As the summer rolls back around, and the beer gardens fill back up, it’s useful to know where you can find the cheapest pints. Back in 2019 - before face masks and lateral flows - the Manchester Evening News went on a hunt to find the cheapest pints in Greater Manchester.
Thankfully, three years on, well-priced beer still exists at these Manchester venues. It's not an exhaustive list, so if you know of any cheaper ones or ones worth a mention, let us know in the comments or tweet us @citylifemanc.
Sinclair’s Oyster Bar
Sinclair’s is famed for its cosy interior and its rich history. And despite its city centre location it's famed for its value - with a pint costing £2.20 in 2019.
Despite three years of inflation, pints of Dark Mild Bitter and Alpine Lager are still priced at £2.20. And the pub’s most expensive lager will still give you change from a fiver - costing only £3.40.
World Famous Embassy Club, Harpurhey
Another pub steeped in history, the World Famous Embassy Club was established in 1959 by comedian Bernard Manning and has played host to The Beatles and Johnny Cash.
Now, in 2022, it’s a popular choice for many, with a pint of beer costing £2.40 for Holt’s Smooth, while house lager Crystal is at £2.60. Back in 2019, a pint of Toby Bitter cost as little as £1.90.
The Courtyard, Chester Street
A popular student haunt with an enormous beer garden and late night opening hours, the Courtyard is notorious for its cheap prices, with cocktails for £2.50. It's £3.10 for a Becks, while Bud Light is only £2.75 and it's just £2.80 for a classic pint of Boddingtons.
The Footage, Oxford Road
A great bar to watch sports and enjoy a cheap meal. The Footage, once an old cinema, now has a cracking dancefloor and is open all day between 11am and 12am.
Their cheapest lager is Carling, at £3.75, while craft beer Punk IPA costs £4.25. However, back in 2019, Carling was 45p cheaper and craft was a whooping £1.25 less.
The Friendship Inn, Fallowfield
A bustling beer garden where you’ll be lucky to find a table between students hopping off the bus and into the pub on Wilmslow Road. The Friendship offers karaoke, sports and a quiz night as well as pizza.
On Monday to Friday between 12pm and 6pm, their cheapest lager - Dock 4 - and all cask ales cost as little as £2.15. But, of an evening and on Saturdays a pint of Dock 4 is £3.05 and a pint of Hyde’s Original is £3.
KRO Bar, Oxford Road
Set in a grade II listed building, the pints at KRO can be a little pricier but still way below many other centrally located bars. A pint of the Manc Lager or Manc Pale Ale costs £3.75.
Fletcher Moss, Didsbury
A few miles out of the city centre and the Fletcher Moss offers a great beer garden, with heated areas for when the spring evenings turn chill. It’s a classic pub.
From Monday to Friday, 12-5pm, a lager costs £2.50 and a bitter is £2.80 at the William Street venue. Outside these times, their cheapest lager is Dock 4 - at £3.70 - and Hyde's Original, at £3.30.
Read more about food and drink: A guide to eating and drinking your way around Prestwich
Read more about nightlife in Manchester: Burnham: Action is needed now to help night time economy crippled by pandemic and cost of living crisis
