As soon as the sun rears its head here in Manchester, we’re game for al fresco drinks and nibbles, and can you blame us? As the city most in need of some sun we try to get as much of it as possible, and luckily for us, Manchester is littered with glorious terraces where you can spend hours sipping and nibbling, pretending you’re somewhere in Catalonia. We’re very enthusiastic about our terraces, so without further ado here’s our guide to the best terraces in Manchester to kick back and relax on.
1. The Oast House
The Oast House famously offers ample seating on one of the biggest terraces in Manchester, spanning the entirety of the Spinningfields courtyard, accompanied by its wonderful food and drink menu. From burgers and hanging kebabs to cocktails and an array of beers, guests are able to enjoy the bar and restaurant’s usual offerings while soaking up the Manchester sun. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY.
2. Crazy Pedro’s
Pizza at Pedro’s? Enjoy it outside on the al fresco terrace. The Bridge Street venue boasts benches outdoors, extending over a vast area of Trinity Square, to enjoy a beer and a slice – and if that wasn’t enough, they’re even offering up bottomless brunch – with bottomless slices, margs and more! Crazy Pedro’s, Short St, M4 1AA | 55-57 Bridge St, M3 3BQ.
3. El Gato Negro
Serving tapas on the terrace, El Gato Negro is well and truly bringing the Mediterranian vibes to Manchester all summer long. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a tipple on lovely King Street as you soak up the sun, with a menu of classic tapas dishes available to enjoy. El Gato Negro, 52 King St, M2 4LY.
4. Ramona
Ramona has a seriously amazing outdoor space for us to enjoy, giving chilled but seriously boozy vibes. The fantastic beer garden consists of a teepee and campfire area, where guests can knock back a few pints and a whole lot of slices of their amazing Detroit-style pizza. Just don’t forget a drizzle of their hot honey while you’re there… Ramona, 40 Swan St, M4 5JG.
5. Escape To Freight Island
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.
6. The Ivy
Allowing fans to get the Brasserie experience in the great outdoors, The Ivy has created a stunning English garden-style space, one of the prettiest terraces in Manchester (in true The Ivy style, of course), with limited seating where guests can enjoy the sunshine, look out over the Lawn Club, and chow down on their classic brasserie dishes, cocktails and more. The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG.
7. Terrace NQ
The clue’s in the name with this one, but Terrace in the Northern Quarter is more than that. Boasting one of the best night out spots around, with room for dancing, great cocktails and friendly staff, the rooftop terrace is the icing on the cake. Venture up the stairs and explore the wonderland up above with its very own bar and different areas for whatever mood you’re in. Plus, Terrace is one of the businesses that extends its seating out onto both Thomas Street and Edge Street behind when the weather suits, so you’ve got a huge selection! Terrace is perfect for casual day drinks with mates, cocktails with the girls, or a serious night on the town. Terrace, 43 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA.
8. Barca
In the spring and summer months, Barca‘s outdoor terrace in Castlefield 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.
9. Sunset By Australasia
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. The menu is perfect for a catch-up or a date night, with sushi, bento and tons of Asian-inspired cocktails to try. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3AP.
10. Atlas
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, one of the best situated beer terraces in Manchester looks out towards Deansgate Square, and is surrounded by greenery, along with sofas and seating to accommodate you and some mates, perfect for a long summer’s evening. Atlas, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LY.
11. Ducie Street Warehouse
Ducie Street Warehouse‘s south-facing terrace is a hit every summer, with plenty of seating to enjoy – whether you’re heading for brunch, day drinks or dinner. The venue is the original home of Manchester’s cult bakery, Gooey, and offers a fantastic, diverse menu for lunch and dinner. Ducie Street Warehouse, Ducie St, M1 2TP.
12. Dukes 92
Infamous for its canal-side spot in the heart of Castlefield, Dukes 92 is essentially the ultimate outdoor terrace in Manchester. Set in the beautiful serenity of the greenery and waterways of Castlefield, with views of Beetham Tower and Deansgate Suqre reminding you where you are, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely tipple and a laugh with mates. Sun-soaked all summer long, this terrace is huge, taking up more space than the restaurant itself, flowing seamlessly into the cobbles of the industrial birthplace of the city – what could be better? Dukes 92, 18 – 25 Castle St, M3 4LZ.
13. Liquor and Burn
Known for its immense tacos and tequila, Liquor and Burn sticks to its Mexican roots with a lovely al fresco spot on the cobbled street outside, looking out on the old market structure. With its own area on the corner of Edge Street, the Liquor and Burn terrace is in the perfect golden hour spot, catching the best of the sun in the late afternoon/evening, making it a wonderful spot for a taco and lagerita! Liquor and Burn, 100-102 High St, Manchester, M4 1HP.
14. Brickhouse Social
A sports bar a heart, Brickhouse Social prides itself on being 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 when you just shouldn’t be expected to walk all the way downstairs! Brickhouse Social, 11-13 New Wakefield St, Manchester, M1 5NP.
15. The Old Wellington
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.