So close, you can almost hear the roar of the Lionesses and the crowd as they sing ‘Sweeeeeet Caaarolineee’. The Lionesses have already made history making it through to the Women’s World Cup semi-final, but to WIN the final against Spain, would be the cherry on top of this summer. Make the most of the day and be a witness to history of one of the best sporting events out there. Nothing beats watching the footie in an atmospheric pub with a bunch of unanimous fans, sharing a few packets of crisps and drinking a cold pint of lager – or blackcurrant and soda, if you’d rather. That’s why we’ve got a round up of all the best spots, pubs and non-pubs, to watch the Women’s World Cup Final in Manchester this Sunday!
Piccadilly Gardens
Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1AFIf you want to get the most involved in the action, there really is no better way than to head to Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester City Council are setting up a fan-zone for the day with two big screens showing the build-up to the match as what is sure to be a gripping match.
The space has a capacity capped at 6,000, the entrance to the fan-zone will be open from 10am and people can enter on a first-come, first-served basis. The fan-zone will be split into 2 areas: the grassed of the gardens with strictly no alcohol and the existing platform area with bars that will operate with their usual Sunday licensing. Manchester City Council have suggested to fans to “travel light with no big bags, and to bring their own brunch and soft drinks”. Piccadilly Gardens is a great choice if you have got little ones – the weather is also looking like it’s going to hold out!
Feel Good Club
26-28 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EHLooking at the footage from the semi-final showing at Feel Good Club on Wednesday, this place is the place to be if you want joy, excitement, and ENERGY!!! A full crowd + a dog that will jump in the air when Toone scores the first goal.
Alongside their great selection of beers, Feel Good Club will also be serving Mimosas by the JUG, alcohol free draft and brews! Guests can arrive from 10am for a special World Cup Warm Up which includes breakfast and DJs. Food is available throughout the game, including barms, burgers, hot dogs and good deals.
Printworks
27 Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BSThere are two types of people when it comes to watching the football…those who can compromise with a bit of someone’s head in the way of the screen, and those who cannot even bare a strand of hair to obstruct their view of the game. That’s why at Printworks, they’ve got 2 venues that cater to each.
Vue cinema is ‘bringing you closer to the action’, using their ginormous screens and viewing rooms and turning them into world-class stadiums. This is no ordinary cinema screening though; normal rules do not apply. Instead, spectators are encouraged to jump out of their seats, do the robot in the isles if needs must and cheer as loudly as they want. Best of all, no viewing will be disrupted, and the roar of surround sound will counteract the stentor cheers for the lionesses!
Watch live at 11am, doors open at 10:30am, book now to avoid disappointment.
If you don’t mind a bit of back of the head spectating and love to celebrate with a beer and a large group of mates, then O’Neills is the gaff for you. If you are planning on going in a pack, then we suggest booking a table. O’Neill’s also lets you pre-order your drinks, which is perfect if you want to avoid the half-time bar surge, and that feeling of dread when you miss a goal because you were getting another round in. O’Neill’s also serve food, so you can watch the game and grab some lunch – it’s a win win and hopefully the Lionesses will make it a triple win!
Freight Island
11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZFreight Island’s sports bar is a great area within the complex dedicated to showcasing the biggest sporting events on their big screen. Situated strategically on the mezzanine the area is also equipped with multiple screens, so viewers can get a glimpse of all the action without transforming into a neck-stretching contortionist.
Freight Island really understood the assignment when creating their sports bar. As well as the multiple screens, the venue also contains retro arcade games, pool tables and more, which is perfect for that all-important half-time decompression. Fancy a bite? Make sure to order and enjoy the food from the delicious 15 kitchens on offer in the main complex!
The area is ticketed so make sure to get a ticket – tickets do not necessarily guarantee a table so Freight Island suggests to come with plenty of time as tables are on a first come first serve basis.
For more information and book tickets, click here.
Lime Bar
Unit G1, The Quays, Salford M50 3AGSeeing as the weather is looking up for the big day – pathetic fallacy? We can hope! Lime bar is a great spot if you fancy watching the game al fresco. With a mix of both indoor and outdoor seating and screening, punters can enjoy the last golden rays of the summer whilst watching sporting history gold! Even better still, Lime Bar also serves locally sourced brunch, lunch and dinner, with gluten free and vegan options available, making it ideal for that 11am kick off!
Lime Bar has a decent selection of beers, crafts, wine and cocktails if you need a little something to settle the nerves…
Nell's Pizza at Kampus, Common, Beagle
Kampus, 22 Minshull St, Kampus M1 3EF Common, 39-41 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW The Beagle, 456-458 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0BQName one thing that could be ever so slightly more delicious than the lionesses winning…PIZZA, and not just any pizza…big New York Style pizza! In the midst of the Women’s World Cup fever, Nell’s have become the go-to spot for witnessing the astounding performance of the England team. This may also be down to the fact Nell’s have been giving out FREE pizza! Whether it’s tears of elation or tears of disappointment from the score, Nell’s pizza crust is there to mop up those emotions.
Nell’s also offer a wide-range of drinks, lagers, IPAS, cocktails and wines and plenty of soft drinks too, although we won’t judge you for having a pint at 10:30am – it is 8pm in Sydney.
Book now or find out more information here.
First Street
First Street offers an immersive experience that truly makes the audience feel as though they’re stood on the sidelines, thanks to its AstroTurf area. The outdoor patch of ‘grass’ and surrounding seating is definitely a more laidback area – well, as laidback as laidback can be when watching one of the most important matches of the year…Be warned, the deck chairs will be getting snapped up like hot cakes, especially as the sun will have its hat on so it is advised to secure a seat early.
First Street is a lovely little location, which extends beyond its sports setup. It’s an excellent choice for those who are on a budget; bring some snacks or grab and go some takeaway food from the surrounding areas like Oxford Road. The street is also home to HOME cinema which sells refreshments including coffee and scumptious cakes.
Contact Theatre
Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JAContact Theatre is an excellent choice for families to enjoy the Women's World Cup final. Known for its inclusive and family-friendly approach, the theatre is gearing up to present a special screening that caters to all age groups. Contact Theatre have been showing the ‘funny ol’game’ throughout the World Cup season, and it promises to keep-up with it’s heightened atmosphere and warm hospitality, as the country gets behind the Lionesses for one last push! Ensure a timely arrival for kick-off, and indulge in an historical experience to unite in the joy of the game's unfolding excitement.
The free tickets have now sold out, but customers can join a waiting list by emailing: boxoffice@contactmcr.com
Café Football
99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0SZIf you’re really after getting into the football spirit, then there probably isn’t any more of an apt place in Manchester to watch the Lionesses win, than Café Football. Hotel Football’s onsite café (Café Football) will be showing the game live across its big screens. And if that isn’t football-centric enough, the café will also be serving food from its football-inspired menu. Choose winning dishes from the breakfast menu including ‘Dippy Eggs and Defenders’ or ‘The Early Kick Off Pizza’. Or hold out for lunch serving from 12pm and enjoy hot sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and soup.
Football could be finally coming home for the first tme in 57 years, but that does not mean you should watch it at home! Get amongst the action in one of the worlds most famous football cities and cheer the Lionesses on with the rest of the nation! This is one match you will not want to miss. COME ON ENGLAND!