We’ve only had a month to catch our breath since the end of the Premier League season with the excitement of an unexpected winner, top manager’s getting sacked, and underdogs marching to glory. Just a month later we have the even more unexpected sight of most of the Home Nations in an international tournament (no Scotland, but there has to be some level of believability). So where to watch the glorious triumph of quarter-final heartbreak for your chosen boys? We’ve compiled a list of the places to be when you skip work to watch your chosen European nations battle it out.
Gorilla
The folks at Trof know how to put on an event, and it should be no different when they screen some of the biggest games from the Euros. Their large projectors, ample booze, top notch grub and huge rooms mean there should always be a space to watch the game in a less laddy atmosphere than some of the more typical sports bars. First game shown will be England’s first group stage against Russia on Saturday 11 June.
54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5WW. Tel: 0161 407 0301, www.thisisgorilla.com
Pie and Ale
A bit of a well-kept secret here, as despite a big projector, lots of TVs and good priced beer, there’s always plenty of room to grab and seat and cheer on whichever country you choose. Get organised and book a booth and you may even get your own private telly and can pretend you’re at home. A home with a mammoth selection of pies though.
Unit 1 & 2, The Hive, 47 Lever Street, Manchester M1 1FN. Tel: 0161 228 1610, www.pieandale.com
The New Oxford
Head out to Salford if you’re looking for a place to settle in a get a full day of European football and real ale. Perfect for a lazy Saturday or Sunday watching the elite of Europe [and Aiden McGeady] thrash it out whilst you sup from the array of pints on offer, taking much needed breaks in the square outside – and a room that holds 50 people that’s sure to create an atmosphere.
11 Bexley Square, Salford M3 6DB. Tel: 0161 832 7082, www.thenewoxford.com
Pen and Pencil
It may be a stylised American bar with a nod to the Mad Men world of cocktails, suits and smooth-talking men but this Summer it will come over all European and free snacks to boot anytime one of the Home Nations is playing (ask nicely and maybe they’ll extend it to the Republic of Ireland?). If you want to reminisce about the glory days of football coming home in Euro 96, they’ve also plastered their gents with outdated pages from FHM and Loaded.
Fourways House, 57 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EJ. Tel: 0161 660 3303 www.thepenandpencilnq.co.uk
Printworks
For those with an eye for a deal and a hankering to watch surrounded by as many options and people as possible, the Printworks has you covered. Food and drink offers include two pitchers of beer and a combo sharer at Yates, beer and burger for £6 at Walkabout, even the Odeon is getting in on the act – showing a selection of games on the cinema screens. For those less inclined to spend their days with football and beer, Tiger Tiger offer a football widows’ package including Prosecco and use of their karaoke bar.
27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS. Tel: 0161 829 8000. www.theprintworks.com
UPDATE: Port Street Beer House have revealed that they will be showing some Euros games upstairs – find out more.
- Words:
- Joe Daly
- Published on:
- Sun 3 Jul 2016
