Let’s face it, a football game just isn’t the same without a couple of drinks. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting an incredible, storied stadium like Old Trafford, it’s important to make a day of it! That’s why I’ve put together this list of pubs and bars around Old Trafford, so you know where to go before and/or after the game to really put the cherry on top of a perfect day watching Man U on the field.
The Best Pubs Around Old Trafford for Gamedays
You can find bars just about anywhere in the world, but a proper English pub is something that’s very difficult to locate outside of the UK. For that reason, I always recommend visiting pubs if you’re traveling from further afield – it’s the perfect way to get yourself ready for a big United game at Old Trafford! Here are some great options around the stadium.
The Bishop Blaize
The Bishop Blaize is arguably the most popular pub that’s near Old Trafford. It can get extremely busy on gamedays, with lots and lots of fans heading here to grab a pre-game drink. It has a family-friendly vibe, especially during the day, an indoor and outdoor dining area, and all the standard drink options you’d expect. There’s also a huge food menu with breakfast options, pizzas, burgers, classic pub food, and just about everything else you could ever want!
The Trafford
The Trafford is another pub just down the road from The Bishop Blaize. Both pubs are less than a 5-minute walk from the stadium – you couldn’t be any closer! The Trafford is a classic English pub that’s decked out with United flags and decorations, which set the scene perfectly on gameday. It’s a great place to grab a pint before a match, but be warned, it gets extremely busy both before and after the games. There’s often also a (small) entrance fee on gamedays.
The Quadrant
The Quadrant is another nice pub near Old Trafford, and it can be a bit quieter as it’s located further from the stadium. It’s still within walking distance, and will take you around 20 minutes to get to Old Trafford. At the Quadrant, you’ll find all your favorite beers, as well as a full pub menu with pies, curries, a Sunday roast, and even a separate kid’s menu. There are also dart boards, and TVs where you can catch the other games before heading to Old Trafford.
The Best Bars Near Old Trafford for a Drink After the Game
Pubs are great before the game, but in my opinion, bars are better afterward. They also tend to be open later, and busier so you don’t feel like you’re being rushed out the door. There are plenty around the stadium, depending on which direction you’re heading. Here are my picks.
Bee Orchid
Set right on the waterfront, Bee Orchid is pretty much the perfect neighborhood bar. If you’re heading north of the stadium after the game, pop in here for a cocktail, pint, shot, or wine – they have it all! It’s only a 12-minute walk over the Trafford Road Swing Bridge from Old Trafford, and as well as a full drinks menu, features pizza on Friday night. The only food available outside of that are corn nuts, olives, and Bombay mix, so don’t come here expecting a meal.
Cafe Bar Eight 46
Located less than 15 minutes from Old Trafford on foot, Cafe Bar Eight 46 is another great option for grabbing a drink after a Man U game at Old Trafford. Here you will find food – a full breakfast menu, sandwiches, pizza, and roasts all available at different times. There’s also a full bar menu in a cozy neighborhood setting, and live music from time to time.
Morgan’s Bar
Morgan’s Bar is a smaller, slightly older bar in Manchester that’s a common watering hole for fans to visit before or after a game at Old Trafford. Though it’s nothing flashy, the drinks are reasonably priced. Specializing in beer, there’s no food offered here, but plenty of other places around the stadium to grab a bite to eat. Morgan’s Bar is around a 15-minute walk from Old Trafford.
The Best Sports Bars in the Old Trafford Area
Sometimes a sports bar is exactly what you want on gameday. Somewhere where the atmosphere is buzzing, the drinks are flowing, and there are plenty of screens where you can catch the rest of the day’s games as well. Here are a few of the best sports bars near Old Trafford.
Cafe Football
Cafe Football is the ultimate sports bar, and it’s a literal stone’s throw from Old Trafford. With plenty of draught beers, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, there’s something for everyone in a football-first environment. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, but there’s a separate gameday menu that’s somewhat pared down – it can get pretty busy here on gamedays as you can imagine. There are plenty of TVs to catch the rest of the sporting action while you’re there.
Clippers Restaurant & Bar
Clippers Restaurant & Bar is located inside the Copthorne Hotel. It’s a cozy bar, with TVs for sports and a full restaurant menu. It doesn’t get a particularly rowdy atmosphere on gamedays, but if you’re looking for something a bit more chill either before or after the game, this is a good choice. It’s also a good option if you’re traveling for sports with kids – there’s a separate kid’s menu with plenty of options.
Matchstick Man
Matchstick Man is a 20-minute walk from Old Trafford, and a great neighborhood bar that’s open late enough for a drink after the game. They’re always showing games, and the bar has a fun atmosphere when fans are inside. There’s a separate pub area where you can get food (including breakfast on weekends), or you can grab a seat at the bar and watch what else is going on in sports that day.
Top-Rated Pubs and Bars for Football Fans Near Old Trafford
Manchester is a city with a rich footballing history, one of the richest, in fact, in the world. There are so many places throughout Manchester where you can go for a drink and soak that truly capture the spirit of football across the city. Here are some of the best football-themed pubs and bars around Old Trafford and in Manchester.
The Railway Club
The Railway Club is a no-frills establishment, but who needs frills when you have football? It has a limited menu on gamedays as it gets quite busy, but it’s worth a visit any time – there’s also sometimes live music on the weekends. When food is being served, you’ll find a breakfast menu, as well as classic pub staples like pies. The drinks are cheap, the company is good, and the Railway Club is just a 10-minute walk from Old Trafford.
The Tollgate
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s full of locals, the Tollgate is the place for you. This is the local watering hole of many Man U fans, and gets predictably busy on gamedays. The classic pub menu features fish and chips, burgers, and all the other staples you’d expect. The drinks are cold, there are plenty of tables, and also screens where you can watch all the day’s action. The Tollgate is a 20-minute walk from Old Trafford.
Old Trafford Pubs and Bars: FAQ
But wait, there’s more! I’ve shared the best spots to grab a drink near Old Trafford, but if you still have some questions about the pubs and bars around the stadium, here’s what you need to know.
The hours vary for each establishment, it really depends on the day and which pub or bar you’re visiting. The pubs generally close between 10 pm and midnight, depending on the day and how busy they are. Some of the bars stay open than that, especially on weekends, and may be open until 2 am. Most pubs stop serving food and close up the kitchen at least an hour before they close. Try to check Google or social media for a more accurate idea of each venue’s hours.
This is important for people who plan to watch a Manchester United game at Old Trafford with their kids. Most pubs near Old Trafford are more than happy to welcome kids through the door, as long as they’re supervised of course. Some of the places we highlighted even have a separate kid’s menu, which makes it easier if your little ones need a bite to eat.
Most of the pubs near Old Trafford, at least those within walking distance, take advantage of their proximity to the stadium and are pretty heavily decorated with Manchester United decor. They have a great atmosphere, especially on gamedays, and fill up with locals and tourists alike.
Elevate Your Game Day Experience with Drinks Near Old Trafford
There’s no better way to soak up the history of Man United, and Manchester in general, than at a bustling pub on gameday. Whether you’re with your family, your mates, or just on your lonesome, the atmosphere in these pubs near Old Trafford is something you shouldn’t miss. To find out more travel tips for Manchester united match, travelingforsports is your source. Cheers!
