Ok, so the weather isn’t exactly tropical, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a pint in the great outdoors. As the warm, sunny weather doesn’t always stick around for long, a number of bars, restaurants, and pubs have created and improved their covered, heated outdoor terraces – all providing shelter and warmth during the unpredictable spring months. Here’s our pick of the best heated outdoor terraces to enjoy in the most Northern way possible, as we enjoy the run-up to summer al fresco.
Bars with heated terraces in Manchester
Terrace, NQ
The clue’s in the name with this one, but Terrace’s hidden rooftop terrace is possibly one of the best in Manchester. Making your way up the staircase inside, coming out onto the decking, you wouldn’t think this humble little bar could house such a vast outdoor space, but of course it does! With a wide variety of options for seating – covered, heated, out in the open – and its own dedicated outdoor bar, you really could spend all day on the Terrace rooftop, and trust us, we have. Terrace, 43 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA.
Crazy Pedro’s, Bridge Street
A favourite amongst many Mancs, including us here at Secret Manchester, Crazy Pedro’s on Bridge Street is all about the good times. And what better time could you have than grabbing a slice of pizza and a Marg, sitting yourself out the front on Trinity Square, and having a laugh with your pals? Ped’s tends to cart out the umbrellas and extend the awning when al fresco is an option, and heaters are attached to the outside of the bar, so the lucky few who grab a table adjacent to the wall will benefit from the extra heat. Don’t worry if you’re not near the heaters though, down a tequila and wolf down a slice – you’ll warm up from the inside out. Crazy Pedro’s, 55-57 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BQ.
Brickhouse Social, City Centre
A sports bar a heart, Brickhouse Social prides itself on an open and social space, serving great beer on draught and gorgeous cocktails every day. Its top floor boasts a back wall of windows looking out onto its hidden rooftop terrace, complete with its own outdoor bar for those lazy weekend afternoons where you just shouldn’t be expected to walk all the way downstairs! The enclosed part of the rooftop is also a great option, with exposed brick and hanging greenery, as it feels as if you’re outside without the maintenance of actually being outside. Brickhouse Social, 11-13 New Wakefield St, Manchester, M1 5NP.
Barca, Castlefield
Found slap bang in the middle of Castlefield, immediately under Castlefield Viaduct, it’s easy to pass by Barca without a second look. But in the spring and summer months its outdoor terrace is transformed into a paradise, overlooking the canals on Catalan Square, making you feel as though you could in fact be in Barcelona. The freestanding heaters are there if you need them but, let’s be honest, you’ll probably have your beer jacket on anyway. Barca, 8-9 Catalan Square, Manchester, M3 4RU.
Sunset by Australasia, Spinningfields
A permanent fixture of Australasia‘s perfectly pink little sister, Sunset, this covered terrace is the perfect place to sip on cocktails all year round – with heaters and blankets provided to keep you warm on the colder (and wetter) days. The menu is perfect for a catch-up or a belated date night, with sushi, bento and tons of Asian-inspired cocktails to try. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3AP.
Atlas, Deansgate
Hidden under a Deansgate railway arch, Atlas is a classy yet casual joint serving great quality drinks. The décor plays into the industrial setting, but keeps it clean and pleasant, welcoming you to spend as long as you want nursing a pint. Out the back, though, the beer terrace looks out towards Deansgate square, and is surrounded by greenery, reminding you you’re in a garden, along with sofas and seating to accommodate you and some mates. There are of course heaters out the back, and a robust retractable cover for when it gets torrential, so you can enjoy Atlas whatever the weather. Atlas, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LY.
Pubs with heated beer gardens in Manchester
Ye Olde Cock Inn, Didsbury
Don’t be fooled by the hilariously old fashioned name, because Ye Olde Cock Inn is right up to date with what we want from a pub. Its old bones are really an asset as the staff know how to run a pub, but with light and airy interiors and a class selection of drinks, it’s not what it first seems. The beer garden offers a maze of beach hut-inspired alcoves, some covered, and is beautifully landscaped, which makes it feel like there’s been real effort put into it. The heaters are great for those cold snaps, but it’s such a sun trap that often you don’t need them! Ye Olde Cock Inn, 848 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20, 2RN.
The Wharf, Castlefield
A proper country-style pub, The Wharf is pretty massive, with cosy alcoves and rooms for smaller groups. This style transfers outside onto its beautiful patio terrace, in keeping with the industrial surroundings, as tables and chairs spill out towards the canal. Although heavenly on a beautiful day, the garden is equipped with everything to keep you comfortable when it gets slightly chillier, meaning you can stare out at the sights of mills and barges to your heart’s content. 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester, M15 4ST.
The Old Wellington, City Centre
Perhaps the most recognisable pub in Manchester, The Old Wellington boasts a huge beer garden, bordering Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, in the Mediaeval Quarter near Manchester Cathedral. The pub itself is pretty old and rickety, having been built in 1552 (!), with original features and a Tudor-style outer. The Old Wellington serves a whole load of different beers on draught, as well as wine and cocktails, and of course pub grub. This one’s a bit of a cheeky one as there aren’t actually any heaters at The Old Wellington, but doesn’t that add to the historical charm? If you fancy a visit, though, you should stay plenty warm as the beer garden always seems to be rammed full! The Old Wellington, 4 Cathedral Gates, Greater, Manchester, M3 1SW.
The Courtyard, City Centre
Although it’s essentially a student bar, The Courtyard serves as a great pub and with pool tables and darts, it feels like one. It’s a sports bar at heart, so plays matches and games all day long, but more importantly it has a huge courtyard, as the name suggests. The courtyard is surrounded by a renovated mill, has a big screen for those matches we mentioned, and the majority of it is covered and heated, meaning no getting soaked! The vibe is always great and the prices are pretty fair for the area. The Courtyard, 2 Chester St, Manchester, M1 5SH.
Restaurants and cafes with heated terraces in Manchester
Dukes 92, Castlefield
Sitting pretty beside Lock 92 of the Rochdale Canal at the Castlefield Basin, Dukes 92 is the ultimate classy joint, whilst serving delicious food and drink that doesn’t break the bank. What’s more, they have one of the most impressive outdoor terraces in Manchester overlooking the canal – what could be more perfect on a sunny day? It’s likely, however, that it won’t be sunny – sorry. So the parasols and heaters on the terrace really come in handy! Dukes 92, 18 – 25 Castle St, Manchester, M3 4LZ.
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill, City Centre
Zouk is home to ample outdoor seating under their covered terrace, with plenty of space for brunch, lunch and dinner. The contemporary space is complete with heaters and gorgeous plants, with some fantastic Indian dishes on offer for every meal. If that wasn’t all, Zouk also serves up a delicious Sunday roast, with huge sharing platters making for the perfect meal between mates. Zouk, 5, The Quadrangle, Chester St, Manchester, M1 5QS.
Ramona, Ancoats
Cool kid on the block Ramona is blessed with ample outdoor space, featuring not only a covered terrace but a teepee and campfire, too. The team has really sussed out how to enjoy the open air in gloomy Manchester, making sure guests can shelter from the rain and stay warm on chilly nights, but most of all – enjoy fantastic pizza comfortably. Ramona, 40 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JG.
The Oast House, Spinningfields
A Spinningfields staple, The Oast House is a Manchester favourite for sitting out. In addition to its teepee in the winter, The Oast House has a covered area of the courtyard, as well as lots of seating under the blue, or grey, skies. Serving amazing elevated pub grub, as well as craft beer and gorgeous cocktails, you’ll want to bask the day away this spring at its terrace in the Avenue Courtyard. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, Manchester, M3 3AY.
The Lawn Club, Spinningfields
A completely al fresco cafe-bar concept, The Lawn Club was born to be on this list. The partly covered space slap bang in the middle of Spinningfields has a rustic charm, with casual picnic tables and decked floors, but finished with class, decking the place out in moody lights and greenery. The Lawn Club is super cosy, and perfect for a spot of pizza and cocktails with pals, with the heaters keeping you toasty all day and night. The Lawn Club, Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HG.
20 Stories, Spinningfields
The name says it best, 20 Stories has a vast terrace on its very top storey. Flooded with even the tiniest bit of sunlight, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself and bask in whatever heat you can. The terrace has heaters and parasols, keeping you safe from the cold and wet Manchester usually brings, so you can enjoy your Aperol Spritz whatever the weather. 20 Stories, of course, also has an extensive restaurant menu, with a special terrace menu of appetisers, and what we like to call ‘picky bits’, that can be enjoyed up there. 20 Stories, NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB.
Heated outdoor food halls in Manchester
Hatch, City Centre
Nestled under the Mancunian Way, Mancs can take shelter at Hatch, with a number of traders housed under one open-air roof to try. Hatch has grown significantly over the past few years and is adding vendors at a staggering rate, expanding month by month. Whether you’re after street food, a cocktail, or a gig, you’ll be able to find it here. There’s plenty of space for both bookings and walk-ins, however, not all areas are undercover. Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, Manchester, M1 7ED.
Escape to Freight Island, Piccadilly
Offering a fantastic outdoor experience for Mancs all year round, Escape to Freight Island boasts a large outdoor space, which features bleacher seating for casual drinks, bench-style tables for dining, and a completely covered area, too. Enjoy burgers, pizza, BBQ, beers and more – all in the knowledge that you won’t get soaked from the Manchester rain – trust us we’ve tried. Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PZ.
We’d like to give a final shout out to the Northern Quarter, namely Thomas Street and Stevenson Square, where pretty much every pub/bar has outdoor seating on the recently pedestrianised streets for most of the year, although having heaters out there would be a stretch. This includes:
- Cane & Grain
- Smithfield Social
- Terrace
- The Bay Horse Tavern
- Fierce Bar
- Soup Kitchen
- Ezra & Gil
- Eastern Bloc
These places are really advocating for the al fresco experience in Manchester, and we love feeling that bit more European!