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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mostly known for being the ultimate pre-gig hangout along Oxford Road, Big Hands’ fairy-light-laden roof terrace is a true gem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 29 Apr 2024
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.