Beer Gardens in Manchester

Tucked away just off Oxford Road, Black Dog Ballroom NWS boasts easily one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester. Head straight up the stairs where you'll discover an al fresco paradise of food and drink with plenty of seating, an outdoor bar and permanent barbecue. The terrace gets hot to trot, so get seats on bums if you can.

Perfect for that all important bottle of summer wine, not only are The Refinery churning out the best in gastro fare and cool interiors, their terrace in Spinningfields is the ultimate drinking companion as the weather starts to warm up.

With a staggering whisky collection and stunning 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 of the Manchester sunshine.

From its smattering of dining tables and second floor, terrace dining, to its south facing patio, if there's one top notch sun trap in Manchester, it would have to be Dukes 92. Whether you're plucking over a Pimms, or enjoying a darling dose of Dukes dining, enjoy the summer sunshine, cool drink in your mitts.

With a gorgeous outdoor terrace seating overlooking the locks, Lock 91 is the perfect place for a spot of sunshine drinking. Kick back after work with colleagues or unwind with a cocktail and watch the world go by at this beautiful Manchester bar, and one of Manchester's top al fresco drinking spots. 

Hidden away just off Deansgate, The Liquor Store is open from 11am until 3am every day of the week. Its outdoor terrace enjoys plenty of sun but also has a covered area should the Manchester weather pay a visit - and makes a great spot for al fresco cocktails or coffee no matter what time of day. 

Lush it by the river this summer, as Rain Bar provides a neat dose of water-side boozing. From its split level beer garden and charming plot across the river, to its oh so friendly drinks prices and pub charm, Rain Bar is a dose of antics once the sun starts to shine. And plenty of Vitamin D at that too.

The Wharf is a great spot for drinks whatever the weather. With its cosy pub interior and large sun terrace overlooking the picturesque waterways and canal boats of Castlefield Basin, The Wharf boasts plenty of outdoor seating, a barbecue serving up tasty grilled burgers and sandwiches, and even its own fountain for a little splash should the heat get too much. 

Head over to the Northern Quarter to discover Rosylee, a quaint and cute bar and restaurant. When the sun is shining, bag a space on their street terrace and work your way through their legendary brunch.

The exclusive Australasia has an even more exclusive Manchester beer garden, accessed via a secluded staircase in the restaurant. Expect a tropical garden serving up cocktails, exquisite cocktails, and light bites.

It may be tucked away in Chorlton, but that doesn't stop The Beagle from having great garden game. A terrace space to enjoy their craft pints and hardy British dishes, head on over to their garden for painted murals, quirky furniture and fun aplenty.

One of the first pubs in Manchester to install the now universally loved outdoor heaters; The Metropolitan is the pub of choice in the area when the weather starts to chill. With an outside bar to avoid all that walking inside to get a beer, The Metropolitan seems to have this alfresco drinking lark down to a fine art.

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

Located on John Dalton Street just off Deansgate, The Restaurant Bar and Grill boats a beautiful roof terrace with its own cocktail bar, comfortable boothed seating, outdoor heaters and a retractable roof should that inevitable Manchester weather kick in.

While the Alchemist is a superb place to catch delicious cocktails in Spinningfields, the sophisticated bar has another trick up its sleeve. Come here for their wonderful patio for alfresco drinking, tapas-plate eating, and once the sun sets, you can head inside for more fun.

While only a small smattering of tables, the beer garden sitting pert outside of Dockyard in Salford Quays is still a charmer of a plot. From its rustic benches and smattering of blossom trees, to a cracking collection of craft beers and pub inspired grub, getting outside for your Vitamin D dosing is a must. 

When looking for the best beer gardens in Manchester, remember to aim high: 20 Stories high, to be exact, as the sky-high restaurant has a terrace bar to die for. Thinking greenery, BBQs, fire-pits and an amazing view, all while you feast on casual brasserie dishes and drink cocktails.