Best Beer Gardens In Manchester

One of the most unique spaces for alfresco drinking has got to be Courts Club, the quirky event space at Good Yard Park in Spinningfields. This unusual spot combines outdoor drinking and dining with playing sports, as there's a basketball and tennis court available for you and your pals to get competitive on. Toast to the winner afterwards with their wide selection of cocktails, draught beer and spirits, and if you've worked up an appetite then they've got everything from chicken gyros to halloumi fries and breakfast baguettes too.

The perfect spot for an al fresco cocktail (or three), The Lawn Club boasts some of the best drinking pods in Manchester, pretty festoon lighting and plenty of green space adorned with deck chairs, whether you're lounging on the lawn or relaxing on their sunny terrace. Head here for Friday night drinks and tasty nibbles, with refreshing summer spritzes to get stuck into.

From its smattering of dining tables and second floor terrace to its south-facing patio, Dukes 92 is one top-notch sun trap. Whether you're plucking over a Pimm's or enjoying a little dining, do it in summer style here.

Slug and Lettuce in Manchester's Spinningfields is a top choice for drinking outdoors, especially if you're looking to get plenty of bang for your buck. These guys are serving up affordable drinks on their fairy-lit decking, which is perfect for any after-work antics.

It may be tucked away in Chorlton, but that doesn't stop The Beagle from having great alfresco game. Alongside a terrace space to enjoy their craft pints and Nell's pizza, there's a beer garden with painted murals, quirky furniture and fun aplenty.

Chorlton favourite The Beech Inn is a prime example of beer gardens in this South Manchester area. Expect a small patio out the front and a larger space at the back, with heated and covered sections too, so you can enjoy it whatever the time of year. Better yet, they even have outdoor TV screens for showing sports if you don't want to miss a moment of the action.

From its famous tipi in winter to the sprawling sun-soaked space come summer, The Oast House is one of the best places for drinking outside. Make your way over to the Spinningfields spot for BBQ fare washed down with pints or an Aperol spritz.

With a gorgeous outdoor terrace overlooking the locks, Lock 91 is the perfect place for a spot of sunshine drinking. Kick back after work alongside colleagues or unwind with a cocktail and watch the world go by at this beautiful waterside bar.

The Alchemist might be known for their swish cocktail bars across Manchester, but did you know their Spinningfields and waterside MediaCity venues also have outdoor space up their sleeve? Come here to drink and dine on their gorgeous patios.

Fancy quaffing a few ice-cold brews in a top-notch Manchester beer garden? Then make your way to The Metropolitan. Located in West Didsbury, this popular venue offers a green-adorned outdoor space, which is perfect for alfresco pours. If you're hungry, tuck into a sharing board.

Enjoy a refreshing craft beer while overlooking the waterfront in Salford Quays at 11 Central, a restaurant and bar that has a wide range of tipples that'll tickle your fancy. Come for a couple and stay for the gin-making experience or a spot of live entertainment throughout the week. It has an incredibly tempting menu too, full of British favourites with a twist.

On the hunt for the best Manchester beer gardens? The Old Wellington is home to one of the most unique outdoor spaces in the city. Found in what feels like a hidden square, its made even more cosy with the tall buildings looming over.

The Woodstock Arms is a great pub for summer thanks to its sprawling beer garden. Check out the mega outdoor offering at this West Didsbury boozer, all while sipping on a wide selection of refreshing beverages and tucking into classic British pub grub.

Hidden away on Mealhouse Brow, The Good Rebel's picnic bench-packed, south facing beer garden is built for days on the ale. Work your way through all kinds of craft beers as you soak up the rays or take a look at the cocktail menu if you fancy something less hoppy.

Whatever your tipple, a soundtrack of the world's greatest guitar music and a seat in the suntrap will have you eking out the last slivers of sunshine for as long as possible.

As well as cosy pub interiors and a large sun terrace overlooking the canal boats of the Castlefield Basin, The Wharf boasts plenty of outdoor seating, plus a barbecue serving up tasty grilled burgers and sandwiches. There's even a fountain for a little splash should the heat get too much.

If you're on the hunt for Manchester's best beer garden, Diecast is an essential stop. With caravans, firepits, a smokehouse, and sprawling open-air seating, this epic outdoor space is the largest of its kind in the city. It's a year-round social hub where you can sip cold pints, snack on hot dogs, and soak in the electric energy of the Northern Quarter - all while surrounded by industrial-meets-tropical design flair.

Inside the venue, the buzz continues with multiple themed spaces, including a Brooklyn-style beer hall and neon-drenched club zone. But the beer garden is the jewel in Diecast's crown, where long afternoons turn into lively evenings fuelled by craft brews, small plates, and an unbeatable atmosphere.

Aside from their sky-high terrace with a retractable roof, The Ivy Spinningfields also boasts a heated beer garden that's packed out with as many botanical touches as its interiors. Head here to sip signature cocktails in the sun.

The Black Friar Salford has one of the prettiest beer gardens, including having won awards for its outdoor space. Plus, with the addition of its tipi, this one is a winner all year round for beers, cocktails and any pub grub you fancy too. 

With a staggering whisky collection and traditional decor, The Briton's Protection is a great pub with bundles of character. Their beer garden is one of Manchester's finest with seating and parasols to offer shade, relaxation and comfort to those alfresco drinkers intent on soaking up some rays.

For a canalside beer garden? Rain Bar is one of your best bets, with a multi-tiered terrace space looking right out onto the towpath. Home to the likes of J.W Lees' Manchester Craft Lager and more local or nationally known picks besides, it's a bustling place to enjoy a drink in the sun.

You can't talk about beer gardens without dropping a mention of Sinclair's Oyster Bar. Dating back to 1720, it's one of the most popular hotspots in the city, boasting an excellent selection of beers, ciders, and hearty food (including oysters, of course).

The Old Pint Pot in Salford boasts a beer garden with quite a view. Riverside vistas are the name of the game here, where pints on the waterfront go hand-in-hand with summer BBQ food and even more besides. And once the sun goes on, don't forget to check out the live music inside.

Sitting pretty just opposite the range of drinking destinations on Deansgate Locks, Atlas Bar is an iconic venue with lovely outdoor space. If you choose this beer garden, you can make your way through a staggering range of gins while basking in plenty of rays.

You probably wouldn't think of the border between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats as being the prime location for discovering a beer garden, right? Wrong. Belgian beer maestros Bar Fringe are making sure you get your fix of unique pints in the sun, with everything from rowing boat seats to trailing plants making up the decor.