It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… again. Is it just us or has this year flown by? Feels like we were drinking beers in a sunny pub garden only yesterday. Now we’re bundled up under a mountain of blankets enjoying our Neck Oil to the dulcet tones of Michael Bublé.
But going out with your mates for a drink is one of the best parts of Christmas. So it’s time to turn off Netflix, put on that Christmas jumper, and meet your pals down the pub. Here is a list of the best Christmassy pubs in the UK – from Devon to Manchester. And good news, they all serve Neck Oil.
1. The Churchill Arms, London
Address: 119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN
Go here if: You want to turn the cosy level to 11.
We already spoke about The Churchill Arms in our Christmas Pubs in London blog post. But we’re mentioning it again because it’s the Christmassy pub to visit. Every year the owners deck their halls (and walls and roof) with hundreds of Christmas trees, millions of lights, and more ornaments than Santa can shake a stick at.
2. The Briton’s Protection, Manchester
Address: 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester, M1 5LE
Go here if: You want a low-key festive celebration in a cool historical landmark.
Sometimes, the oldest pubs are the cosiest and just have that festive vibe. If you’re a Manchester local (or if you’re just visiting) make sure to grab your mates and head to The Briton’s Protection. This pub was built in the 1800s so you know it’s legit. And it has a pub garden… if you’re all wrapped up and feeling like you need some crisp air.
3. Mr Thomas’s Chop House, Manchester
Address: 52 Cross St, Manchester, M2 7AR
Go here if: You want a meal and a pint in Manchester’s coolest pub.
Despite sounding like something out of the Sweeney Todd cinematic universe, Mr Thomas’s Chop Shop serves up great food with a range of drinks – including Beavertown! And Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Fun Fact: Chop Houses used to be places where industry leaders met up to hash out deals over beer and food. So it’s definitely the place to be to enjoy a pint with your mates.
4. King’s Arms, Manchester (M3 6AN)
Address: 11 Bloom St, Salford, M3 6AN
Go here if: You’re a cat person.
The King’s Arms on Bloom street is a legit traditional pub with all the trimmings. It was built in the early 1800s and although it’s crossed the road since (there’s a joke in there somewhere), it still has that old pub charm we love. Cuddle up with Chaz the pub cat and enjoy a pint of Beavertown to feel extra festive.
5. Old Queen's Head, Sheffield
Address: Old Queens Head, 40 Pond Hill, Sheffield S1 2BG
Go here if: You need a break from Christmas shopping and want to have a pint with a ghost.
When it comes to pubs, it doesn’t get more legit than the Old Queen’s Head in Sheffield. The old timber framed building was built in the 15th century and is apparently haunted. Get festive with your mates, Beavertown, and the ghosts of Christmas past.
6.The Seagrave Arms, Chipping Campden
Address: Friday Street, Weston Subedge, Chipping Campden, GL55 6QH
Go here if: You’re looking for a pint after a festive walk.
Snuggled up in the middle of the Cotswalds, you’ll find The Seagrave Arms. This is actually an inn but you don’t have to stay the night to enjoy the vibes. If you’re the type of person who loves going for a Christmas walk (it’s an essential part of British culture), there’s loads of countryside here. Take a ramble around before warming up by one of the fires with a pint. Cosy AF.
7. The Old Crown, Birmingham
Address: The Old Crown, High St, Deritend, Birmingham, B12 0LD
Go here if: You want a little history with your pint.
Serving up classic pub fare, good beer, and, in their own words, good vibes, The Old Crown is one of Birmingham’s oldest pubs. They do decent grub and (obviously) serve Beavertown. And they host quizzes like any self-respecting pub does so show up for a festive tipple and a quiz in your best Christmas jumper.
8.Bacchus Bar, Birmingham
Address: Burlington Arcade, New St, Birmingham B2 4JH
Go here if: You’re looking for something a bit different.
Looking for somewhere to book for a Christmas party? The Bacchus Bar is the place to be. It’s a bit grander than the other pubs on our list and each room has a different theme. From Greek or Roman-themed dining rooms to (kinda creepy) Egyptian tombs and way more. They serve pretty decent food here – and Beavertown – and you defo need to book a table.
9. The Mill, Cambridge
Address: 14 Mill Ln, Cambridge, CB2 1RX
Go here if: You fancy a pre-drink walk down the river.
The Mill is one of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs. It’s a great spot to spend a chilly winter evening with good food, good beer, and good company. Just make sure you book it quickly cause this place gets packed with people feeling merry (and getting merry… responsibly obvs). And they have board games if the conversation gets a little slow.
10. The Turks Head, Devon
Address: 57A High St, Exeter, EX4 3DJ
Go here if: You want to have a beer where Charles Dickens apparently drank.
The Turk’s Head is one of Exeter’s oldest pubs right in the heart of the town centre. It’s popular with OAPs and students alike and has a pretty cool vibe with good food. It’s also a microbrewery (but we know you’re only going for Beavertown). Don’t forget the Christmas jumper.
Use Our Beer Finder…
Flying around trying to find a pub in your own area is not what you want to be doing on a cold night. We get it. Sometimes the pub just calls your name but you don’t know which pub it is. That’s where our beer finder comes in handy. It helps you find that one pub that’s calling your name and waving a pint in the air. Enjoy! (responsibly)
Prefer Drinking at Home?
We get it, sometimes going out into the cold snow (or, let’s face it, rain) isn’t appealing. And drinking at home, curled up with an episode of Gilmore Girls (we won’t tell) or a board game with your mates is a way better idea.
Pull on your Beavertown socks, slippers, and sweatshirt from our range of Christmas beers & gifts to get super cosy and grab a beer: our craft beer advent calendar counts down to Christmas in style with 24 new beers. You don’t even have to share if you don’t want to.
