There’s many ways to ring in the New Year, from festive parties singing in Auld Lang Syne and counting down to midnight, to more relaxed gatherings at home watching Jools’ Annual Hootenanny.
But once the festivities have died down – and the hangovers settled – attention turns to how to spend the first day of the new year. You might be tempted to go all out with a dip in the sea to mark the occasion, or head to a beauty spot to see the first sunrise of the new year.
For others, a cosy pub calls their name. Maybe it’s just for a quick pint by a roaring fireplace, or perhaps a full roast dinner that’s in order, but either way, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to watering holes and gastropubs in Greater Manchester.
READ MORE: All the restaurants, bars and hotels opening in Greater Manchester in 2025
Below, we’ve taken a look at some of those across the region where you can nip for a quick one or try your luck booking in for food tomorrow. If there’s no availability though, it’s worth bookmarking the article for winter pub inspiration for the weeks ahead.
The Britons Protection, Manchester
The Briton’s Protection, on Great Bridgewater Street, is one of Manchester’s most well-regarded pubs
(Image: MEN Media)
A treasure trove of snug rooms, beautifully tiled walls and open fires, if you’re heading into the city centre on New Year’s Day, The Britons Protection has a lot to offer. This quintessential Manchester pub is woven into the city’s fabric and takes its name from the early 1800s, when it was seen as a refuge from those seeking to recruit for the Napoleonic Wars.
Inside the legendary boozer, murals recreate the Peterloo Massacre, and the building itself is one of just three remaining that bore witness to it. You can choose to steep yourself in its history, or in one of the hundreds of whiskies on offer – and there’s plenty of other drinks on the taps too.
50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE
The Swann Inn, Dobcross
The Swann Inn serves up plenty of hearty dishes
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
With its spectacular views of the Tame Valley and the Peak District, the beautiful village of Dobcross is a must-visit for those taking in the area of Saddleworth. With its picture-perfect setting it’s clear to see why people flock here all year round.
Situated in the picturesque village is the Grade II-listed pub, the Swann Inn, which almost ceased to exist after the pandemic, but was saved by new landlady Sharon Musgrove. The original deed, signed by the first landlord, still hangs on the wall, alongside old photographs of the village, while outside a revamped seating area features its postcard-perfect red phone box.
1, The Square, Dobcross, Oldham OL3 5AA
The Peveril of the Peak, Manchester
The iconic Peveril of the Peak pub on Great Bridgewater Street in Manchester
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Clad in fabulous green and yellow tiles, the ‘Pev’ as it affectionately known, is one of Manchester’s most intriguing drinking spots. A bit like the Britons Protection, it has endured despite all the changes going on around it and has defied gentrification at every turn.
This historic public house, which the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) considers to have “interior of exceptional national historic importance”, was first built in 1820 before undergoing remodelling around 1900. Now a much-loved spot of students, locals and visitors from out of town, it’s somewhere you can guarantee a really good pint surrounded by plenty of history.
127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JQ
The Black Friar, Salford
The Black Friar pub in Salford
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Against all odds, the Black Friar rose from the ashes and was lovingly restored and reopened in 2021 for the first time in two decades after an extensive renovation totalling £1.4 million. Left as the only building to survive the 1960s slum clearances in Black Friars, and derelict after being damaged by two fires, its transformation is quite something and has even caught the attention of national critics.
As part of the refurbishment the pub was extended to create a modern glass restaurant with an open kitchen, private dining room and a dining courtyard, as well as a traditional pub area. The Back Friar’s beer garden is also adapted throughout the year, and has most recently been transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays.
41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Manchester M3 7DB
Strawberry Duck, Entwistle
Strawbury Duck, Entwistle
(Image: Facebook – Strawbury Duck)
Beautifully situated amongst the hills, forests and reservoirs of Entwistle, this has long been one of Bolton’s landmark public houses. Brought back to life as a traditional pub focusing on quality food and great cask ales, it also features five B&B bedrooms should you wish to stay a little longer.
Popular with walkers and situated near to several reservoirs, this can be a busy spot at weekends. Here, diners can tuck into homemade pies of the week, steak pudding, pan-fired chicken and a whole host of comforting pub fare.
Overshores Rd, Entwistle, Bolton BL7 0LU
The Oxford, Rochdale
The Oxford Pub, Rochdale.
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
This family-run pub at the foot of the Pennines has become well known for its cosy interiors, great selection of food and drink, and it’s now annual Christmas Markets complete with boozy festive drinks, bratwurst and hog roast sandwiches. When it’s not running its markets, punters head to The Oxford for its hearty food offer, fine wines and real ales.
Established in 2013, the team have striven to make this place a proper pub – from its roaring fireplaces and cosy surroundings to its famous cheese and onion pie and wide selection of pub classics like proper battered haddock, liver and onions and big beef and Bovril pie.
662 Whitworth Rd, Rochdale OL12 0TB
The Marble Arch, Manchester
The Marble Arch has been named one of the cosiest pubs in the North West
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Out there on its own on the road to Rochdale, The Marble Arch is a must of any Manchester pub crawl worth it’s salt. The multi-award winning, Grade II-listed pub is the original home of the Marble Brewery, so great beers are a given from the get-go.
It’s a beautiful building inside and out, featuring ornate chimneys and a grand front entrance, as well as a barrel-vaulted ceramic tiled ceiling and decorative frieze. The mosaic sloping floor meanwhile, pulls you toward the bar where you can sample beers from its nine hand pulls serving brewery-fresh cask beer, as well as eight carefully selected keg lines and a selection of artisanal ciders.
There’s some excellent pub grub on offer too including British classics like steak and stout pie, burgers, fish and chips and a changing range of small plates and Marble Arch’s famed Sunday roast.
73 Rochdale Rd, Manchester M4 4HY
The Arden Arms, Stockport
Stockport’s original award-winning ale shrine and one of CAMRA’s favourite stop-offs, the Arden Arms is a pub full to the brim with history. It’s worth visiting for the building alone – but make sure you get a pint too.
An early 19th-century coaching inn set on the edge of Stockport’s Marketplace, its quirky screen bar with its rising sashes, quarry-tiled entrance, and secret snug accessed by passing through the bar with staff’s permission, all add to the charm of this south Manchester institution.
23 Millgate, Stockport SK1 2LX
Sam’s Chop House, Manchester
Sam’s Chop House is one of Manchester’s most historic pubs
(Image: Attila Kemenyfi)
Established in 1869 by local brothers Samuel and Thomas Studd, Sam’s Chop House is one of the city’s most storied watering holes. Many famous faces have passed through it’s doors including LS Lowry – and there’s a life-sized bronze statue of him propped up at the bar.
With a distinct old-world feel about the space with its tiled walls and flagstone that uses stone sourced from the original Manchester Town Hall, it’s a spot worth really taking in. It does a great Guinness too, and it’s food is worth staying for too, especially its pies and famed corned beef hash.
Back Pool Fold, Manchester M2 1HN
The White Hart at Lydgate
The pub has served for various purposes over the decades
On the very outer reaches of Greater Manchester, the White Hart is actually nearer to the Peak District, making it a great day out. Nestled in the picturesque village of Lydgate, this warm and welcoming country pub has excellent food – its roasts are always receiving awards – as well as top-notch beers, and some rather impressive views.
The pub was first built in 1788 as a police station before being used as a schoolhouse, and later a weaver’s cottage, and finally a lookout point during the Second World War. Today, the award-winning venue is best known for its excellent food and drink – from delicious pub dishes to its varied selection of cask ales, craft beers and cocktails.
51 Stockport Rd, Lydgate, Oldham OL4 4JJ
Edinburgh Castle, Ancoats
Edinburgh Castle
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
This abandoned Ancoats boozer, which was reborn as a gastropub in 2019 when it was saved from dereliction, might be one of the city’s cosiest spots. Enter through a curtain hanging over the doorway and explore the numerous seating nooks and places to perch with a pint.
Located on Blossom Street, the venue dates back to 1811 and earlier this month is was also named amongst the best gastropubs in the UK by Estrella Damm. And it’s not the first time Edinburgh Castle has made the cut. Last year, the pub just off Cutting Room Square made the prestigious list too.
17 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EP
Oddfellows, Mellor
Oddfellows Pub in Mellor
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Situated in the furthest reaches of Stockport, just on the edge of the Peak District, lies the village of Mellor with stone cottages and rolling hills. As well as uninterrupted views over the Cheshire Plain, it’s also only minutes from the Peak District National Park, and the presence of its highest peak – Kinder Scout – looms in the near distance.
While the village, with its stunning views, does not have any of its own shops, it does boast three public houses. Sitting just a few hundred yards from the border with Derbyshire, and known for its top selection of cask ales and locally sourced grub, is Oddfellows. The 16th century, stone-built coaching inn features a welcoming exterior with ivy growing over the doorway, while inside the interiors are cosy, with exposed wood flooring, wooden beams and a log burner for the winter months.
Oddfellows Moor End Road, Mellor, SK4 5PT
The Pack Horse Country Inn, Affetside
The Pack Horse at Affetside
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
This cosy, traditional pub with open fires and wooden beams is nestled in the rural setting of Affetside in Bury. Featuring an open-plan bar with various adjoining spaces for punters to nurse a pint or two, it is popular with diners and walkers and boasts superb views of the open countryside.
Taking a seat in the dedicated dining area or drinking or dining terrace, those paying a visit can try a range of burgers, classic mains and grills as well as a Sunday roast served fresh every weekend. Every Monday, you can also enjoy 50p of any pint of cask ale from its extensive range.
52 Watling St, Affetside, Tottington, Bury BL8 3QW
Owd Betts, Rochdale
Owd Betts near Rochdale
Located on Ashworth Moor, this traditional country pub dates back to 1776 and serves up decent pints and stunning views in equal measure. Originally named the Hare and Hounds, it was built by Richard and Mary Ashworth and later passed to their son John and his wife, Betty. When John died in 1869, Betty, affectionately known as ‘Owd Bett,’ took the helm – later officially recognised as the pub’s name in her honour.
Looking out across Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham, it’s a popular spot with walkers of nearby Knowl Hill, and its rural location – only 30 minutes from Manchester by car – feels world away from the hustle and bustle of town. Behind the bar they have a great drinks range including three ales that have been recognised by CAMRA, while on the menu you can expect to find homecooked, traditional British food including the pub’s famous cheese and onion pie, Lancashire hotpot and rag pudding.
Edenfield Rd, Rochdale OL12 7TY
The Swan with Two Nicks, Altrincham
The Swan With Two Nicks, Little Bollington.
Tucked down a winding country lined with farms and barns, you’ll find a much-loved haunt in the form of The Swann with Two Nicks. This popular country spot is a well known pitstop for a pub lunch after a leisurely stroll around the Dunham Massey estate.
Inside, visitors will find a quintessential, olde-world style pub complete with rustic beams hanging low from the ceilings and log fires to huddle around in winter. Drinks wise, there’s a huge selection if ales, which have gained the pub a Cask Marque accreditation, Good Beer Guide listing, CAMRA Pub of the Year and recently, Timothy Taylors Champion Club Establishment status.
Park Lane, Little Bollington, Altrincham, WA14 4TJ
Duke William, Ainsworth
The Duke William is a family run country pub located in the village of Ainsworth serving traditional home-cooked food from a variety of local suppliers. The Grade II-listed boozer dates back to 1773 and was first established as a coaching inn and in the 1800s was used as the local coroner’s court.
Described by reviewers on TripAdvisor as being the ‘best food pub’ in the area and a ‘go-to’, it has been updated over the years but still features small, cosy rooms, a real fire and low ceilings. Rumour has it that it’s also home to a resident ghost. Pop in for a pint or enjoy some pub favourites including fish and chips, cheese and onion pie and lamb shanks.
Duke William Inn, 1A Well St, Ainsworth, Bolton BL2 5SQ
The Baum, Rochdale
The Baum
Situated next door to the Co-op Museum on Toad Lane, The Baum first opened its doors in the 1980s as a small local. Since then, it’s become one of Rochdale’s favourite drinking spots. Bringing ‘exceptional creative’ British food and ‘outstanding drinks’ to the heart of the town its offers everything from pub classics, dishes from the grill, to small plates.
33-37 Toad Ln, Rochdale OL12 0NU
The Balcarres Arms, Haigh, Wigan
(Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
This country pub on the edge of an award-winning woodland park might just be the ticket for New Year’s Day. The Balcarres Arms at Haigh sits in an enviable location on the edge of Haigh Woodland Park, in Aspull, Wigan, and is an ideal spot to pop in for a bite to eat after a weekend stomp around the 350-acre site.
You might expect a pub in such a prime location to be on the pricey side – earlier this year The Telegraph listed Haigh as one of Britain’s poshest villages no less – but dishes like pie and chips cost a very reasonable £9.79. There’s also a fantastically well-stocked bar to peruse.
1 Copperas Ln, Wigan WN2 1PA
The Black Ladd, Shaw
The Black Ladd in Shaw, Oldham
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
If it’s proper pub grub and some rather lovely views you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the Black Ladd. Set in the hills above Shaw, you can take in the Manchester skyline and Lancashire countryside as you tuck into some proper pub grub.
Reopened earlier this year after a a new landlady took it over, the Buckstones Road pub has become known for its massive eating challenges – think 100oz steaks and enormous fry-ups. And within half an hour’s driving distance of the city centre, this countryside escape ticks all the boxes.
487 Buckstones Rd, Shaw, Oldham OL1 4ST
Hare & Hounds, Rochdale
Family run since 2005, the Hare & Hounds situated in Bamford on the outskirts of Rochdale and has a distinctly cosy vibe. With upper and lower bars, the open plan space is divided into three separate areas with a real fire in the lower bar and dining area, and there’s also outdoor seating too. To eat, there’s a mix of small plates like butterfly prawns, and a black pudding stack, alongside sandwiches, wraps, salads, and mains like sausage and mash, cheese and onion pie and burgers.
865 Bury Rd, Rochdale OL11 4AA
The Holcombe Tap, Ramsbottom
The Holcombe Tap features a cosy interior
(Image: The Holcombe Tap)
First opened back in 2018, the bar and kitchen on Bolton Road West has gained a reputation for its cosy atmosphere and top food. Alongside Sunday roasts, the venue serves a main menu featuring small plates and specials such as beer-battered haddock, steak, duck breast and cauliflower red Thai curry.
In 2023, The Holcombe Tap was named the Leading Restaurant of the Year (Casual) at the This Is Manchester 2023 awards last week and it holds the respected title of being the number one pub restaurant in Ramsbottom on TripAdvisor and Google, where it holds a five star rating.
13 Bolton Rd W, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9NA
Fox & Pine, Oldham
Fox and Pine was named the best pub in Oldham, Rochdale and Bury by CAMRA for three years in a row
On first glance, stepping into the Fox and Pine pub in the centre of Oldham is a bit like walking into a quirky antique’s shop full of nick-knacks and oddities. Tucked behind the Lyceum Theatre on Greaves Street the cosy pub was brought to life during the pandemic by couple Chris and Michelle Riley.
Formerly a derelict terraced house, the pair bought the lease to the venue in May 2020 and transformed it into the place it is today. In the three years since, the Fox and Pine has been named the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury ‘Best Pub of the Year’ by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) three times in a row and is also the current recipient of the Greater Manchester CAMRA ‘Pub of the Year’.
18 Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AD
The Waggon Inn, Uppermill
The Waggon Inn, Uppermill
(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
This delightful 19th Century coaching inn with a well-appointed lounge, bar and dining area underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2014, bringing with it a new lease of life. Just a few weeks ago it thanked the community for being part of their ‘incredible journey’ as it celebrated the ten-year mark.
Matthew John and Chantelle Tupman-John took over the pub in 2013 and closed their doors soon after for an extensive makeover, with major investment from Robinsons brewery. It has also had its interiors refreshed more recently and to celebrate the festive season launched a series of Christmas-themed menus.
Waggon Inn, High St, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6HR
Hare & Hounds Inn, Hyde
The Hare and Hounds in Hyde is another of Greater Manchester’s best pubs
(Image: Dean Atkins Photography)
As well as being a cosy refuge from the elements, the Hare & Hounds in Hyde also boasts some of the best views of Greater Manchester. Less than 10 miles from Manchester city centre and sitting at the edge of Werneth Low Country Park, the country pub occupies a stunning Pennine location, and provides a gateway to the Peak District beyond.
The beautiful pub was originally built in 1728, and many of its original features, including its exposed beams and cosy nooks, have been kept but given a contemporary refresh during a recent refurbishment. And for those wanting to stretch their legs, there’s more than 80 hectares of moorland to explore just along the road.
Werneth Low Rd, Hyde SK14 3AA
The Church Inn, Cheadle Hulme
The beer garden and outdoor area at The Church Inn in Cheadle Hulme
(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)
This charming pub and restaurant is Cheadle Hulme’s oldest. Originally 18th century cottages opened up into ‘The Knapsack’ Inn near Pump Farm, the first landlord was John Brown (‘The Nap’) and then it was owned by generations of Turners and then by the Bromleys. Bought by Robinsons Brewery in 1880 it’s easily one of the main focal points of the Stockport village.
There’s a distinct feeling of being inside a country boozer with its oak panelling, open fires and cosy nooks, and is today run by landlord Edward Bromley and his team. Despite only having a small kitchen space, the food here is what brings many to the pub, and you can expect a variety of elevated pub classics and specials ranging from crispy belly pork and prawn Penang, to sirloin steaks and burgers.
90 Ravenoak Rd, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle SK8 7EG