A selection of inner-city and country pubs where you can enjoy a hearty lunch throughout and around Manchester.
Whether it’s after a long walk, exploring the city, a quick lunch break or ‘just because’- it’s hard to say no to a classic pub lunch. We’ve covered the best walks around Greater Manchester already, but these wouldn’t be complete without resting your legs and refuelling with a pint and some good British food. Here we present a round-up of pub lunches across Manchester and Cheshire, the perfect reward for the walking routes above.
The Rams Head
Buxton Road West, Disley, SK12 2AE
After a wander around Lyme Park (or if you happen to just be in the area), there’s no better spot than a country pub like The Rams Head in Disley for picturesque views and perfect pub eats. Their lunch menu boasts a Devon crab and king prawn roll, or a mezze flatbread for light midday bites — while the all-day menu features a range of classic and contemporary starters and mains suitable for any appetite, with sharers like baked camembert, or a rotisserie menu. Turn up on a Sunday to take advantage of The Rams Head’s full range of roasts, all served with all the trimmings and bottomless gravy.
The Rams Head currently highly recommends booking to enable a safe as possible visit.
The Waterside Restaurant Garden & Cabin
Inghams Ln, Littleborough, OL15 0AY
A little further afield, The South Pennine Water Trail will take you through rural Cheshire, ending on a visit to The Waterside Restaurant. This relaxed and cosy venue offers the perfect home from home after a chilly Autumnal walk, and a menu to match. The extensive restaurant menu has something for everyone, with seasonal vegan specials like garlic mushrooms on sourdough, or sweet potato and cauliflower curry. With roasts every Sunday, and a range of updated comfort classics, The Waterside celebrates fresh, local produce and great flavours.
Just make sure you book a table here.
The Marble Arch
72 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY
Nestled in the centre of town, this multi- award winning pub is a typical laid back local with a wonderfully tiled interior. It’s simple, enjoyable and does the job. But our focus here isn’t the drinks, or the pub itself - but the food it serves, and believe me, it’s good.
At The Marble Arch you’ll find some of the best pub grub in the city here, with a monthly changing menu featuring delicious dishes such as pork and leek bon bone with pear porter sauce, honey and thyme roasted ham hock with bubble and squeak, and a classic burger with smoked cheddar and barbecue sauce make with their very own stout (they have their own brewery so they know what they’re doing).
Speaking of which, being part of the Marble Brewery Family means you’ll find plenty of beers to accompany your meal.
Chorlton Tap
Wilbraham Rd, Manchester, M21 0UE
Chorlton, often heralded as the perfect neighbourhood for on-trend brunch spots and bars, is also not short of traditional ale houses to sit back with a craft beer and people watch. Serving a range of ales, ciders and independent beers, The Chorlton Tap is a popular joint for its unique menu and prime location in the centre of this bustling area. Why not warm yourself up after a walk around the Water Park or Nature Reserve with food from The Nordic Kitchen, a fresh Scandinavian menu served on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, take advantage of Nora’s Kitchen, serving a range of roasts with an impressive vegan selection.
Mrs Sarah’s Chophouse
52 Cross Street, Manchester, M2 7AR
One of Manchester’s most iconic pubs and previously known as Mr Thomas’ Chophouse was renamed in lieu of women’s day in honour of the formidable ladies who ran the rooms at a time where women weren’t even permitted inside these establishments.
It’s one of the few pubs listed in CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors with long and narrow corridors divided by green tile arches. The pub is famed for its food and is a popular destination for those who have just finished watching a performance at the Royal Exchange Theatre. With tasty options on the menu from vegan potato gnocchi to their famous corn beefed hash (with it’s very own secret recipe) there’s plenty pub grub to choose from and enjoy.
If you’re looking for them online their domain still goes by tomschophouse.com so give that link a click if you’re searching for more info or to book a table.
Arden Arms
Millgate, Stockport, SK1 2LX
Last but not least is the Arden Arms in Stockport. It’s one of the many Robinsons-owned pubs in the North West and is a quintessential, simple answer to an easy pub lunch. Serving their own beers supplied by Stockport’s Robinsons brewery, as well as a traditional homely pub menu, take advantage of a no-fuss, good British pub visit, with a range of sandwiches, Sunday roasts and daily specials. They change it monthly so be sure to have a quick glance before heading there for some new tasty bites. The Arms also benefits from a heated, covered courtyard for frosty Autumn days.