Situated right the Bridgewater Canal, Castlefield is the ultimate spot where Manchester's past meets its present - providing some of the best views the city has to offer.
Holding deep onto its industrial Mancunian roots while still going forward, Castlefield has fast become a top destination when it comes to food, drinks and just general good vibes.
With cosy pubs, thriving bars, and hearty dishes, there’s plenty on offer whatever you fancy - especially when it comes to a sunny Saturday by the canalside, or a much-needed catch-up after work.
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From the traditional and warm Wharf pub to the bustling drinks choices of Atlas Bar where more than 500 gins are on offer at any one time, you'll be spoilt for choice.
That's why we've rounded up some of our favourite spots when it comes to bars, pubs and restaurants that will hopefully make the decision on where to head next a little bit easier.
Castlefield bars
Atlas Bar
Atlas by name, and certainly atlas by nature due to the global amount of drinks on offer here.
Atlas is a Castlefield institution at this point and is always a good place to go for drinks with mates - especially when you fancy trying something different.
Atlas claims to have the largest offering of gins in Manchester - with around 570 from all over the world. But if gin isn't your thing, fear not, as they also offer plenty of premium beers, spirits, and wines.
Atlas also serves breakfast, coffees, brunches, and lunches too. Open 4-9pm on Monday and Tuesday, and 4-11pm on Weds-Friday. Saturday open 12-11pm and Sunday 12-9pm.
376 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LY | atlasbarmanchester.com
Dukes 92
Situated right by the canal, Dukes is a great place for drinks and catch ups, to grab some food or just let your hair down on a Saturday night.
Cocktails, spirits, cider and beer - both bottled and draught - are on the menu, alongside a varied choice of wines, champagnes and non-alcoholic drinks.
When it comes to food, Dukes is a great place for sandwiches, steaks or even small plates - their crispy chilli beef and fondue fries are truly a sight to behold.
Dukes is also known for its cheese and pate platter where you can choose two cheeses and a pate, alongside a crusty loaf. Yum yum!
They also serve a fine Sunday roast from 12pm, with a choice of chicken, beef, pies or a lentil and spinach pudding.
The bar is open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, with food served until 10pm too.
Throughout the week, the bar is open from 11.30am-10.30pm, with food until 9pm.
18 - 25 Castle Street, Castlefield, M3 4LZ | dukes92.com
Barca
With a restaurant, bar, outdoor area and separate function rooms, Barca really has it all.
The canal-side terrace is perfect for sunny Saturdays, while the restaurant is a great spot for pizzas, burgers, salads and fish and chips.
Beer, cider, spirits, wines, cocktails and pitchers are all on the drinks menu.
Open Sun–Thurs 11am-11pm and Fri–Sat 11am–3am.
8 & 9 Catalan Square, Castlefield, M3 4RU | barca-manchester.co.uk
Lock 91
Spread out across three floors, Lock 91 is your perfect mix of bar, club and lounge.
Honouring its Victorian brickwork and beams, it's a cosy atmosphere with a canal-side terrace also in tow.
Plenty of drinks on choice here, with cocktails, wines, spirits, beers and ciders all gracing the menu.
If you fancy something a little different, there's always the option of getting a teapot sharer of sangria and spending the night in style.
Open Weds and Thurs 6-11pm, Friday 5pm-12am and Saturday 4pm-12am.
9 Century Street, Castlefield, M3 4QL | lock-91.co.uk
Castlefield Pubs
The Wharf
Situated by the Bridgewater Canal, The Wharf is the ideal spot on a sunny afternoon when you can just watch the world go by and it’s why it’s a regular mention in the Good Pub Guide.
A traditional, cosy pub on the inside, their food is something to behold too - with sirloin steak, grilled salmon fillet, park and marmalade sausages, cauliflower and chickpea tagine, alongside Sunday roasts, gluten-free dishes and a kids menu.
And that’s all alongside a wealth of drinks including nine cask ales, 60 types of gin and over a hundred different malts.
It’s open until 11pm every night, except on Friday and Saturday when it closes at midnight. Food served until 9pm (10pm on Fri/Sat).
6 Slate Wharf, Castlefield, M15 4ST | brunningandprice.co.uk/thewharf
Cask
Cask may look small on the outside, but venture inside and you’ll find plenty of good vibes and choices of drinks.
The pub, located right by the Museum of Science and Industry, offers a wide array of cask ales, continental lagers and modern beers, alongside your usual spirits and ciders.
29 Liverpool Road, Manchester. M3 4NQ | cask-pub.business.site
Oxnoble
Also right by the Museum of Science and Industry is Oxnoble - a 19th-century gastropub with plenty of character.
Food is served everyday from 8am until 9pm, with a menu ranging from burgers, 'foot long' onion rings, plant-based curries, and your classic all-day brekkie.
The Oxnoble offers 'proper party drinks', such as cocktails, pitchers and shots, alongside beers, ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
71 Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4NQ | greatukpubs.co.uk/oxnoble-pub-manchester
Bar Eight
Bar Eight is a traditional Castlefield pub and Irish bar described as a 'hidden gem'.
With a cosy beer garden, Bar Eight also hosts plenty of live music and entertainment to keep the night going strong.
A food menu featuring pizza and all-day breakfast is on offer, alongside your usual choice of drinks and delights.
Opening times vary.
Castle Quay, Manchester, M15 4NT | bareight.co.uk
Castlefield Restaurants
Albert’s Shed
Situated on the site of a former tool shed, Albert’s Shed is a modern restaurant with a statement glass-canopy terrace.
Whether you're in the mood for a goats' cheese salad, grilled swordfish or slow roasted pulled beef, Albert’s Shed is the perfect destination for a celebration, catch-up or just when hunger strikes.
Open Mon-Thurs 12-10pm, Fri 12-10.30pm, Saturday 12-11pm, and Sunday 12-9.30pm.
20 Castle Street, Manchester, M3 4LZ | alberts-restaurants.com/shed
Dimitri’s
Greek and Mediterranean food? Yes please!
A staple of Manchester for over 30 years now, Dimitri’s serves plenty of tapas - such as Tiropita (hot feta pastry triangles) or Dolmades vine leaves - as well as meze, grills, seabass and kebabs.
Open 11am-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 11am-2am Friday and Saturday.
1 Campfield Arcade, 322-326 Deansgate, M3 4FH | dimitris.co.uk
The Banyan Tree
Serving breakfasts and cocktails, and everything in-between, The Banyan Tree is a fine selection whatever the occasion.
The independent family-run restaurant and bar is a well-loved and popular spot - not least for its breakfast loaded fries, butternut gnocchi and yummy Sunday roasts.
Open from 9.30am until late, with times varying.
Unit 3 Moho Building, Ellesmere Street, Castlefield, M15 4JY | thebanyantree-castlefield.com
Sapporo Teppanyaki
Since 2005, Sapporo has offered an authentic choice of fine Japanese dishes - ranging from sushi, noodles,teppanyaki, and salads.
There's also a host of tasting menus if you want to try everything Sapporo has to offer featuring a choice of gyozas, teriyaki, kimono rolls and lobster.
Open Mon-Sat at 12pm–11pm, and Sunday at 12pm-10.30pm.
91-93 Liverpool Rd, Manchester, M3 4JN | sapporo.co.uk
Don Marco
Benissimo!
A visit to Don Marco is like taking a trip to Italy thanks to its bustling menu filled to the brim with gorgeous pasta - from the lobster ravioli to the spicy penne piccante - alongside handmade pizzas, grilled meats and steaks, seafood, salads and ricotta.
Just make sure you save room for dessert as the tiramisu and pannacotta are both to die for.
Open Monday to Saturday 12pm-10.30pm and Sunday at 12pm-9.45pm.
1-3 Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester, M3 4FH | donmarcomanchester.co.uk
Akbar’s
What once started as a tiny little restaurant in Bradford is now a nationwide recognition of good, quality Indian food - including a well-loved restaurant in Castlefield.
Akbar’s is the perfect spot whether you fancy coffee and cake or a full-out evening meal - whether you want to indulge in the set menu or nibble on your favourites, such as a korma or biryani.
Open Mon-Thurs and Sunday 5-11pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11.30pm.
73-83 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ | akbars.co.uk
