Manchester is home to dozens of historic pubs that have proudly stood on our streets for centuries, with generations of families visiting them over the years.
The MEN has collated the below list of the oldest pubs in Manchester that still welcome visitors to this day despite some being over 200 years old. The youngest pub on our list was founded in 1829, while the oldest was established way back in 1552.
Each of the venues are steeped in history, having witnessed plenty over the years. While some are loved for their cosy atmosphere and quality tipples, others are enjoyed for their variety of entertainment.
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Below are 11 of Manchester oldest and most historic pubs, starting from the youngest to the oldest. Be sure to let us know in the comments section which of these oldest pubs is your favourite.
Peveril of the Peak
The youngest pub to feature on our list is Peveril of the Peak, which is still nearly two centuries old, having been built in 1829. The green-tiled exterior of the building that has become so iconic was added in 1900, with the venue standing brightly on the corner of Great Bridgewater Street ever since. Visitors can enjoy pool, darts, a jukebox and a variety of drinks at the Peveril of the Peak, making it not just one of the prettiest pubs in Manchester, but one of the most entertaining, too.
The Seven Oaks
This tiny sports bar and pub on Nicholas Street was established way back in 1824, but despite being nearly 200 years old, the interior has a 1920s vibe. The Seven Oaks has a solid wooden bar with ornate carvings, stunning stained glass windows above bottles of liquor, and a staircase with metal spindles shaped in an Art Deco design. With seven TV screens, it’s the perfect pub to relax with a cold pint and watch sports.
The Britons Protection
If you’re after a cosy pub where you can curl up in front of an open fire, The Britons Protection is the venue for you. The Grade II-listed pub on Great Bridgewater Street is said to have been established around 1811 and is known for its variety of real ale and whiskies. It also has a beer garden that’s perfect for sipping a refreshing drink while soaking up the sun in the summer months.
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The Oxnoble
This popular Castlefield pub is believed to have been built in 1804. The Oxnoble on Liverpool Road is now a gastropub offering traditional food and drinks in a contemporary setting, and is known for its Sunday lunches. The drinks menu boasts a variety of drinks, including real ales and flavoured gins.
Sir Ralph Abercromby
We’ve arrived at Manchester’s pubs that have been around since the 18th century. Also known as the Abercrombie, this pub is a hidden gem on Bootle Street that says it was established in 1780. A sign outside the venue reads “Manchester's most historic pub - witness to the Peterloo Massacre 16th August 1819”. The Sir Ralph Abercromby boozer faced demolition in 2017 until Gary Neville axed his plans to redevelop the area to secure the pub’s survival.
Castle Hotel
Founded in 1776, the Castle Hotel on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter has had numerous names over the years. The quaint pub is the perfect place to enjoy various forms of entertainment while having a tipple or two thanks to its music hall that opened in 2010. The 80-capacity venue inside the pub hosts live music, literary events and much more. The Castle Hotel offers a variety of real ales among other traditional pub favourites.
Lower Turks Head
This iconic pub in the Northern Quarter dates back to 1745 and has kept many traditional features, including its tiled façade on the exterior, three carved wooden bars inside, panelled walls and checkerboard flooring. Set over two floors, Lower Turks Head has 30 keg taps and 12 cask pumps serving a variety of locally brewed beers, pale ales and more.
Sinclair's Oyster Bar
Arguably one of Manchester’s most significant historic pubs is Sinclair's Oyster Bar that dates back to around 1738. With rustic wooden beams and traditional decor, the pub is the perfect cosy location for relaxing with friends and family while soaking up the venue’s history. Originally located in the old Shambles near Market Square, Sinclair's Oyster Bar was moved to the newly created Shambles Square in the late 1990s following IRA bombing.
The Crown & Kettle
The Crown & Kettle building has sat on the corner of Great Ancoats Street and Oldham Road since 1734, although it didn’t become a pub until the early 19th century after serving as a courthouse. The venue has been a favourite among locals for decades, with the homely pub offering a variety of drinks alongside small plates if you’re feeling peckish. The Crown & Kettle has a stunning ceiling with intricate carvings that has a history of its own after half of it was charred by a fire in 1989 and remains in its damaged state.
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The Shakespeare
We've reached our final two pubs that are the oldest in Manchester. This cherished pub on Fountain Street has quite an unusual history. The Shakespeare was originally built in 1656 but was located in Chester. It didn’t become a Manchester pub until 1928 when the iconic black and white timber building was dismantled and moved to the city, making it one of the oldest pubs in the area. The Shakespeare offers a variety of food and drink, and is ideal for sports fans as it has several flat screen TVs.
The Old Wellington
The Old Wellington is Manchester’s oldest pub, having been built in 1552. It has gone through many changes over the years, with a third storey being added to the Grade II-listed building in the 17th century. Like Sinclairs Oyster Bar, the entire pub was moved from its old location near Market Square to Shambles Square in the late 1990s.
The Old Wellington has a homely traditional feel, with a half-timber exterior and oak beams throughout the interior. It’s the perfect place for gin and ale lovers, with the pub having a “gin palace” and offering a variety of cask ales among other tipples.
Which of Manchester's oldest pubs is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.
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