Pubs are the gift that keeps on giving, year-round. Of course, there’s nothing better than that first warm, beer garden-friendly weekend of the year. But in the depth of winter, they’re a different type of special. Never more so than when there’s a roaring fire in the corner. Or slap-bang in the middle of the room, even.
Luckily in Manchester we’ve got plenty of pubs with open fires – ranging from practically Medieval ones out in the country, to party palaces where you can sip trendy cocktails fireside.
We’ve rounded-up the 10 best pubs with open fires in Manchester. Time to go and grab prime position…
Albert’s Schloss
Not quite a cosy pub, but Albert’s Schloss has a fireplace on the biggest table right in the centre of the bar. For a real working fireplace, the corner area has a cosy arrangement of arm chairs, sofas and a huge fireplace for you to keep warm on a cold Sunday afternoon. Plus there’s loads of Bavarian food and drink to warm the soul, too. You’ll understand why sometimes it’s impossible to leave.
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Belgian Bar
A mainstay of the Altrincham bar scene since before Alty was ‘cool’, the Belgian Bar is set across three floors, and it’s exactly the dark wood-clad sort of spot you’d want to seek refuge in while drinking strong and unusual European beers and eating excellent bar snacks like steak with flatbread or fried squid. They also have a huge log fire to gather round on freezing cold days, and a great little outdoor terrace for the not-freezing ones.
The Black Friar
If you imagined the ideal cosy pub, you’d probably imagine one of those brick built ones that’s slightly crooked around the edges, filled with huge wooden tables and olde worlde bits and bobs, serving up delicious but not overcomplicated grub. The pub you’re imagining is The Black Friar in Salford, and you’ll want to get yourself down to grab a much-coveted table next to their original fireplace (built in 1886) for fully-optimised cosy vibes.
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The Briton’s Protection
Stocking more than 300 whiskies, there’s more than one way to warm your cockles in the Briton’s Protection. Alongside the wet stuff, their little rooms at the back come complete with roaring fires – the best medicine on a cold day. A proper sanctuary in the heart of the city centre.
The Eagle and Child Ramsbottom
Sometimes you have to get out of the city when in pursuit of authentic cosy pubs, and The Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom is – to use a technical term – an absolute cracker. A historic inn that’s had a serious makeover, they serve up traditional British food with just the right amount of cheffy flair. There are incredible views over the Lancashire hills and, of course, if you happen to have been walking through those hills, you can warm up in front of their open fire. Call us predictable, but we couldn’t think of a better Sunday afternoon.
The Farrar’s Arms
The Farrar’s Arms in Uppermill is a 300-year old pub known for exceptional pies and its proximity to some stunning country walks. Going on a hike is not a pre-requisite to enjoying their cosy offering though. Simply get tucked up in front of the wood burner with a glass of whatever you fancy, or dive into their deeply comforting food menu.
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The Magnet
Stopfordians know what a gem they have in The Magnet, an award-winning pub just out of the town centre. Independently run, they have loads of craft beers of cask, keg and bottle. And while their approach is no-frills, there’s always an excellent vibe, not least in the cosy back room with occasionally roaring fire. If you wanted to design the perfect local, you’d probably come up with this place.
The Marble Arch
You’ll probably recognise The Marble Arch even if you’ve never been there before – it’s featured in loads of films and TV shows, from It’s A Sin to Rick Stein’s Food Stories. Step inside the Grade II listed, tiled drinking den and you’ll immediately realise why. It’s almost impossibly pretty, and as the flagship of Marble Brewery, it’s the home of some excellent pints too. On a chilly evening you’ll want to get yourself as close to their open fire as humanly possible, and sample one of their comforting pies.
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The Metropolitan
This West Didsbury behemoth is always packed, serving up drinks and pub grub to the people of South Manchester – and there’s plenty of space in which to relax and get all nice and cosy on a cold day. After you’ve stomped around one of Didsbury’s local parks you can get tucked up next to one of their numerous fireplaces and pass an afternoon working your way through their vast selection of craft beers.
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The Swan with Two Nicks
If you’ve ever enjoyed a walk around Dunham Massey on a crisp, wintry afternoon then you’ll know it’s all made worthwhile by a trip to The Swan with Two Nicks in Little Bollington. They serve all the pub classics you’ll be craving after your scenic walk, and you can warm your frozen hands in front of the open fire. The perfect pit-stop before you embark on the return journey.
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The Wharf
One word, two syllables – co-sy. Which is saying something considering the sheer square footage of this iconic Castlefield boozer. The Wharf is perfect for summer with its large beer garden, but the two huge fireplaces inside have their own gravitational pull on those colder days. If you can’t get a prime spot, don’t fret, there are many snug little alcoves you can also retreat to.
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