Grosvenor
Formerly The Footage, The Grosvenor is a budget-friendly spot with a lively student vibe. This spacious sports bar boasts some of the biggest screens in Manchester, ensuring you never miss a goal, even when it’s packed with fans.
Beyond the action, you’ll find free high-speed Wi-Fi and a virtual jukebox to keep the tunes flowing. Beer lovers will rejoice at the bar’s diverse and evolving selection, featuring both local brews and international favourites. Combine that with affordable drinks and a buzzing atmosphere, and you’ve got a top-tier game day destination.
Address: 137 Grosvenor St
Black Cat Club
For an elevated sports and entertainment experience, Black Cat Club on Brown Street combines live sports, dynamic activities, and a premium atmosphere. This vibrant venue offers something for everyone, from high-energy DJ beats to cutting-edge games and delicious food and drinks.
- Shuffleboard: Home to Manchester’s first interactive shuffleboards, featuring state-of-the-art technology for a fun and competitive experience.
- Darts: Choose from six engaging game modes, including classics like ‘Killer’ and ‘Shanghai,’ for ultimate group competitions.
- Live Sports: Watch the biggest games on large screens while enjoying table service and a buzzing atmosphere.
Perfect for group outings, you can book private viewing rooms or reserve tables for live sports up to three weeks in advance. Whether you’re there for a match, games, or just a night out, Black Cat Club guarantees unforgettable moments.
Address: Brown Street, Manchester
The Hyatt Graduate Bar
With its massive screen, delicious menu, and top-notch service, The Hyatt is the a top shout for sports viewing.
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!
Address: 55 Booth St W, Manchester M15 6PQ
The Brotherhood (of Pursuits and Pastimes)
Housed in a stunning Grade II listed building, The Brotherhood of Pursuits & Pastimes is one of Manchester’s premier sports bars, offering an exceptional live sports experience. With dozens of 4K screens throughout the venue, you won’t miss a single moment of the action, whether it’s football, rugby, or any other top-tier sporting event.
The bar features an extensive food and drinks menu, including hearty burgers, bar snacks, beer, and cocktails, perfect for fuelling an exciting match day. Classic pub games like pool and darts add an extra layer of entertainment for those looking to mix sport with a bit of friendly competition.
For larger gatherings, The Brotherhood offers multiple rooms with a unique early 20th-century aesthetic, available for private hire or corporate events. Prefer to keep it casual? Reserve a table to enjoy the match with friends, knowing every seat offers a great view.
Address: 2 Mount St, Manchester M2 5WQ
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.
Addresss: 74 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LG
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.
Address: 12 Southgate, Manchester M3 2RB
Yates
Located on Portland Street in the heart of Manchester’s bustling city centre, Yates is a lively sports bar known for its energetic atmosphere and budget-friendly offerings. With multiple screens throughout the venue, it’s the perfect spot to catch live football, rugby, or any major sporting event.
Yates is also a great choice for food, with tasty lunch deals to pair with their famously affordable drinks, including pints and cocktails. Whether you’re there for the match or a midday bite, Yates promises a fun and value-packed experience.
Address: 49 Portland St, Manchester M1 3LD
Sixes Cricket
Although specialising in cricket 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.
Address: The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, Manchester M4 3TR
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.
Address: 36 Charles St, M1 7DB
Do you have any suggestions for the best places to watch sports in Manchester? Let us know!
- This article was last updated 16 minutes ago.
- It was first published on 3 June 2021 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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