For anyone worried or concerned, that big flaming ball in the sky is the sun, and it’s returned to Manchester after some considerable absence. In what many scientists have dubbed ‘the longest winter of all time’ (data not available), it feels like finally things are taking a turn for the spring-like.
And with that, thoughts turn to pints and the drinking of said pints outdoors until the sun goes in and it’s freezing again. But there are places to enjoy the warmth on your face for that brief moment, some classic, some brand new.
Read more: The best 50 pubs in Greater Manchester
Here is the pick of the bunch…
The Marble Arch
One of the greatest pubs in all of Manchester, the Marble has a wonderful hidden garden through the kitchen and dining room, with smart sheds and outdoor tables. It’s small, but perfectly formed.
73 Rochdale Rd, Manchester M4 4HY
Climat
Opened over the winter, Climat has been waiting for days like these, with its roof terrace boasting some of the best views in the city. Drop in for a glass of something from its sprawling wine list, though it might be best to book to avoid bitter disappointment on arrival.
8th Floor, Blackfriars House St Marys Parsonage, Manchester M3 2JA
Ramona and The Fire House
Great in the winter, with its fire pits and cosy nordic vibes, but even better in the summer, Ramona and the Fire House are tough to beat when the sun comes out again. Let there be pints, margs and pizza until dawn (or at the very least until closing).
40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG
20 Stories
Another room with a view, 20 Stories’ wrap-around roof terrace is a fantastic spot to drink in the rays, as well as a spiffy drink. There are cocktails - alcoholic or non-alcoholic, both are well catered for - and a great bar menu too if you get peckish.
1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB
YES
Climb up to the top floor of YES, and you’ll get to its excellent rooftop bar, with its bierkeller benches and heaters for when things get chilly. Of a weekend evening, DJs make sure it’s packed out, but it’s a perfect spot for a post-work bev during the week.
38 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB
The Sadler’s Cat
If you’re over in Victoria end of town, The Sadler’s Cat is your spot. A great place to soak up the last rays of the day with some world class craft beers from Cloudwater coming out of the taps.
Hanover St, Manchester M60 0AB
Honest Burgers
Not a lot of people know about Honest Burgers’ little sun trap roof terrace, so keep this one to yourselves. But head upstairs from the main restaurant, and there it is, bathed in the sunshine and offering burgers to accompany your sundowner, which is a glorious bonus.
36 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
The Deansgate
The newly renovated Deansgate now has not one but two roof terraces to choose from, having re-opened late last year, just in time for the festive period, and with the extra outdoor space about to come into its element.
321 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ
Nell’s
There’s a multitude of outdoor options around the village, so it’s hard to choose a favourite, but head to Nell’s and you can bask the early evening away with a slice and a spritz in hand by the canal. There’s loads of seating among the semi-tropical gardens, so a good option if you’ve formed a thirsty afterwork posse.
22 Minshull St, Kampus M1 3EF
Hatch
Another great spot for groups, Hatch has its huge footprint under the Mancunian Way, but also some sun traps. Either way, it’s outdoors, there are a wealth of places to get a drink (from crazy cocktails to solid craft ales) and some marvellous food on offer too.
103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED
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