The Circus Tavern in Manchester

Simply a must visit. Great value pint of deliciously tasty bitter. Order at the smallest bar in Europe and the pint is brought to you with the card machine. I would definitely have preferred to have the cash on hand to have paid physically. The decor is very intriguing with Man U tributes accompanied by a variety of sporting greats. A very friendly feel to the whole venue.

Mi esposa y yo entramos en la taberna Circus sin conocer a nadie allí. No podríamos habernos sentido más bienvenidos. Conocimos a la gente más amable que conocimos en un bar inglés. Si quieres pasar un rato agradable y hacer nuevos amigos visita con Barry y la gente maravillosa que va allí.

A very small & cosy pub. Great atmosphere, lovely selection of beer & great conversation. Highly recommend a visit!

Great little pub, friendly staff and probably the best Guinness I’ve had in Manchester, better than Mulligans and much cheaper too.

When I entered the door I was met by a giant of a man with the greatest friendliness behind a bar that at first glance could have been his belt. If he hadn't been bent over the small bar, we wouldn't have seen his head, which would have been hidden behind the top of the bar. With the greatest kindness we were told of the two small rooms we could sit in, and we chose the first. There were three guests from before, including the two of us, so it was almost full. The stay was intimate, pleasant and personal. England and Manchester know pubs🍺

A cosy place as its Europe's smallest bar. Go and visit

19£ for 2 beers and 2 whiskey should say everything

Gran lugar para ir a tomar una copa... puede ser el bar más pequeño de Europa, pero tiene el corazón más grande. Tenemos nuestras reuniones mensuales allí y Baz el propietario es extremadamente servicial... un verdadero Gent!

Barry the landlord is a wonderful guy, making us feel so welcome every time we visit. A great landlord in one of Manchester's finest pubs! The Royal Military Police Association, Manchester Branch, has now adopted The Circus Tavern as our "home" a great and convenient location, in a friendly atmosphere. We love the cosy seating - you sit where you are told - it's great for conversation as everyone talks to each other - no one sits on their phones etc. So friendly. Highly recommended for everyone! Travellers, pub enthusiasts, solo, couples and groups. this would be a good stop and a Manchester pub crawl! Thank you, Barry, for making us so welcome!

Barry el propietario es un tipo maravilloso, haciéndonos sentir tan bienvenidos cada vez que visitamos. ¡Un gran propietario en uno de los mejores pubs de Manchester! La Royal Military Police Association, sucursal de Manchester, ha adoptado ahora la taberna Circus como nuestro "hogar", un lugar ideal y conveniente, en un ambiente amigable. Nos encantan los asientos acogedores - te sientas donde te dicen - es ideal para la conversación, ya que todos hablan entre sí - nadie se sienta en sus teléfonos, etc. Tan amigable. Muy recomendable para todos! Viajeros, entusiastas de pubs, solos, parejas y grupos. ¡esta sería una buena parada y un pub de Manchester! Gracias, Barry, por hacernos tan bienvenidos!

Incredible little boozer. It genuinely is tiny. We visted on a busy Saturday afternoon and the staff were doing a great job of not only serving people but managing where people could actually sit or stand. The two real ales they've got on tap were both on fantastic form, and we only paid £7 for 2 pints which is just incredible in 2025. Great united memorabilia on the walls too

Excellent for service and atmosphere. Squeezed in. Friendly and clean. Worth a visit.

Nice place for many Norwegians and Swedes and far too much ticket touting

Small in size but big on atmosphere and a great pint and know how to pull a pint of Guinness correctly so major kudos 👏👏😁

Small pub, lots of character. Busy on weekend.

Really cosy little pub, really friendly staff and thoroughly enjoyed calling in here for a drink. Unique little place and worth having a look in.

Classic city centre pub, tiny bar, big welcome. As the saying goes. Or something to that effect. Even show the racing on ITV if you ask nicely.

Good atmosphere in the beer garden

Después de haber visitado el baño antes de no encontrar un lugar para sentarse con pinta y papel, no espera ser gritado agresivamente por dirigirse al lado de la yegua gris genuinamente acogedora.

Stopped in for a pint and had a lovely time! We got lucky, it’s usually quite crowded but we came at the right time and got a table. Table service was great and quick. Lot of history at the pub. People were fantastic. Really added to the Manchester experience.

Was recommended to visit this place. We got chatting to the locals and had a pleasant evening there. Small, intimate and cozy space.

Plesent experience there yesterday afternoon. Great banter with the owner and some the locals 👏. Next time I'm in Manchester I'll be calling in again.

Alguien nos recomendó visitar este lugar cuando en Manchester y es un pequeño pub encantador. Mucha nostalgia y recuerdos en las paredes. El propietario era un tipo muy agradable - se interesó en nuestra visita, la cerveza era genial, solo queríamos una copa rápida, pero tuvimos segundo estábamos disfrutando tanto. Sin duda volvería

Great place to meet fellow reds while in Manchester Barry and the locals are very welcoming and the Guinness is one of the best in town.

Lovely little pub with football on the telly. Barry, the owner, is a wonderful guy, and very friendly! Pop in for a pint and a chat in this proper British pub, you can't find any finer

It's a quirky little bar and you end up sitting next to people you don't know and having a natter.

Had an amazing night here with the locals. Closed bar locked doors and spent the night drinking and singing songs. Best little bar I've ever been to

Brilliant tiny pub with a big Mancunian welcome. Lovely Landlord, good beer and so, small, it's easy to get into conversation with friendly locals.

What a lovely local bar. The patrons were so welcoming and the owner is a delight to be around. It’s the kind of bar where you will chat with the other customers and everyone won’t be on their phone. If you’re a Man U supporter, there is a passion for the team at this bar.

Brutally intimate pub experience - dude in charge is a legend as well.

This fabulous place has the smallest bar and biggest welcome anywhere. For those that are old enough, a traditional pub with a landlord 3 times bigger than his actual bar. Great atmosphere, great fun enjoyed by folk from across the world. Great beer, good prices Great punters all things that make a stranger welcome.

Actually the best Guinness in Manchester Love it 😊

Circus Tavern, known as the "smallest bar in Europe," is a charming and cozy spot that feels like a home away from home. The intimate setting fosters a warm, friendly atmosphere where patrons quickly become friends. The servers are exceptionally welcoming and attentive, making every visit delightful. Their Guinness stout is a standout—rich, perfectly poured, and a must-try for any beer lover. Circus Tavern's unique charm, friendly staff, and great Guinness make it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. Embrace the smallness and enjoy the experience!

Cosy and down to earth if you like a quiet atmosphere to enjoy your pint.

He pasado por este edificio tantas veces, pero nunca antes visité este increíble pub. Llamamos para tomar una cerveza con nuestros amigos celebrando nuestros aniversarios de boda e inmediatamente nos sentimos como en casa, todos estaban charlando y pensé que habíamos entrado en una reunión familiar . . pero no todos eran extraños . . todos charlando sobre cualquier cosa y todo y no un teléfono móvil a la vista. Tuvimos la mejor charla con una pareja encantadora de Warrington , sin duda ponemos el mundo a la derecha!! si usted está caminando más allá y se pregunta qué hay dentro . Entra y verás que no te decepcionará

Very welcoming traditional old pub…. No nonsense with great service and good company

Maravilloso pub tradicional en el centro de Manchester, un gran lugar para pasar a tomar una copa antes o después de una comida en Chinatown

I went to the Circus Tavern with family on a Thursday evening in late April. The bar is very small but the atmosphere is to be experienced. The barman was very friendly as were many of the punters. We were strangers in teh bar however They were very "chatty" and welcoming. I would highly recommend

Great stop off, great beer, lovely staff, friendly chatty punters, clean toilets.

A very small venue that exuded tradition, warmth and friendliness from the bar staff, who probably so we would not block up the bar area, delivered beer to our table and took payment there. The snug walls were decorated with Manchester United photographs depicting key times in their history. One for the fans of football, agoraphobia and good beer

Barry is a legend among landlords. The welcome is wonderful and the clientele is unique. I have been using this place for nearly 50 years. Just amazing

Extremely cozy with little space, but immediately with conversations... Love that pub

Super little and I mean small pub. It's like being in a tiny living room in a terraced house. Look at my other reviews and 👍

Cracking little boozer. Very friendly landlady and a great pint of Guinness

Lovely staff, really small room but nice to chat with regulars and landlord.

An experience worth trying, due to the characteristics of the pub. Normal beers, normal service. Prices in line with other pubs

Brilliant friendly pub. Great pint of Guinness!

Lovely little pub. 2 cask ales. Friendly staff

Excellent service in a tiny pub. If I'm meeting up with someone in Manchester, this is my pub of choice. Good service, good beer, good atmosphere. The bar is tiny, so often the licencee will come round and take your order. It's also a very old pub, a part of Mancunian history. Well worth supporting.

It's the smallest pub in Europe. Amiable host; even customers are friendly and chatty. If you are around, pop by for pint.

Smallest bat in Europe with the biggest nice people 😉

If you want a real taste of Mancunia this is it, it also helps if you like Manchester United

It's a decent bar, particularly if you support Trafford Town...

Crackin' little pub, very welcoming landlady.

Great small pub! Lovely staff and comfortable atmosphere which make you feel like a part of family!

We visited here 1st and 3rd November 2023 and had 2 absolutely fantastic nights with Barry, his fine lady,Irish Kenny and others. In i Michael and Martine from Pontypridd south wales

Absolutely loved this place, found it by chance and was very warm welcoming presence by both the staff and other customers. Had some great chats with some Norwegian and Swedish football fans as well as some other British and would definitely visit again.

A great place to meet people & have a chat

Can't star food it's not a food place but Crisps are quality x

Unique pub in the centre of Manchester. Very friendly service and definitely worth a look.

Cozy pub in the heart of Manchester! The owner is so friendly and welcoming. I loved all the pictures of patrons on the wall and the two little rooms to drink in. Definitely a must try if you're in the area.

Barry couldn't be nicer. Intimate bar. Great place for a chat and Manchester history. Highly recommend

Great little pub full of sport memorabilia and is the smallest pub in the city centre definitely has the smallest bar

Dejligt lille intimt sted. God betjening og stemning. A must go.

Love the cosy and great atmosphere in this homely place. They even have improved their selection of draught beers.

Pub delizioso e ospitale. Ho bevuto la miglior birra della mia vita! Super consigliato

Europe's smallest Bar , established way back 1840 ( as claimed) .. Just went there for a Quick drink... but lots of people were there & enjoying the cozyness of this SMALL Place.. for drinks....

Quirky bar well worth a visit. Great memorabilia particularly of George Best and Manchester United. Peaceful bar with characters passising through. Bobby the owner a lovely guy who gave me a beautiful present of George Best memorabilia. Definitely be back soon please God.❤👍

Europe's smallest bar it says. 😀We'll the bar is tiny but oh so well stocked. 😉The bar man and one other staff couldn't be more friendly. In fact they asked us if we wanted a picture behind the bar so we definitely took them up on the offer. They could have been nicer so we stayed for more. There are two small small snugs to seat maybe 6 or 7 at a squeeze as you go through so it will get full quickly. It's fun and quirky. The beer was on tap was great. Loved it. 👍👍👍

Believe the hype, it is quite small

Great traditional pub, amazing they are still operating, well done 👍👍👍

Good old pub and Jackie was amazing , great service!

Never had food.great place friendly with a great atmosphere. Cracking pint

Went in a stranger, left a friend! Super welcoming bar and everyone sits together and just chats!

Potser és el pub més petit d'europa!! Em van fer sentir com a casa mentre em bevia una fantàstica cervesa.

They said it was the smallest pub in Europe. It was pretty darn small and they were friendly and had a good place to sit and drink. As an American tourist in Manchester, I liked it.

Brilliant little historic pub, it's a bit of a Manchester institution. Drinks were brought over to us, which was really appreciated.

Small pub but a big atmosphere and friendly and helpful staff

What a fantastic pub we were made very welcome we were told to sit down and our drinks were brought to us we ended up staying longer than we'd planned will definitely visit again when we're in Manchester

Great historical bar and very interesting posters that makes you laugh.

Had sea shanties sang at me whilst sipping rum and coke. Night of my life.

Pub full of characters proper boozer

Fantastic small two roomed pub. Table service. Only two real ales available, but tge Wainwright's was decent. Definitely worth a visit.

Great Historical Old boozer, not our first time in here but once again a good visit, Not the biggest place🫢🫢🤣🤣So you can't escape noisy customers but it's a great Quirky place. Got looked after by the Landlady, Thank you really enjoyed it see you soon.👍

Great pub, lovely lady behind the bar. Great atmosphere, like stepping back in time, lovely people and a great laugh gad by all!!

Belting little boozer. Nipped in for a quick one when I saw the Tetley's sign outside, and walked out five hours later. Friendly staff, and excellent beer. Some of the friendliest people I met on this particular trip to Manchester.

Tiny bar, great atmosphere! If you want to have a conversation you're pretty much guaranteed to chat to someone

I came in here for one pint and stayed for a few hours talking to Barry and an British/American couple. Then a lot of locals joined our conversation with music videos playing in the background. I have given 5 stars for food but I didn't see any grub only beer.

What Cheers was on TV is what Circus Tavern is to Man United fans! Felt like home after meeting fans from Norway, England and beyond. Will never forget leaving the bar and everyone saying goodbye. Coming back soon!

Smallest pub in Europe with great beers

Cracking little place, great atmosphere. Love it!

Autentisk, hyggeligt og virkelig småt. Man føler sig max velkommen. God, meget, velskænket fad. Et must sted at besøge, hvis man er "bare" en lille smule united fan💪💪 Jeg ville give det 10⭐️ hvis muligt😃

Good vibes..... Leave the ego at the door....

A tiny gem that oozes charm and a lot of character.

Great little pub, everyone friendly, came up for utd game last Sunday, went there after initially for one drink but stayed all evening

Un sitio emblemático para tomar unas pintas. Magnífico trato del dueño y camarero

Best pub in Manchester, hands down!

Stumbled in for a night cap and ended up staying for three rounds well after closing time, owner was around and great conversation. I will go back every time I am in Manchester.

Love the Circus. It's very small but it has such a rich history with Man Utd. Great place prematch.

Just back from Manchester, going over since a child, always stay in portland St so I can be close to the circus tavern, big baz owner and his staff and absolutely top class friendly and up for the crack, Plus it has the nicest pint of coors in England 🍻❤️