The best places for a perfect gin & tonic in the Manchester sunshine

We Mancunians all have our own idea about what makes a great gin and tonic – whether it’s Hendrick’s with a slice of cucumber or a Three Rivers with a sprig of rosemary. It’s become so popular, we’re also non-stop arguing over where’s best to drink it.

There are plenty of spots in the city centre that do the classic tipple very well and there are plenty of places that have given this juniper flavoured spirit their own unique twist. To give you an idea of where to get a cracking G&T, we’ve narrowed it down for you.

Well, they do say a gin a day keeps the doctor away. Isn’t that how the expression goes? Maybe not.

Here’s our favourite spots anyway.

Grafene

This King Street fine dining venue serves up a sophisticated gin and tonic. They use Manchester Gin, bespoke and handcrafted with fresh, citrus notes, hints of dandelion and burdock root and a slight fiery aftertaste. They pair it with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic, lime and pink grapefruit. It’s served up well garnished and this Thursday they’re organising a host of events to toast to their first year in the city. That includes giving away 365 free gin cocktails to revellers on a first come, first served basis. Get yourself down.

The Refinery

Snazzy place, The Refinery. As the name suggests, it’s refined, classy, and oozes a little muted glamour. If you’ve not heard of it, you’re in for a treat and they serve up some of the best gin and tonics in the city. You’ll also find a seasonal menu, quirky and innovative cocktails and a gorgeous outdoor seating area, complete with cushions and blankets for those chillier days. Nice touch.

Lunya

Yes, we know gin and tonics are considered very British but this Spanish joint really shows us how it’s done.  They have a wealth of options and gin lovers can unite on the 24th August when they’ll be hosting their own gin tasting master class. You’ll get to drink about five craft gins, eat matching tapas, and learn about both. Sounds like a cracking night to us. This place is your G&T sorted every day of the week.

Mr Cooper’s

Mr Cooper’s House & Garden combines modern touches with the history and heritage of Mr Cooper himself, whose house and famous gardens sat on the site back in 1819. It’s a relaxing spot for a few pints, a glass of wine and a classic gin and tonic. Whether you choose to lounge in the garden amongst the cascading wall of plants or take your drinks in the library on the plus leather booths, this beautiful site makes for the perfect after work drink spot.

King Street Townhouse

Thirsty? Join us later on the #SouthTerrace for a #Manchester 3 Rivers Gin with apricot, rosemary & Fever Tree Tonic – £6.50. Open all day! pic.twitter.com/3AQi7qhDXV

— KingStreet Townhouse (@KingStTownhouse) 18 July 2017

The King Street South terrace is probably one of the best places in the city for a cheeky tipple and a chill-out session. The south-facing terrace is one of Manchester’s best sun traps with spectacular views of the city’s spires and rooftops and the clock tower of the town hall. It has an overhead canopy and the gin and tonics here are served up fresh and crisp. Head down today and you can grab Three Rivers Gin with apricot, rosemary and Fever Tree tonic for just £6.50 all day. Not bad, that.

Be Impossible

This new snazzy watering hole on Peter Street serves up salt and pepper crickets as a starter and edible cryogenically frozen cocktails from a hidden mezzanine gin bar. Crazy hey? They’re based in the former Bar 38 venue, and as well as some of the craziest concotions known to man, they serve up a pretty special G&T. Next time you’re around town, head on down and see for yourself.

Atlas Bar

Atlas is well known for two reasons – its gin selection and its roof terrace. It’s hidden away at the back of the bar so it’s not obvious from the outside that it’s there, but when you reach it you’ll find a comfortable space complete with covered section which is ideal for a relaxing post-work G&T.

Innside Hotel

You might have already seen this funny shaped building on First Street. The views across to arts centre HOME make it a great place to chill out pre- or post-show. The bar is open until 2am for non-residents too so you can grab yourself one of their crisp and zesty gin and tonics and people watch to your heart’s desire. Sorted.

Manchester House

The Lounge offers spectacular, panoramic views of the Manchester skyline. It’s the perfect backdrop to any drink sesh and the terraces are lawned with enormous wicker chairs that you’ll never want to get out of – especially after a G&T or three.

Allotment

Probably one of the very best places to grab an ice cold G&T. The entire bar is dedicated to gin and there’s a gin-based drinks list as long as your leg. On a sunny day, kick back in the sunshine and, for a moment, you could almost pretend your in Spain. Well, almost.

Rosylee

These guys are located on Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter and offer the very best of British cuisine, with locally sourced ingredients and top notch service. They also serve up some killer gin copes, including Tanqueray, Thomas Dakin and Gin Mare as always good bets. The huge outdoor terrace is always a big hit in the summer. Chin chin and all that.