The Circus Tavern

Featured reviews

• B

  Bruce Milne

  ·1 month ago

  “It's tiny! Wee bar and a couple of snugs to sit in. Prepare to make friends with others. Liked the fact they brought drinks to the table. Definitely worth a visit.”

• A

  Aleksei Nizov

  ·3 months ago

  “my partner and me visited this historic pub for several times. The experience has always been very good however the last visit was unpleasant because of the rude bartender. First, he openly booed my order because I bought a small beer, I took it as a banter and completely dismissed. However, then as we were leaving and struggling with the door, he loudly sniped "you need to go the gym" in front of my partner and the room. It was delivered with genuine irritation, not playful banter, and felt entirely designed to embarrass a paying customer. There is a fine line between pub character and outright rudeness, I guess it was related to the match-day stress however it does not justify the rudeness.”

  Read more
• T

  Tom L

  ·5 months ago

  “Yes, the place is tiny, but don't worry, they'll find a seat for you. There are two small rooms beside the bar. The patrons will most certainly be enjoying themselves. We enjoyed two hand pulled Boddington's from the no nonsense bartender. The owner of the pub was circulating & keeping an eye on things. Lots of Man Utd memorabilia on the walls. You will find a seat, enjoy your pint & likely meet a new friend.”

  Read more
• S

  Sara Roberts

  ·6 months ago

  “Can't believe how many times I've walked past here and never noticed it! So today we came to find the smallest bar in Europe and we were welcomed by a lovely chap. Our dog was happy too ☺️🍻”

• T

  Tom

  ·8 months ago

  “One of the best pubs in Manchester, if not the world. The best atmosphere brought to you by the best people. A pub that genuinely feels like home. The saying goes ‘the smallest bar in Europe, the biggest welcome in the world’, and it’s true. It’s a place where you can walk in by yourself and walk out having made friends with everyone inside. A pub is only as good as its landlord, and The Circus wouldn’t be a show without its headline act; Baz. A proper personality and a natural. It’s a great time every time in The Circus- it’ll always leave you smiling! Well priced too, and a fantastic ‘creamy’ Guinness every time. The new JW Lees Boddies is also on cask. The Cirus is ‘The Cream of Manchester’, and one of the city’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1842. A true ‘United’ pub, where George Best used to be a regular.”

  Read more

• İ

  İsmail Tunca

  ·8 months ago

  “When I went, I had the chance to meet the wonderful couple who own the bar. They are very kind and friendly, which I think is one reason why the bar has been so popular for so many years!”

• M

  Mark Nicholson

  ·8 months ago

  “A must visit for any pub enthusiasts. The cask ales are well kept and the walls are adorned with some of Manchester’s finest.”

• S

  sonny garcia

  ·11 months ago

  “I love this place. I stumbled upon it by chance. I was staying across the street at the townhouse. I saw a few pubs out the windows so I thought I should explore. I am so happy I stopped in. When you walk through the door you are greeted by a towering figure with a huge grin and really good energy. His name is Barry, hes the owner. The bar itself is about 3 feet in length and Barry asks you what youre having then tells you to go find a seat. There's 2 rooms with seats and TVs, everyone gets to know each other there. Barry makes sure the energy stays positive, the pints are very reasonably priced, and you will have a good time. Im from San Diego, and will definitely be back! If youre anywhere near the area, make sure you stop in for a pint. You wont regret it.”

  Read more
• J

  Jaime Killion

  ·1 year ago

  “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.”

• C

  Chip Marley

  ·2 years ago

  “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.”