The best beer gardens and places to eat outside in Manchester

Looking for the best beer garden in Manchester? We’ve got you covered.

We’ll admit it. With a moniker like ‘the Rainy City’, there’s always an element of risk involved in committing yourself to a day of outdoor drinking or alfresco dining in Manchester.

You’re never far away from a soaking in this town. It’s what brings us together under one, big collective umbrella of positive spirit, right?

But in the rare event the elusive Manchester sun does make an appearance, you’re going to want to make the most of it and you’re going to want to know where’s the best place to eat and drink outside in Manchester

Manchester’s summers might be notoriously unreliable, but when the sun’s out and the skies are blue, we know how to make the most of it.

This means everyone makes a beeline for the nearest beer garden or rooftop bar, which means it can be tough to find somewhere with a bit of space.

Once upon a time, enjoying the fine weather in Manchester meant heading down to one of the waterside venues at Castlefield to catch a few rays.

And although it’s very much still a favourite destination for when it’s ‘cracking the flags’, these days it’s got competition from plenty of other places where, for a few days at least every year, you can eat and drink outside, and get some vitamin D, too.

Here are our top picks for places to eat and drink outside in Manchester this summer, in no particular order…

We’ve selected some places where you can raise your glass to sunny afternoons and where you can spent your summer nights – as well as your chances of finding a seat.

And don’t forget to slap on the Factor 30. Factor 50 if you’re ginger.

The best beer gardens in Manchester city centre

Atlas Bar, Deansgate

Gin & Tonics and sunny weather go hand in hand, which makes Atlas Bar – boasting over 150 different gins – a mecca for summer drinkers.

And it’s not just G&T’s. Atlas also stocks a great range of beers and wines, and its wonderfully exotic, award-winning garden area is one of the very best places to enjoy them all.

The legendary Deansgate bar has recently been refurbished and not long ago launched a tasty new Spring menu.

Plus they’re refurbishing the outdoor terrace at the end of April. A solid gold choice for anyone wanting to soak up some solid gold rays.

376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY

The Hyatt Regency

Enjoy the summer vibes in the beautifully manicured gardens of the Hyatt Regency Manchester. Rain or shine, their summer-themed drinks and snacks keep the sunny energy going.

The Graduate Bar has a Happy Hour daily from 3 pm to 5 pm with two selected cocktails for £10.

Choose from Aperol Spritz, Rose Spritz, or flavoured Bellinis (Strawberry, Peach, Cherry, Lemon Kick). Pair drinks with appetizers at a two-for-one deal. Try the signature Chicken Lollipops for a perfect flavour match.

Every Monday, get two-for-one pizzas crafted by expert chefs using sourdough, semolina, San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di latte, and various toppings. Options include Margherita, Picante, and vegan choices. What’s not to like?

Book here

The Wharf, Castlefield

The Wharf is an al fresco heavyweight in Manchester and with for very good reason. The Castlefield canal basin is a sight to bold when it shimmers under the sun and The Wharf’s large outside terrace area is right at the heart of it.

The Wharf has received 1230 reviews on Tripadvisor, with an average rating of four.

More than 560 of these give it an excellent score of five.

“Brilliant service, delicious food and atmosphere,” says one recent review, while another says it is “great for outside drinking” and adds that “the surroundings are beautiful with the canals and boats and there’s always something new to see.”

It gets extremely busy in the summer months, but there are few better places to spend an afternoon. The fantastic pub grub, extensive wine list and old-fashioned charm make for a pretty formidable combination when the big yellow ball does decide to poke its head out from the clouds and mean that any boats mooring up for the day will be greeted with a lot of smiling faces.

6 Slate Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester M15 4ST

Dukes 92, Castlefield

Another Castlefield favourite, Dukes is Manchester’s original bar & grill and the perfect choice for informal and infectiously friendly al fresco in the daytime hours.

The huge canalside patio area is legendary amongst locals, and a 40 cover balcony just above ensures that if you’re looking for some genuine Mancunian atmosphere to go with you sun tan – you’re in the right place. As a grill, Duke’s reputation speaks for itself, and the jewel in the seamlessly diverse menu’s crown is probably the sumptuous cheese board – even better in the warm summer glow.

18 Castle Street, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4LZ

Fairfield Social Club

Fairfield Social Club is your new favourite grass-roots, dog-friendly, social bar – the perfect place to relax and recharge in Manchester City Centre.

Serving BBQ-inspired food cooked by Isit Kitchen and beers brewed less than 100 yards away by Black Jack Brewing every Thursday to Sunday.

They have a beautiful outdoor area, but (just in case eh) if it starts to rain, there’s a huge indoor unit too.

They’ve got loads of live events you can see here, and you can find them at 6 Irk Street, Manchester M4 4JT.

Albert’s Shed, Castlefield

Fully refurbished in late 2021 with a brand new look, Albert’s Shed is a stylish city-centre restaurant at the centre of the Castlefield Canal basin.

18-20 Castle St, Manchester M3 4LZ

Port Street Beer House

Port Street Beer House has been serving craft beer and real ales from here, there, and everywhere since they opened back in 2011. We’ve got 18 keg lines and 7 cask lines – as well as hundreds of rotating cans and bottles from the world’s best breweries to either drink or take-away.

Simply unmissable!

39-41 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ

Ramona

Ramona is a relaxed, industrial-style option with a patio serving housemade Detroit style pizza, cookies & great value cocktails.

It’s also complete with a tree-lined forecourt, and a campfire beer garden as those long afternoons close into the sometimes chilly evenings.

You can check out their website by clicking here

Located on Great Bridgewater Street, Rain Bar is an amazing place in town for the best cask ales, craft lagers and perfect pub grub.

Home of one of the most idyllic beer gardens in Manchester to enjoy on a sunny afternoon with a pint of Manchester Craft Lager, or cosy up by the fire on chilly days in the warm atmosphere of the pub with a pint of Manchester Pale Ale.

The new menu offers small plates, perfect for a bite to eat to share with friends over a bottle of wine or a few gins before a night out, as well as our favourites including the Brewery Tower Burger and MPA battered fish and chips.

80 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JG

Deansgate Mews

Deansgate Mews has an amazing selection of bars and restaurants and a beautiful sun trap garden for you to soak up those fleeting summer rays.

From Holy Grain with its sourdough baked on site, Another Hand restaurant, with its exquisite small plates, The Mews Bar with its cocktails, wine and charcuterie platters, Dormouse mixing its artisan chocolate, to Siam Smiles with its authentic Thai treats, live music joint The Lions Den and axe throwing at Whistle Punks!

Head up the painted steps halfway down Deansgate Terrace, or up those fabulously decorated steps opposite the Hilton Hotel on Great Bridgewater Street and discover this independent oasis in the city centre.

GRUB

The days are getting longer and the temperature warmer so it’s the perfect time to join team GRUB in the GRUB garden for street food, frozen cocktails, hazy pints, bee and dog-spotting, tunes, vibes and a healthy dose of El Sueno tequila!

50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF

Station South, Levenshulme

Station South is a community interest company (CIC, not for profit)It’s a destination cycle cafe, bar and workshop operated for and by the community as a place to meet, eat, drink and dance.

And – most importantly- has a gorgeous beer garden which is an absolute sun trap!

It’s in Levenshulme, right on the Fallowfield Loop, and just a five-minute walk from the train station / right on the 192 bus route.

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

Green Arches, Green Quarter

The brewery bar in Green Quarter has opened its garden for summer.

The venue is hosting events all summer long with fresh beer brewed on-site, a new cocktail menu, live music and DJs, and a great, new, fresh BBQ by the guys at ISIT Kitchen.

The sun-trap garden is the latest addition to Green Arches which alongside their brewery offering has a variety of natural wines and new summer cocktails, including a mango habanero daiquiri, a pineapple and peach margarita and more to be announced.

The newly opened BBQ will have a rotating menu of specials such as Oaxacan chicken, apple and mint pork steaks and oyster mushroom skewers on scallion pancakes.

Open now right through the summer, there will be a number of events to get guests in the feel-good, summer spirit.

They are located less than a 10-minute walk from the Northern Quarter and offer a secluded sun trap for you to spend your summer days and evenings.

You can check out their website by clicking here

11 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4FE

Courtyard

One of the best beer gardens in the city, you can’t miss Courtyard if the sun is out. They have a huge 50+ capacity beer garden, with outdoor heating for the evening sessions.

Outside, they also have a cocktail bar with sheltered seating, and huge screens to watch live sports.

If you’re lucky, they might even spark up the BBQ while you’re there!

You can check out their website by clicking here

2 Chester St, Manchester M1 5SH

Society

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.

You can check out their website by clicking here

52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY

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.

You can check out their website by clicking here

43 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ

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.

You can check out their website by clicking here

35-37 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA

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.

You can check out their website by clicking here

6 Cateaton St, Manchester M3 1SQ

Sadler’s Cat

It might only be two minutes from bustling Victoria Station, but Sadler’s Cat 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. It also sells some amazing beers from Cloudwater too.

Hanover St, Manchester M60 0AB

The Lowry Hotel

Manchester’s first five-star hotel sits comfortably upon the meeting point of Manchester and Salford and boasts the longest bar terrace in the city.

The hotel’s prestige means the chefs have access to some of the best produce in the country, and eating al fresco here is a delight.

Overlooking the River Irwell, the open-air terrace is a pretty special place for a bottle of sparkling in the sparkling summer sunshine.

50 Dearmans Place, Salford M3 5LH

The Oast House, Spinningfields

When it comes to eating and drinking outside, the Oast House needs no introduction. But it’s getting one anyway. In its own words, The Oast House ‘turns the cosmopolitan Spinningfields on its head’, and they aren’t wrong. This authentic, rustic pub is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, but still offers everything you want and more from a pub.

Fantastic ales, a simply sublimely tasty deli, BBQ and rotisserie, and one of the best social hubs anywhere in Manchester.

You probably already know about the beer garden, but rest assured the Oast House’s outdoor summer events and live music will guarantee a great time whenever you choose to go. It’s busy for a reason.

The Avenue Courtyard (Spinningfields), Manchester M3 3AY

The Lawn Club, Spinningfields

After being closed since the start of the year, The Lawn Club is reopening this month just in time for the (fingers crossed) arrival of the sunshine.

A fusion of glamorous surroundings and traditional Northern charm make this quirky bar a brilliant, very modern retreat. The new-look venue will include an outside decking area complete with more seats, all-weather parasols and an outside BBQ. The shiny, green lawn is more enticing than ever before.

Priding itself on seasonal food and drinks, the bar will offer creative twists on summer cocktail favourites, fine wine, craft beers and specially selected soft drinks. Uncomplicated small plates and sharing platters will all be locally sourced and ready to indulge on those toasty summer afternoons.

Byrom Street (Spinningfields), Manchester M3 3HG

Barca, Castlefield

Yet another Castlefield nomination enters the list. It must be something in the (canal) water.

Barca’s decked terrace is one of the largest in Manchester, and they’ve got a giant new BBQ ready for the sizzling, summer rush. Its central Castlefield location means you’re right in the thick of the action, and they even have live music on the terrace. If you just squint your eyes you might even start to believe you’re on holiday.

8-9 Catalan Square (Castlefield), Manchester M3 4RU

20 Stories, Spinningfields

Since 20 Stories opened earlier in the year (with a completely open roof no less), the people of Manchester have been patiently waiting for a heat wave of this ilk to make the most of the new restaurant/bar. With the majority of its floor space being outside, this is the time to head down and make the most of its stellar views over the city. Reservations aren’t necessary for the bar, but if you’re looking to dine you will need to book in first.

You can check out their website by clicking here

1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB

Terrace, Northern Quarter

For a long time, Terrace was the bugbear of many Northern Quarter hipsters who just couldn’t get their head around the fact that whilst the bar called itself Terrace, you couldn’t get on to it.

Thank goodness this is no longer a thing. Last summer they finally opened to the public and it’s a sweet little spot: great for grabbing a beer with your colleagues after work and soaking up some rays.

43 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA

Impossible, Peter Street

Backing on to the Great Northern Square, the outside terrace at Impossible is the perfect sun trap for post-work drinking and casual dining. The team show all of the football matches as well as operating extra outside bars throughout the summer to ensure speedy drinks service for everyone.

They’ll also reserve you a table in advance to save you from trekking around with your team at the end of a long day.

You can check out their website by clicking here

6 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR

Mackie Mayor, Northern Quarter

With so many delights in one place, you’ll be hard-pressed to not find something you like at Mackie Mayor.

With its own dedicated beer, wine and coffee bars (and a great selection of natural wine on offer to take home too), there’s lots of tasty Manchester produce to choose from too.

This outside space has been a long time in the making and we’re happy it’s here in time for this blistering weather.

36 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill’s shisha lounge and terrace, Oxford Road

Tucked just behind Oxford Road, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill has a great outdoor terrace on their ground floor – cleverly shrouded in shrubbery just as you enter the restaurant.

Newly decorated with a huge floral wall for the summer, the terrace is perfect for al fresco drinking and dining in this weather. It is also one of the few places in the city centre you can enjoy a spot of shisha, too.

You can check out their website by clicking here

Bunny Jackson’s, First Street

Tucked into a quiet avenue on the First Street estate, New Orleans-inspired juke joint Bunny Jackson’s is a great spot for chilled after-work drinks in the sunshine.

There might not be many tables, but provided you don’t take too long to get down you’re likely to get a seat. Other perks to getting your sunshine beers in here include free hotdogs for every drink (to help keep your day drinking in check) and they are also showing the football… if that’s something you’re after.

You can check out their website by clicking here

1 Jack Rosenthal St, Manchester M15 4RA

The best beer gardens in Greater Manchester

The Eagle & Child, Ramsbottom

Top of the list for Greater Manchester is The Eagle & Child in Ramsbottom, with over 1220 Tripadvisor reviews and an average rating of four out of five.

Over 700 of these reviews give the pub a top rating of five.

The award-winning Bury pub with rooms has a freshly renovated outdoor leisure area, and offers a seasonal menu using local suppliers.

Recent reviews praise the “gorgeous outdoor area – perfect for families and friends” and “lovely view over Holcombe Hill”.

It comes fourth overall in the UK list.

Worsley Old Hall, Worsley

Nestled in Northern Manchester, Worsley Old Hall is a stunning, grade II listed building with a gigantic outdoor terrace and garden area that is heavenly in the peak of July.

They have an excellent brunch menu and a Sunday roast that changes each week. It often feels like there are precious few green areas in Manchester City Centre, but Worsley Old Hall has postcard-perfect, golf course views, and plenty of grassy spaces – it’s a real winner for a family day out.

Worsley Park, Worsley, Manchester M28 2QT

The Laundrette, Chorlton

Trendy Chorlton’s The Laundrette has a cherished history. Once a famous greengrocer and until 2010, naturally, a laundrette, this restaurant bar is proud of its industrial past, and also happens to be rather good when the sun’s out.

The roomy and very comfortable terrace area is the perfect place to enjoy one of their artisan pizzas or commendably inventive cocktails. Another suburban haven for the summer.

32 Beech Road, Manchester M21 9EL

Albert’s Didsbury

The second Albert’s opening and a sister restaurant to Albert’s Shed in Castlefield, this slick, modern venue has dining for 160 guests inside and a covered and heated outside dining terrace for 60.

The menu is modern British with an eclectic mix of Albert’s favourites and dishes from around the globe.

120-122 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester M20 2PU

Albert’s Standish

The picturesque Albert’s Standish can accommodate dining for 200 guests, with a covered and heated outside terrace perfect for al fresco dining.

The Wigan restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and every Saturday and Sunday mornings for breakfast.

School Ln, Standish, Wigan WN6 0TD

The Old Boat House, Astley

This canal-side, traditional pub nestled in the heart of Astley village in Wigan boasts a scenic beer garden.

Higher Green Ln, Astley, Manchester M29 7JB

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.

VISIT

36 Shudehill, Manchester M4 1EZ

The Metropolitan, Didsbury

We’re all in agreement that central Manchester is packing its fair share of wonderful suntraps, but for those preferring their processo served suburban, Didsbury is even more charming in the summer. The popular village has numerous outdoor grazing spots, but for our money one of the best is The Metropolitan.

With a huge terrace that is as generous with sun as it is with shade, The Met is packed to the rafters in the summer months. It’s a great choice for families as there are always kids whizzing around and the lunch menu is pub grub with a touch of class.

2 Lapwing Lane, Manchester M20 2WS

The Thomas Egerton, Bolton

With an enviable location, right in the centre of the busy village of Egerton and surrounded by breathtaking moorland countryside, The Thomas Egerton in Bolton offers freshly prepared food plus cask-conditioned beers, guest beers, lagers and ciders as well as wines and spirits.

272 Blackburn Rd, Egerton, Bolton BL7 9SR

Volta, West Didsbury

This neighbourhood restaurant and bar on Burton Road, West Didsbury, offers a menu of small plates inspired by international travels, with a cosy terrace to the front.

167 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2LN

The Old School BBQ Bus, Oldham

The Old School BBQ was born in 2016, using a freshly imported 1982 Bluebird International American school bus from Arizona as a mobile kitchen.

Then the bus was converted from a traditional seated bus to a fully functional kitchen, with smokers and griddles to cook low and slow BBQ food.

Alford St, Hollinwood, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 7LP

The Black Friar, Salford

The perfect place to come together with friends and loved ones, this historic Salford pub with a menu by award-winning chef Ben Chaplin has received an average score of 4.6 from 477 diner reviews.

Now, it has launched a new garden bar, where the new state-of-the-art Gozney wood fire oven will serve up British-inspired (and wallet-friendly) dishes all day long.

41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Manchester M3 7DB