We’ve got the routine down to a fine art. As soon as the sun appears we make a mad dash to our nearest Manchester pub beer garden, no matter how uninspiring, to ‘make the most of it’ because we can’t afford to waste precious outdoor drinking time shopping around. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best beer gardens in Manchester so you can soak up every second of summer while making the most of what the city has to offer.
1. 20 Stories
Not one of your classic beer gardens as such however the highest outdoor terrace in Manchester sits 19 floors up, on the top floor of No 1 Spinningfields Tower and it is pretty lush to lounge in. The rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of the city, while firepits and cushions keep things cosy when night sets in. 20 Stories, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB.
2. The Deansgate
The Deansgate, which was recently given a new lease of life, may look like a traditional pub, but its beer garden is anything but. Nestled in the shadow of Beetham Tower the rooftop terrace provides a peaceful escape from the noises of the city. The Deansgate, 321 Deansgate, M3 4LQ.
3. Lock 91
Located at the far end of Deansgate Locks, Lock 91 is an often-overlooked hidden gem – meaning its pretty canalside beer garden is rarely full. Lock 91, 9 Century Street, M3 4QL.
4. The Briton’s Protection
Manchester’s oldest pub boasts an impressive selection of 300 whiskeys and a good choice of local ales. But it is its spacious beer garden that pulls in the punters over summer. The sun-trap holds the sunshine for most of the day, allowing revellers to make the most of the good weather. The Briton’s Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater Street, M1 5LE.
5. Atlas Bar
Gin lovers rejoice! Atlas Bar stocks 250 varieties of gin which can be enjoyed from its all-weather outdoor terrace, with a retractable roof and heating. Meaning you can enjoy gin alfresco all year round. Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, M3 4LY.
6. Rain Bar
The three-floor pub was once a Victorian Warehouse and is now home to one of the largest beer gardens in Manchester. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and can host barbeques for special functions. Rain Bar, 80 Great Bridgewater Street, M1 5JG.
7. The Wharf
Another canal-side spot, The Wharf boasts a sprawling terrace with plenty of outdoor seating making it a safe choice when the mad rush to the beer gardens begins. The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, M15 4ST.
8. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar and The Old Wellington Inn
Based in the historic Shambles Square, the duo embody everything we love about the traditional old man pub. It may have the biggest beer garden in the city, but as a Sam Smiths pub, it also has some of the lowest prices which means its garden is one of the first to fill up. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, 2 Cathedral Gates, M3 1SW.
9. Sadler’s Cat
Known as the pub that Manchester built, The Sadler’s Cat was constructed by an army of volunteers during a series of weekly craft masterclasses over 10 months. With its relaxed Scandinavian feel, its beer garden brings a dose of much-needed tranquility to the city. The Sadler’s Cat, Sadler’s Yard, Hanover Street, M60 0AB.
10. The Alchemist, Media City
Famed for its fancy cocktails, The Alchemist serves up dangerously drinkable concoctions with a side of smoky showmanship. And while we’re blessed with no fewer than three Alchemists in Manchester, the one in Media City is our personal favourite. Due (in part) to the breathtaking views it offers across Media City and the quays, making it the perfect spot for chilled after-work drinks. The Alchemist, The Bund, The Quays, Media City, M50 3AB.
11. Dukes 92
Tucked away behind Deansgate, Dukes 92 has tons of outdoor seating for patrons to take advantage of. Sit back, relax and sup your pint in the sunshine by the water. Dukes 92, 18 – 25 Castle St, M3 4LZ.
12. The Oast House
One of Manchester’s most popular outdoor spaces, The Oast House has tons of outdoor seating all year round. Grab a bench and enjoy live performances on the huge stage, or simply bask in the sunlight with a cocktail in hand. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY.
13. Terrace NQ
Hidden away in the Northern Quarter, Terrace has its very own… Well… Terrace for guests to enjoy when the sun rears its head. The local sunspot features cool, stripped-back décor like the rest of the venue, and guests can enjoy drinks, pizzas and more during their visit. Terrace NQ, 43 Thomas St, M4 1NA.
14. BrewDog
Well located on Peter Street, BrewDog captures the sunshine all afternoon until around 8pm, giving Mancs plenty of time to enjoy the heatwave. Sip on nice, cold brews crafted by the Scottish brewery, as well as summery cocktails, gorgeous wines and tasty food. BrewDog, Scottish Mutual House, 35 Peter St, M2 5BG.
Also published on Medium.