Although Manchester is not famed for its sunny weather, the bright spells last month have us all hoping for a warm and beautiful summer when the season comes around. That means that customers won’t want to be sat indoors during those rare, vital days of sunshine, so here’s a list of the best beer gardens and outdoor terraces, many of them outfitted with patio heaters, retractable roofs, and canopies allowing you to enjoy a few al fresco drinks. These venues can also be enjoyed whatever the weather, a useful quality in Manchester.
Dukes 92
Dukes 92 is one of the most visited and iconic bars in Manchester, located in the dynamic Castlefield area near Deansgate and alongside its famous canal. After a £1m renovation, its vast waterside terrace now features two outdoor cooking stations with concertina glass doors on the first-floor gallery, so the entire space can be opened up on those sunnier days. Dukes 92 is very modern and stylish, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
18 Castle Street, Castlefield, M3 4LZ / dukes92.com
Atlas
Atlas is a popular bar in Manchester with a south-facing terrace, also located on Deansgate. Some of its features include a heated patio and a retractable canopy so it can be enjoyed all year round, whatever the weather. The homely décor will make you feel relaxed and able to enjoy the 250+ varieties of G&T that Atlas serves (the bar is a self-proclaimed Gin Palace). Sounds like a winner to us.
376 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LY / atlasbarmanchester.com
The Wharf
The Wharf is another canal-side spot located in Castlefield. With a spacious terrace, The Wharf has plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the Castlefield basin in the heart of Manchester. It features cosy, intimate rooms and alcoves or more dynamic areas, so it is suitable for everyone. The Wharf is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome too, making it perfect for a large group or family outing to enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat on those sunny days in Manchester.
6 Slate Wharf, Castlefield, M15 4ST / thewharf.co.uk
20 Stories
Located at the top of the No 1 Spinningfields tower, this new restaurant and bar has a huge roof garden with spectacular, panoramic views of the city. The vast and modern terrace features lots of relaxed seating, as well as a separate cocktail bar and barbeque stations – perfect for summer. 20 Stories also has heaters and fire pits to keep you cosy at night and hosts live music events, so it’s worth checking out even on those colder days.
No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, M3 3EB / 20stories.co.uk
Australasia
Formerly known as Grand Pacific, Australasia’s whitewashed deck and nautical furnishings makes it feel like a beachside haven, miles away from Manchester. Featuring a canopied terrace with a relaxed atmosphere and décor, the patio heaters provide some tropical heat to maintain the illusion of a hot summer in Manchester. The stylish restaurant serves sushi, sashimi, and other small plates until 5pm (Monday to Friday), with cocktails being served in the evenings and at weekends. In its own words, Australasia ‘combines modern Australian cuisine and Pacific Rim flavours with a wealth of delicious cocktails’.
The Avenue, Spinningfields, M3 3AP / australasia.uk.com
Manchester House
Feel on top of the world in this level 12 lounge bar at celeb chef Aiden Byrne’s fine dining restaurant in Spinningfields. Manchester House features striking views of the city below, with modern and stylish seating and furnishings. There are four covered and heated outside terraces, with retractable roofs for sunny days, where guests can enjoy cocktails and afternoon tea served by Chef Nathanial Tofan and relax in the elegant setting.
18-22 Bridge Street, Spinningfields, M3 3BZ / loungeon12.uk.com
Scene
Scene is Spinningfield’s first Indian restaurant, and boasts a huge terrace overlooking the River Irwell. The restaurant has space to seat 150 people on swinging sofas, woven beds and other south Asian-inspired furnishings, allowing you to feel far away from the urban setting of Manchester. Covered, heated and lit by lanterns at night, it’s somewhere you can sit out to enjoy a drink or a leisurely meal at any time throughout the year.
4a Irwell Street, Spinningfields, M3 3AN / scenedining.com
Words by Abby Hilton (@AbbyHilton_)
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