When the sun shines down on Manchester, everyone makes a beeline for the nearest beer garden, which means it can be tough to find somewhere with a bit of space.
We’ve selected some places where you can raise your glass to sunny afternoons – as well as your chances of finding a seat.
The Lower Turks Head
A stone’s throw from the Northern Quarter, The Lower Turks Head is easy to get to, and unlike many of the bars along nearby Thomas Street, you don’t have to jostle for space. Head to the small terrace with its retractable roof and a large screen for sports. There’s also a bar upstairs that’s open at the weekends, so it’s easy enough to get the next round in.
Vesper
The location of this small and chic cocktail bar sandwiched between King Street and Tib Lane, means it’s a great choice for those wanting an afternoon drink minus the chance of sunburn as there’s plenty of shade. As part of their cocktail club, it’s two for £12 until 7pm every day.
El Gato Negro
The top floor terrace of the award-winning tapas restaurant makes a stunning location for a drink. The tables are reserved for diners, so with patrons focused on the tapas, there’s a good chance you can grab a bar stool. Otherwise, there are a few tables at street level, which is a great place to soak up the sun while you watch the world go by.
The Deansgate Tavern
Deansgate might be one of the busiest areas in Manchester but the pub that shares its name has a secret roof terrace which can provide some much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle on scorching days.
The White Lion
This old-school pub is a far cry from the showier bars of nearby Spinningfields, but that’s part of its charm. Just down the road from the Science and Industry Museum, it boasts an ample-sized beer garden, so you’d have to be pretty unlucky not to find somewhere to sit on a sunny afternoon.
Atlas Bar
While a lot of people head straight for the cobbled stones of Castlefield when the sun makes an appearance, try a different tact and take a seat on the terrace at nearby Atlas Bar instead. This place is something of an homage to gin with over 400 to choose from, including weekly offers and monthly supper gin clubs.
The Bayhorse Tavern
Push the heavy door at the back of the pub and you’ll find the new-look Gin Garden, an intimate little space adorned with fairy lights that’s been created to celebrate the launch of its own branded gin. It might not be the biggest outdoor space, but there’s a definite secret garden vibe about it that’s hard to resist.
Wood Manchester
MasterChef winner Simon Wood’s restaurant has received glowing reviews since opening two years ago, but it’s not all about the food. There’s a delicious cocktail menu to indulge in, and an outside terrace where you can enjoy a drink minus the madding crowds.
Crown and Anchor
This pub in the Northern Quarter boasts an impressive-sized beer garden out the back and it’s not what you might expect, given the traditional interior. Spread over two levels, there’s plenty of seating, including astro turf benches, while the graffiti art on the wall lends a cool, modern vibe.
The Pilcrow Pub
It might only be two minutes from bustling Victoria Station, but The Pilcrow Pub enjoys a tranquil setting over in Sadlers Yard. There’s a certain Scandi look to this wooden pub surrounded by high rises and plenty of seating out the front to catch some rays on sunny days.
