Ale House of the Year. Best Irish Venue. Pub of the Year. Best Breakfast. Best Live Music Venue. Fibber Magees has picked up an enviable list of awards since it was founded in Dubai in 1996, and currently stakes its claim as the oldest Irish bar in the Middle East. Now around half as old as the United Arab Emirates itself, the operation has branched out, or rather back, to a location which is much closer to home, right here in Manchester. A city that takes its Emerald Isle connections seriously, to say the least.
What this pub lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm and atmosphere. The walls are laden with brick-a-brac and Guinness memorabilia while the seating ranges from old church pews to cosy wing back chairs. The venue offers live music; a trad session every Sunday and a range of traditional beverages including Irish Coffees, homemade Irish Cream and of course some of the creamiest Guinness around – as well as an adorable selection of the local dogs.
Fibbers also has a big community ethos. Before opening, funds were already being donating to local schools to pay for new IT equipment and sports training jackets. This builds on an impressive legacy of supporting rugby, football, netball and cricket back in Dubai, including hosting the Sevens — the region’s largest competition, attended by more than 100,000 fans and players.
Interested in more like this?
Sign up to our newsletter