The Matchstick Man, Salford Quays
Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.
A lively, budget-friendly pub and restaurant on Capital Quay in Salford Quays, The Matchstick Man serves pub classics and boxed-value meals in a modern, sports-bar atmosphere with multiple screens and a waterside setting. Popular with families and football fans, it offers all-day opening at weekends, an informal interior and outdoor seating for fair-weather nights.
A brief summary to Matchstick Man
- Capital Quay, Salford, M50 3WL, GB
- +441618767463
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 9 am-12 am
- Sunday 9 am-11 pm
Local tips
- If you’re visiting for sport, arrive earlier than kickoff to secure a table with a clear view of the screens.
- Weekend opening hours start early—brunch or an early pint is a good option when the quay is quiet.
- Ask staff about current value meals or combo deals; the pub often promotes budget-friendly sets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Matchstick Man location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Matchstick Man
Setting by the water and first impressions
The Matchstick Man sits on Capital Quay at Salford Quays, where red-brick waterfront buildings meet canals and promenades. From the outside you’ll notice its contemporary pub frontage and a line of windows that admit the quay light; inside the feel is casual and straightforward, with a focus on comfort, clear sightlines to TV screens and seating laid out for groups as well as couples.Food, drink and the ethos
The menu leans toward classic pub fare: burgers, steaks, grills, loaded nachos and value set meals that are aimed at everyday dining rather than fine gastronomy. Portions are generous and priced for affordability, which shapes the pub’s atmosphere—relaxed, practical and family-oriented. The drinks list covers standard pub taps and bottled options alongside soft drinks and lighter choices for non-drinkers.Sporting ambience and social character
Multiple large screens make the Matchstick Man a place where televised sport sets the tone—match nights bring an energetic buzz while quieter off-peak times leave room for conversation. Staff presence and service rhythms favour quick table turnaround at busier periods, and seating mixes booths, tables and bench-style layouts that suit casual groups and families.Practical features and spaces
The interior is modern and easy to navigate, with accessible seating levels and a layout that supports both dining and drinking. There’s outdoor seating available when the weather allows, and visible service areas for ordering and collection. The venue’s opening hours extend through the day into late evening on weekends, reflecting its role as a daytime dining spot and an evening sports-and-drinks venue.Who uses this pub and why it fits the area
The Matchstick Man attracts a broad local crowd: families seeking inexpensive meals, sports fans watching fixtures, and colleagues or friends meeting for a casual drink. Its waterside location at Salford Quays positions it alongside other leisure and cultural attractions, making it a practical stop before or after a riverside stroll or event.Notable details and small pleasures
Look out for value meal promotions and simple crowd-pleasers—steak-and-chips portions, stacked burgers and loaded sides are staples—and the bustle of match nights that animate the space. The pub’s bright, unfussy décor, combined with waterfront light through the windows, gives a cheery, unpretentious tone that matches the venue’s everyday focus.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sky Hook Statue 1
0.6 km
Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.
5 Sir Matt Busby Way
0.9 km
Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.
Salford Lads Club
1.0 km
A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.
LS Lowry birthplace
1.7 km
Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.
Bahnhof Manchester
1.9 km
Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
1.9 km
Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
2.0 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Roman Gardens
2.0 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
2.1 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Castlefield historical zone
2.1 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Friedrich Engels Statue
2.5 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Free Trade Hall
2.6 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Hotspur House
2.6 km
Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
2.6 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Mulberry Passage
2.7 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gnome Island
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting miniature world of Gnome Island, a playful gnome colony perched on a historic concrete island in Salford Quays.
Ordsall Hall
0.4 km
Discover Ordsall Hall, a stunning Tudor manor in Salford where history, architecture, and culture come alive in a captivating urban oasis.
Salford Quays Community Gardens
0.4 km
A peaceful community-driven garden oasis offering seasonal beauty and sustainable urban gardening in the heart of Salford Quays.
Salford Riviera
0.6 km
Salford Riviera: Where historic docks meet vibrant culture and scenic waterfront living in the heart of Salford Quays.
The Quays
0.6 km
Discover Salford’s vibrant waterfront with world-class arts, iconic museums, dynamic media hubs, and scenic leisure all within one lively square mile.
Salford quay’s
0.6 km
Discover Salford Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with iconic culture, sport, shopping, and stunning architecture all within a walkable urban oasis.
Quayside MediaCityUK
0.6 km
Waterside outlet shopping and family leisure in the heart of MediaCityUK’s regenerated Salford Quays waterfront.
Pier Eight Restaurant
0.8 km
Discover the exquisite flavors of Modern British cuisine at Pier Eight Restaurant, set against the stunning backdrop of The Quays in Manchester.
The Lowry
0.8 km
A dynamic cultural landmark in Salford Quays, The Lowry offers world-class theatre, galleries, and vibrant arts experiences on Manchester’s waterfront.
Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
0.8 km
Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.
The Quays Practice
0.9 km
A trusted community medical practice offering comprehensive healthcare services in Salford’s vibrant Lowry complex.
Manchester United
0.9 km
Experience the legendary 'Theatre of Dreams,' home to Manchester United since 1910, where football history and passion come alive.
Old Trafford
0.9 km
Explore Old Trafford, the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams' and largest football club stadium in the UK, home to Manchester United's legendary legacy.
IWM North
1.0 km
Discover powerful stories of war and peace in Manchester’s iconic deconstructivist museum overlooking the Ship Canal.
BBC Dock House
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant BBC Dock House at Salford Quays, where cutting-edge broadcasting meets stunning waterfront views and cultural energy.
Essential places to dine
Quay House Beefeater
0.3 km
Classic British steakhouse and family-friendly pub offering scenic waterside dining with a cosy, modern atmosphere in Salford Quays.
Bella Italia - Salford Quays
0.7 km
Casual Italian dining with diverse menu options in Manchester’s vibrant Salford Quays waterfront setting.
Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk
0.7 km
Flame-grilled favorites and endless fresh salads on Salford Quays, where family dining meets MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
Turtle Bay Salford Quays
0.7 km
Escape to Caribbean flavors and reggae beats at Salford Quays' vibrant jerk pit and cocktail haven, moments from MediaCityUK.
Unagi
0.7 km
Experience the North West’s largest sushi bar with vibrant pan-Asian street food, crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at MediaCityUK’s Unagi.
Lime
0.7 km
Savor grilled delights and Asian fusion by Salford Quays' waterfront, where relaxed lunches flow into lively nights in a spacious, vibrant venue.
Nando's Salford Quays
0.7 km
Savor flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a lively, accessible setting at Nando's Salford Quays, where Portuguese and South African flavors meet Manchester’s vibrant quayside.
The Alchemist MediaCity UK
0.8 km
Experience innovative cocktails and global cuisine in a striking futuristic setting overlooking Salford’s historic quays at MediaCity UK.
The Botanist Media City
0.9 km
A botanical-themed restaurant and bar in MediaCityUK offering creative cocktails, hanging kebabs, live music, and striking Salford Quays views.
The Banyan Tree
1.6 km
Bohemian bistro in Castlefield serving fusion bites, brunch, cocktails, and live events amid murals and canal vibes—Manchester's go-to for eclectic dining.
Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
1.9 km
Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.
Dukes 92
2.0 km
A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.
Dom's Italia
2.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
2.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Don Marco
2.2 km
Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SPAR Salford Quays
0.1 km
Small, practical 24-hour convenience store on Trafford Road serving Salford Quays visitors, residents and shift workers.
The Sweet Emporium
0.6 km
Discover UK's vastest sweet collection at The Sweet Emporium in MediaCityUK—a family-run paradise of nostalgic candies, retro treats, and global confections that sparks joy for every sweet tooth.
M&S Outlet
0.6 km
Bargain-hunting haven in Salford Quays: M&S discounted fashion, homeware, and beauty amid MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
Flock and Gaggle
0.6 km
Discover handcrafted gifts and local artistry in MediaCity UK's creative gem, where independent makers shine amid Salford's quayside buzz.
Next Outlet
0.7 km
Discounted designer fashion, homewares and shoes in Salford Quays' bustling MediaCityUK hub – style-savvy shopping with premium brands at outlet prices.
The Works
0.7 km
Unleash creativity at unbeatable prices: books, crafts, toys and more in Salford Quays' discount haven.
The Body Shop
0.7 km
Compact MediaCityUK branch of The Body Shop with core cruelty‑free ranges, seasonal gifts and refill options on the Salford Quays Quayside.
Salford Shopping Centre
2.1 km
Affordable shopping precinct in Salford's Pendleton, with free parking, daily essentials, and community conveniences under one roof.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
2.1 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
INFINITE RUNNING
2.1 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
ItsFetch
2.2 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
2.2 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
2.2 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
Branded Like A Boss
2.2 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
Catch my Thrift
2.3 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Matchstick Man
0.0 km
Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.
Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha
0.5 km
Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.
11 Central
0.6 km
Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.
Craftbrew
0.7 km
Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City
0.9 km
Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.
The Dockyard
1.0 km
Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.
The Wharf
1.8 km
Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.
Bar Eight
1.9 km
Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
1.9 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
Atlas Bar
2.2 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
cask
2.2 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
The Deansgate
2.2 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Lock 91
2.2 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
Cloud 23
2.3 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
2.4 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ark Manchester
2.3 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Popworld Manchester
2.3 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Royal Vida Night Club
2.3 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
History Nightclub
2.4 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Bliss Club Manchester
2.5 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
42's
2.5 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Venue Nightclub
2.6 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Club Liv Manchester
2.7 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Viva Manchester
2.7 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
2.8 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Satans Hollow
3.1 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
3.1 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
3.1 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Club Tropicana
3.2 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
3.2 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
