Best Matchday Pubs Near the Etihad

Best Matchday Pubs Around the Etihad

Going to the Etihad isn’t just about the 90 minutes inside the stadium. For many supporters, matchday starts well before kick-off with a drink, something to eat and the build-up around East Manchester.

There are a few different ways to approach it. The pubs closest to the stadium are the obvious choice if you want to be surrounded by Manchester City supporters, while areas such as Ancoats offer a more relaxed start before making your way towards the ground.

This guide looks at some of the better-known options and what you can expect from each. It’s not intended to be a definitive ranking, because the right pub really depends on the sort of matchday atmosphere you’re looking for.

Mary D’s Beamish Bar

Mary D’s Beamish Bar is at 13 Grey Mare Lane, Manchester M11 3DQ, close to the Etihad Stadium. It’s one of the best-known pubs associated with Manchester City supporters and is a natural choice if you want to be close to the stadium before a match.

It’s a traditional football pub rather than a quiet place for a drink, and the atmosphere changes noticeably on matchdays. As kick-off approaches, supporters gather around the pub and the surrounding streets before making their way towards the stadium.

If you’re looking for a pre-match drink with plenty of City supporters around you, Mary D’s is one of the obvious places to consider. It can get very busy on matchdays, particularly before the bigger fixtures, so arriving earlier may make the experience easier.

What to Expect at Mary D’s

Address: 13 Grey Mare Lane, Manchester M11 3DQ.
Atmosphere: Traditional football pub with a strong Manchester City following.
Location: Very close to the Etihad Stadium.
Keep in mind: It can become extremely busy before kick-off.

The Townley

The Townley is at 31 Albert Street, Beswick, Manchester M11 3QW, and is within walking distance of the Etihad Stadium. It’s a traditional local pub and a familiar stopping point for supporters before Manchester City matches.

The pub has more of a local feel than a polished city-centre bar, which is part of its appeal on matchday. As kick-off gets closer, the atmosphere becomes busier as supporters make their way towards the stadium.

If you’re looking for somewhere close to the ground for a pre-match drink, The Townley is worth considering. You can walk from the pub to the stadium rather than having to rely on another form of transport for the final part of your journey.

What to Expect at The Townley

Address: 31 Albert Street, Beswick, Manchester M11 3QW.
Atmosphere: Traditional local pub with a lively matchday feel.
Location: Within walking distance of the Etihad Stadium.
Getting to the stadium: The stadium can be reached on foot from the pub.

Ancoats for a Different Start

If traditional football pubs aren’t really your thing, you don’t have to drink right next to the stadium.

Ancoats gives you a very different pre-match option, with independent bars, restaurants and places to eat and drink. It’s close enough to the Etihad to make the journey to the stadium practical, while giving you more choice if you’d rather have food and a drink in a less match-focused setting.

It’s particularly worth considering if you’re travelling with friends or family and not everyone wants to spend the afternoon in a packed football pub.

Why Consider Ancoats?

Atmosphere: More relaxed and varied than the pubs immediately around the stadium.
Food: A wider choice of restaurants and casual places to eat.
Best suited to: Groups looking for food and drinks before the match.
Keep in mind: You’ll need to allow extra time to make your way to the stadium.

What About Away Fans?

If you’re travelling to Manchester to support the opposition, don’t assume that every pub around the Etihad will be suitable for away colours.

Matchday arrangements can vary, and some pubs close to the stadium are closely associated with the home support. If you’re travelling with a group of away supporters, it is sensible to check with a pub before setting off rather than relying on a general assumption about entry.

Manchester city centre gives travelling supporters a much wider choice of bars and restaurants, and you can then make your way towards the stadium when you’re ready.

How Early Should You Arrive?

There’s no need to arrive at the stadium hours before every match, but if you want to enjoy a pub before kick-off, give yourself plenty of time.

The pubs closest to the Etihad become increasingly busy as the match approaches, and you’ll also need to allow time to walk from the pub to your turnstile.

For a busy Premier League fixture, arriving earlier generally gives you more choice and makes the whole experience less rushed.

Getting From the Pubs to the Etihad

Once you’ve finished your drink, the stadium is within easy reach of the pubs around East Manchester. If you’re coming from further away, the Metrolink is another straightforward option for getting into the Etihad area.

If you’re driving, it’s worth thinking about where you’ll leave the car before choosing your pub. Our Etihad Stadium Parking & Transport Guide looks at the different options and the things to consider when planning your journey.

Which Pub Should You Choose?

There isn’t really one answer.

If you want to be surrounded by Manchester City supporters and get as close as possible to the traditional matchday atmosphere, Mary D’s or The Townley are the obvious places to investigate.

If you’d rather have more choice of food and drink and a less intense pre-match environment, Ancoats is worth considering.

The important thing is to choose somewhere that suits your day rather than assuming that the closest pub is automatically the best one.

More Etihad Matchday Guides

Planning a visit to the Etihad? M113FF focuses on the practical side of matchday, from getting there and finding somewhere to park to choosing where to eat, drink and spend time before the game.