Choice
Although primarily a restaurant, Choice has a good selection of wines and is an ideal choice if you want to escape the crowds.
Dukes 92
By far the most popular venue in Castlefield, Dukes 92 has an unusual, but successful, mix of antique furniture, modern deep leather sofas, and minimalist décor. Although relatively quiet in winter, it is hugely popular on hot summer days due to its large patio area overlooking lock number 92 of the Rochdale Canal. An outside bar has recently been installed in an attempt to reduce what can be a lengthy wait for refreshment.
The Knott Bar
A quirky, modern take on the traditional boozer. Housed within a railway arch it is popular amongst real ale fans, but also serves a good selection of bottled and drought ciders and lagers. It has a great jukebox and a sheltered balcony overlooking Deansgate and Beetham Tower.
Lava Bar
Across the canal from Dukes and next door to the Key 103 radio station, Lava Bar is a small and friendly bar which also has an outdoor drinking area.
The Ox
Away from the Castlefield basin on Liverpool Road you will find The Ox. Popular with the stars from Coronation Street due to its close proximity to the set, this lively gastro pub has the distinction of being the only pub in the country to be named after a potato - the Ox Noble.
The Comedy Store
Castlefield bars are extremely popular during the summer months when tourists, local residents, and city centre workers flock to the area to enjoy the large outdoor drinking areas and views across the Bridgewater Canal.
White Lion
A traditional boozer of little note, although it does feature on its walls an interesting aerial photograph of pre-developed Castlefield. Soundtrack of soul and funk with congenial staff set it apart from the others.
The Deansgate Locks are a bunch of bars and clubs alongside a set of locks: