The sunshine is threatening to emerge and it’s got us dreaming about hazy evenings sat supping pints and talking rubbish, fuelled by endless supplies of scampi fries and pork scratchings.

For a city centre, Manchester is blessed with an array of gorgeous outdoor drinking spots—from picturesque canal-side stools to hidden nooks away from the hustle and bustle, we’ve picked out some of our favourite places to grab a cold one and bask in the sun…or rain.

The Briton's Protection

An establishment firmly etched into Manchester-pub folklore, the Briton’s Protection encapsulates everything great about a proper traditional boozer. To complement that, the historic building also boasts a huge outdoor area around the back.

50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE
Rain Bar

Rain Bar offers undoubtedly one of the prettiest beer gardens in the city, with the terrace backing straight onto the Bridgewater Canal—a quite glorious space to spend a long Saturday afternoon. They’ve just had a refurb too, as if you needed any more persuading.

80 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JG
Peveril of the Peak

The Pev is another that holds its own spot in Mancunian legend, largely thanks to its iconic, unmistakable yellow tiles that line the outside. An absolute must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JQ
GRUB

Manchester’s beloved street food slingers have transformed an unassuming courtyard into a charming garden area filled with foliage and makeshift seating. Along with the splendid space, there’s the added benefit of a rotating list of mouthwatering street food vendors each week, and of course, a comprehensive collection of local pours.

50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF
Sinclairs Oyster Bar

This no-nonsense, cash-only Manchester stalwart is famed for its cheap pints of Taddy lager, historic wooden exterior and a city centre beer garden that is packed to the rafters on a sunny day. Get in early if you want to grab a table, they don’t stick around for long.

2 Cathedral Gates, Manchester M3 1SW
Big Hands

Mostly known for being the ultimate pre-gig hangout along Oxford Road, Big Hands’ fairy-light-laden roof terrace is a true gem.

296 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9NS
The Fletcher Moss

One of Didsbury’s crown jewels, The Fletcher Moss is an excellent little gaff tucked away just off the main road through Didsbury Village, conveniently less than a minute walk from the tram. Along with the massive outdoor space, much of which is heated, we’re fairly confident they pull one of the best Guinness in Manchester too.

1 William St, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RQ
Fringe

Just between the edge of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, Fringe’s garden is one of our favourite little hideaways in the whole of Manchester. Specialising in weird and wonderful Belgian ales, it’s a must-visit for any keen beer fan.

10 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JN
The New Oxford

An ideal option for anyone looking to venture out of the centre, The New Oxford on Chapel Street is another firm favourite of ours. It’s a great traditional pub with a comprehensive ale list, and the outdoor area is a proper suntrap just on the outskirts of the city.

11 Bexley Square, Salford M3 6DB
The Wharf

Another wonderfully scenic option down by the waterways of Castlefield, The Wharf manages to capture the essence of a big welcoming countryside pub, but does so right in the heart of Manchester.

The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST
King's Court Altrincham

Just 20 minutes on the tram and you can make the most of Altrincham’s thriving food and drink scene, with King’s Court being a particular outdoorsy highlight. Whether it’s crisp pints of Pomona and the football at Libero, gorgeous natty wines at Batch or live music from the Cheshire Tap, there’s plenty to keep you going.

Railway St, Altrincham WA14 2RD
Station South

Levenshulme’s beloved cycle cafe, bar and restaurant hybrid, which you can find in the unique setting atop the Fallowfield Loop, includes a beautiful outdoor space and urban garden that makes it both a perfect pit stop, or a welcoming setting for a long afternoon basking in the sun.

975-977 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3NP
The Beech

A magnificent spot in the South Manchester suburbs, The Beech’s huge backyard is a huge favourite among Chorlton locals and is conveniently located amidst the bustling food and drink hotspot that is Beech Road, where you’ll also find the likes of San Juan, The Janye Eyre and The Lead Station.

Beech Inn, 72 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EG
Sadler's Cat

Overlooking Sadler’s Yard in the NOMA neighbourhood, Sadler’s Cat offers a calm escape despite being just a couple of minutes up the road from Victoria Station. Formerly known as The Pilcrow, there is a consistently fantastic selection of beers from Cloudwater and on a nice day, there are few places we’d rather be.

Hanover St, Manchester M60 0AB
The Woodstock

Again over to Didsbury, The Woodstock is a stunner of a building that retains many of its traditional features throughout its various rooms inside. What it’s probably most famed for though, is its massive, and we mean massive, leafy beer garden that is always buzzing at the first glimmer of sunshine.

139 Barlow Moor Rd, Greater, Manchester M20 2DY
11 Central

Forming part of the impressive new Central Bay development at MediaCity, the latest bar and microbrewery spot from Seven Bro7hers and Four Sisters comes complete with a lovely elevated outdoor terrace overlooking the Quays and Old Trafford.

Unit 27A, Quayside MediaCity, 28 The Quays, Salford M50 3AH
The Oasthouse

Once upon a time, The Oasthouse was meant to be a temporary opening, but its unwavering popularity and, in particular, its huge beer garden which regularly plays host to live music, has ensured it has remained as a much more permanent fixture. The hanging kebabs aren’t half bad, either.

The Avenue, Courtyard, Manchester M3 3AY
Mon 29 Apr
Words:
Bradley Lengden
Published on:
Mon 29 Apr 2024