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Escape the Christmas markets: good beer a few minutes from the stalls
A mulled wine in a plastic cup is grand for about ten minutes. When you've had enough of being shoved, these pubs are a few minutes from the markets, with a seat, a roof and a proper pint.
14 November 2026 · 2 min read
The Christmas markets take over town from mid-November till just before Christmas, and they're great for about an hour. After that you want a seat, a roof and something better than mulled wine in a plastic cup.
The stalls move about a bit every year, but Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square are usually where it all happens, and these are all a few minutes' walk from one or the other.
Off Piccadilly Gardens
The Badger on Dale Street, the Crown & Kettle lot's newest (it opened in May 2026), is a couple of minutes away and the most Dickensian of the lot: cask, proper pies and cosy corners. Northern Monk Refectory and Port Street Beer House are about five minutes, and the narrow front bar of the Castle on Oldham Street is the place for a quiet one.
Photo: The Crown & Kettle
Off Exchange Square and the cathedral
North Westward Ho, Pomona Island's pub just off Cross Street, is about four minutes away, with some of the best pales in the North West and not a telly in sight. Cafe Beermoth on Brown Street is about five, with hundreds of bottles to take home if you're meant to be shopping. Sadler's Cat is the other way, up by Victoria.
Off Albert Square
Founder's Hall, JW Lees's big pub behind King Street, is a minute away, with the whole Lees range, including small-batch beers you rarely see outside Middleton.
On the map
Good to know
When are the Manchester Christmas markets on?
Usually from mid-November till just before Christmas. The council puts the dates and sites out each year.
Which pub is closest to Piccadilly Gardens?
Of the places we list, The Badger on Dale Street, a couple of minutes away.
Will they be busy?
On market weekends, yes. Go early afternoon, or try one of our quiet pubs.
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