As the sun tries to rear its bright head in the city, here at Secret Manchester, we’re dreaming of cocktails with a view. Whether you’re up for cocktails with the girls or a boozy picky bits session up high, we’ve got plenty of swanky bars in the clouds to satisfy your tastes. From lavish spots twenty storeys high, to laid-back urban rooftops that are brilliant for grabbing a beer at, we’ve rounded up the best rooftop bars Manchester has to offer.
20 Stories
Set in Manchester’s glam Spinningfields area with arguably the best views in the entire city, 20 Stories offers outdoor diningand drinking high up in the sky, with glass surrounding to allow for panoramic views. The rooftop terrace can be accessed all year round with a bar right outside for convenience and glorious views of the surrounding blue skies. On a grey day, enjoy the comfort of a canopy made of two-storey high trees, or gather near a fire pit on an evening for an ultra-cosy vibe.
YES
YES is more commonly known as one of Manchester’s best gig spots, however, it’s also great for street grub and sociable drinking, too. Pull up a stool, grab a beer and try out their tasty pizza or Trippy Chippy chip cones and loaded chip trays – all under the glorious Manchester sunshine out on YES’s rooftop terrace.
If you like your sun-soaked tipple with a side of standout food, keep Chotto Matte on your radar. Part of the ambitious St Michael’s development, this renowned rooftop bar and restaurant blends urban charm with Nikkei cuisine. The restaurant features a selection of bold graffiti-style murals, a 348-capacity roof terrace accessible all year with panoramic views across Manchester, open sushi and robata counters.
Terrace
Terrace NQ is one of the city’s best spots for laid-back al fresco drinking, with stripped-back styling, plenty of seating and beers, cocktails and pizza on offer. We highly recommend it for those days that you don’t want to move from spot-to-spot, with further seating indoors and great music for when the evening starts to cool.
The Ivy
Another special spot in Spinningfields suitable for both celebrations or just a boujee Tuesday – The Ivy’s roof terrace is stunningly decorated, with plush velvet furniture, fire pits for warmth and grand trees throughout, setting a botanical theme for its brasserie offering. Most of the space is for diners, however, there’s a lovely bar within the terrace, too, where you can perch up for a drink or two.
El Gato Negro
Hidden away above King Street is El Gato Negro’s vibrant roof terrace, where guests can chow down on beautiful Spanish tapas alongside a delicious wine menu. It’s a real suntrap if you’re looking to soak up some rays, and what better grub to enjoy than the taste of Espãna on a sunny day?
King Street Townhouse
One of the great Manchester rooftop bars in terms of the wonderful view, King Street Townhouse has a super cosy south-facing terrace where you can drink, dine and relax with friends – with gorgeous sights of the city centre on offer. But if you fancy a bigger dose of relaxation, the glam hotel also boasts an incredible spa infinity pool which overlooks the city’s famous clock tower.
Brickhouse Social
Offering three whole floors of NYC inspo with tons of space to socialise, Brickhouse Social is home to a lovely – and little-known – rooftop terrace, providing plenty of shaded areas for those who like that outside-inside feel, and plenty of sun-soaked tables, too. Decorated bright and airy with tons of greenery, the bar is perfect for post-work drinks, as well as a daytime tipple with a few mates.
Atlas Bar
One of the most underrated Manchester bars with an incredible rooftop right at the bottom of Deansgate, Atlas is home to over 500 gins to try (that’ll be a long day!), capturing the sun for the vast majority of the day. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to make the most of the rare good weather, and it has the kind of vibe that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city for a moment.
Sora
A pretty new addition to the city, Sora, has joined the list of rooftop bars in Manchester and boasts views over the entire city. Located at the hotel, Malmaison Deansgate, guests can mix and match small plates from an irresistible selection of sushi, Robatayaki and pan-Asian style tapas dishes, and sip a signature cocktail while taking in the panoramic views.
Honest Burgers
A small, but lovely rooftop terrace near the Spinningfields district, Honest Burgers offers al fresco burgers and beers on its peaceful terrace. Providing a slice of solace away from the madness of the city, guests can fill up on a belter of a burger menu, as well as tasty beers – often sourced from local breweries.