The bank holiday weekend is finally here, and should the sun come out, many of us will be heading to the nearest beer garden to make the most of the three-day break.
Fortunately, Greater Manchester is full of great watering holes - and many boast vast outdoor spaces perfect for a pint or two. From canalside spots like The Wharf in Castlefield and The Kings Ransom in Sale, to hidden beer gardens in the city centre like Hatch under the Mancunian Way and Society just down the steps from Bridgewater Hall, there's something for everyone.
Earlier this week, we asked you to let us know which is the best in Greater Manchester and what it is about your favourite spot that makes it stand out from the rest. We wanted to know if you preferred a quiet one overlooking the suburban lake or whether a bustling terrace with DJs playing tunes until the early hours was more your scene.
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Reliably - and just as you did with your favourite chippies a few weeks back - you've delivered - and also put some new names on our radar. After all, even if it's not sunny, nothing can stop us embracing the elements and enjoying some al fresco drinking.
Of course, we have our favourites, but putting the vote to you, it was great to see a spread from across the borough. Taking the top spot was a family boozer that's perhaps best known by locals for it's brilliant Christmas markets - but it appears people are also big fans of its beer garden too.
The Oxford in Rochdale is a family pub located at the foot of the Pennines, know for its hearty food offer, fines wines and real ales. It has been operating for just over ten years and has always been keen to differentiate itself.
Ahead of its annual Christmas Markets last December, Tom McNeeney, a chef who runs the pub alongside his mum Alison, dad Phil, and his younger sister Ella, told us that it's a "dream pub" because it's food-led, has ample parking, cosy fireplaces for winter and a lovely beer garden.
Punters seem to agree, and have voted it Greater Manchester's best. One reader told us that they like to pop down to the beer garden on their own and sit and relax with a nice ale. "Whilst I enjoy my own company I inevitably end up chatting to other friendly folk and making an afternoon of it," they told us.
Adding: "The ambience makes relaxing easy. The food in this pub is incredible but having it delivered to eat outside takes it up to another level. Who doesn’t love beer and lunch in the sun."
The family have been running pubs for over 40 years now, so it's no surprise that they've built up a bit of a reputation for running a decent boozer. Another reader added: "Not the cheapest, but well worth a visit for the nice environment and family orientated atmosphere. More Pimms than pints kind of vibe."
Last month, the pub was awarded a Britain in Bloom award for its efforts too, scooping up a bronze award in the North West pub category. Featuring a pergola that saved from the Christmas markets, to the planters on the patios, and the window boxes brightening up people's walk past, we can see why so many people flock here.
The pub has also recently launched a new menu to complement some of its much-loved staples. New dishes range from hot honey chicken burgers to chicken fajita tacos, and seafood numbers and some very classy nachos topped with smashed avocado on request. Pair it with a pint or signature spritz and job's a good 'un.
While The Oxford came up trumps, there were some great entries that deserve a mention too. Sitting on the long stretch of Oxford Road leading up to the student district of Fallowfield, Big Hands is ideal for a post-show drink and its much-loved roof garden - heated in winter making it an all-seasons beer garden - also made it onto our list.
The Heatons in Stockport were all well represented, with votes coming in for Hinds Head in Heaton Chapel and The Elizabethan and Boundary Bar at the Heatons Sports Club in Heaton Moor - the latter praised for its "superb setting".
In the city centre, Kampus, just over from Canal Street, also received a mention, as did Rain Bar, which was applauded for its "canal-side location, great pub and Manchester Craft Ale to boot".
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