Manchester is going to be HOT this Easter weekend – where to enjoy the sun in the city

Get ready to enjoy an Easter heatwave – as all the forecasts say Manchester is going to have a scorching bank holiday weekend.

Apparently the UK is going to be hotter than the Costa Del Sol over the next four days, with temperatures set to soar up to 23 degrees.

The current BBC weather forecast states says that Manchester can expect wall-to-wall sunshine on Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday with temperatures up to 23 degrees on all four days.

With many people heading into the city centre to enjoy the spring sunshine, here’s our pick of some of the best bars and restaurants with outdoor seating, rooftop bars and sun terraces.

Castlefield

With its host of bars and restaurants and stunning waterside views, Castlefield is always a favourite destination when the sun makes an appearance in Manchester. Choose from The Wharf dining pub, Barca with its extensive outdoor bar space, and, of course, Duke’s 92, where there are also outdoor barbecues across the weekend.

The Corn Exchange

Located on Exchange Square, this shopping centre-turned-drinking and dining destination has plenty of outdoor seating and lots of places to pick from. From Salvi’s, Vapiano and Banyan to Wahaca, Zizzi and the Cosy Club, choose your position and grab a spot in the south-facing square.

New Islington Marina

A hidden oasis in Manchester, but definitely worth a stroll to on a sunny day.  You can also grab some delicious pastry goodies here at Pollen Bakery, or drinks at the new Cask bar at the side of the marina. And from here it’s only a short stroll to Ancoats with its wealth of dining destinations too.

Spinningfields

An obvious choice, Spinningfields boasts a raft of outdoor seating areas around the host of bars and restaurants in this bustling district.

The Oast House remains popular with its huge outdoor palazzo, with regular live music too. There’s also a great range of outdoor seating at Thaikhun, Iberica, The Alchemist and Sunset by Australasia.  Further down towards Left Bank you’ll find The Refinery, and bars and restaurants with rear terraces looking out on to the River Irwell including Scene, The Dockyard and the Left Bank Coffee Bar at the People’s History Museum.

Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

One of Manchester’s most popular outdoor drinking spaces, it’s shared by two of the most historic buildings in Manchester and it’s where you’ll find drinkers flocking in droves as soon as the sun says hello. The location combined with the bargain-priced beer at Samuel Smiths’ pub Sinclair’s means it’s always busy when there’s half decent weather. And even when there’s not.

First Street

With its swathe of public space and bars and restaurants, First Street is an ever popular destination for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors.  Outside the HOME arts centre is a top spot, as well as the outdoor bar areas at Bunny Jacksons, WOOD and The Gasworks.

20 Stories

Manchester’s highest outdoor terrace, 20 Stories is busy at the best of times, but with the sun out it’s definitely the place to be.  With the most spectacular views across the city, this one is a selfie-lover’s idea of heaven.

Roof garden at The Ivy

Reopening just in the nick of time for the warm spell, The Ivy‘s top floor Roof Garden features a fully retractable roof when the sun really starts to shine.  Expect all of The Ivy’s signature cocktails, menu and ambience too.

Mackie Mayor

You’ll be hard-pressed not to 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.

Albert Square Chop House

Situated on one of Manchester’s most iconic squares, Albert Square Chop House has a cracking view across the piazza – great for people-watching as you sip on a proper pint of ale or get stuck into their extensive wine list. If you love your wine, make sure to set aside a few hours to explore their cellars, too.

Atlas Bar

The upstairs roof terrace at Atlas bar on Deansgate ticks all the boxes – south facing, retractable roof, and heated (for when the proper Manchester weather returns). They also serve over 250 different varieties of gin.

Mr Thomas’ Chop House and Gin Garden

Situated in a quiet spot behind St. Ann’s Church, Mr Thomas’s Chop House is an ideal choice for some relaxed early afternoon drinks and nibbles. They’ve just released their summer garden menu with a choice of traditional snack options, and have teamed up with British craft gin heroes Sipsmith for the summer to turn their outdoor space into a very British gin garden for the season.

Great John Street Hotel’s Rooftop Lounge & Playground

This elegant third-floor space is one of the most appealing in Great John Street’s old school house. South facing with great views out over the city via Spinningfields, it is equipped with its own bar for handy drinks service and connects on to the Rooftop Playground. These spaces also make the perfect setting for private rooftop BBQs, launch events, cocktail parties and wedding receptions.

Impossible

Backing on to the Great Northern square, the outside terrace at Impossible is the perfect sun trap for post-work drinking and casual dining. They are screening 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 trekking around with your team at the end of a long day.

The Anthologist

One of the hottest new spots in the city with its vast outdoor terrace, it also boasts stunning views out on to St Peter’s Square, Manchester Library and the Town Hall.  You can choose from the venue’s array of cocktails, and can also dine al fresco.