Things to do in Manchester
Planning a visit to Founders Hall Manchester? You’re in for more than just great beer and bold flavours. Located in Albert Square, in the beating heart of Manchester city centre, we’re surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, shopping spots, and cultural gems — making us the perfect pitstop for a pint, a bite, or a full-on feast.
Whether you’re grabbing food before a gig at AO Arena, soaking up the sights, or hunting for places to eat near Deansgate, there’s plenty to explore nearby.
Before or After Your Adventure…
Founders Hall is the ideal spot to refuel. Whether you’re after casual dining in Manchester, weekend eats, or just want to discover one of the best pubs near Deansgate, we’ve got the craft beer, small plates, and city buzz you’re after.
Pop in for a pint, a roast, or a round with mates – and make your Manchester day out one to remember.
Castlefield Conservation Area
Castlefield – Manchester’s original Roman fort. Walk cobbled streets where soldiers once stood, then follow the canal basin past Victorian viaducts and warehouses. History and modern city life meet at every turn.
Canal Walks – Follow the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals through Castlefield’s basin. Peaceful towpaths, waterside bars, and views of the city’s industrial past.
Sky Bridge / Castlefield Viaduct – A striking pedestrian walkway suspended above the canal basin, now an urban sky garden. One of Manchester’s most photographed modern landmarks.
Landmarks
Manchester Town Hall – Gothic Revival grandeur in the heart of the city. Ornate stonework, a famous clock tower, and murals depicting Manchester’s history. (Note: currently closed for refurbishment, reopening Spring 2027)
Central Library – One of the UK’s largest public libraries. A domed reading room and archives spanning centuries, right on St Peter’s Square.
Manchester Cathedral – The city’s medieval heart. Intricate wood carvings and the widest nave in England, tucked beside the Irwell.
John Rylands Library – A neo-Gothic masterpiece on Deansgate. Home to rare manuscripts and one of the most beautiful reading rooms in Europe.
Arts, History & Culture
Manchester Art Gallery – Free entry to a world-class collection, from Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces to contemporary works.
People’s History Museum – The national museum of democracy. Trace 200 years of protest, politics, and working-class life.
Science and Industry Museum – Steam engines, aviation, and the story of the world’s first industrial city, housed in the original Liverpool Road station.
Chetham’s Library – The oldest public library in the English-speaking world. Free to visit, steeped in medieval charm.
Sports
National Football Museum – The beautiful game’s home in England. Trophies, shirts, and interactive exhibits across four floors.
Etihad Campus – Tour Manchester City’s home ground and training facilities. A must for football fans.
Old Trafford Tours – Step onto the pitch at the Theatre of Dreams. Behind-the-scenes access to Manchester United’s iconic stadium.
Entertainment
Manchester Opera House – West End productions and touring shows in a beautifully restored Edwardian theatre.
Palace Theatre – One of Manchester’s grandest venues, hosting musicals, ballet, and comedy year-round.
Albert Hall Gigs – Live music in a converted Wesleyan chapel. Stunning original features meet an unbeatable atmosphere.
Nightlife
Northern Quarter – Independent bars, vinyl shops, and street art. Manchester’s creative, alternative heartbeat after dark.
Deansgate & Spinningfields – Cocktail bars, rooftop terraces, and late-night clubs in the city’s most polished postcode.
Gay Village – Canal-side bars and clubs around Canal Street. Late-night energy and one of the UK’s most iconic LGBTQ+ scenes.
Chinatown – Late-night food that doesn’t stop. Dumplings, hotpot, and karaoke bars tucked behind the famous arch.
Local Area
RETAIL THERAPY
Manchester offers a shopping experience for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the high street’s biggest brands, larger designer stores such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, boutiques, or a more eclectic mix in the Northern Quarter and Afflecks Palace.
MANCHESTER MUSIC
Manchester is home to some of the best music venues in the North West. From intimate gigs to stadium and arena shows, there’s always something going on including some of the biggest and best acts from around the world. Join us at Founder’s Hall for a pre-gig drink and dinner.
Manchester Central Library
We're only a 4 minute walk away from the legendary Manchester Central Library. With plenty of events and historic archives, it's the perfect place to get lost in a good book or find out about Manchester's fascinating history.
Our Brewery
If you’re interested in exploring more of our beers, check out the JW Lees website where you can find out about the full range. From classic cask ales like the iconic Manchester Pale Ale and JW Lees Bitter to our craft lagers – there’s something for everyone. We also have our seasonal cask ales and The Boilerhouse microbrewery where we experiment with innovative flavours. There’s a huge selection of JW Lees ales and lagers from over 190 years’ brewing experience.
Find Us
2-10 Albert Square,
Manchester,
M2 6LW
OTHER NEARBY JW LEES PUBS
Rain Bar
80 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JG
Gullivers
109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW
The Millstone
67 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1LQ