The best beer gardens in Manchester to enjoy in summer 2022

It’s that time of the year; the temperature has surpassed 10C, we haven’t seen rain for at least two days and the evenings are definitely getting lighter.

And that means one thing and one thing only – the beer gardens are officially back open.

Yep, us Brits only need one glimmer of sunlight for us to immediately flock to our closest pub to soak up the (admittedly a bit chilly) rays with a nice refreshing pint.

@summerbeerthing / Instagram

And, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 20C this week, these beer gardens are definitely going to be the places to be after work.

But where’s the best place to enjoy a pint in the sun in Manchester?

Well, to save you trawling around town while you could be supping your drink and enjoying a bag of crisps in the sun, we’ve put together our own list of some of the best beer gardens Manchester has to offer.

Without further ado…

@flokmcr / Instagram

Flok

You know that massive beer garden with the orange tables and benches in Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter?

That belongs to Flok, and it is undisputedly the place to be whenever the sun comes out. Anyone who frequents the area will confirm that Flok’s beer garden is immediately heaving at any sign of sunshine and, with its impressive selection of lagers and craft beers, it makes for the perfect spot to soak up those rays.

Flok, 5 Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN
flokmcr.co.uk

@dukes_92 / Instagram

Dukes 92

Right in the heart of Castlefield sits Dukes 92, which is guaranteed to be absolutely rammed whenever the weather surpasses 10C.

The atmosphere is nothing short of vibrant in the summer, something that can be mainly credited to its expansive drinks menu containing beers, wines, and tasty cocktails. Dukes also offers a vast food menu including cheese boards, pizzas and even roast dinners on a Sunday. Perfect in the sun with a glass of vino.

Dukes 92, 18-25 Castle Street, Manchester, M3 4LZ
dukes92.com

@osheasirishbar / Instagram

O’Shea’s Irish Bar

There’s nothing quite as good as a pint of Guinness Extra Cold in the sun, and Manchester’s very own O’Shea’s is the place to enjoy it.

O’Shea’s has held a prominent legacy in the city since it opened back in 1994, and has built a reputation for pouring some of the best Guinness outside of Ireland, so the recent reopening of its legendary beer garden is certainly something to celebrate.

O’Shea’s Irish Bar, 80 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6NF
osheasirishbarm1.co.uk

@theblackfriarsalford / Instagram

The Black Friar

This historic boozer reopened after eighteen long years out of action last year thanks to a massive investment by property giants Salboy, who transformed the building back into the iconic pub it once was.

And, as well as a brand new fine dining restaurant, the pub now boasts its very own beer garden around the back, complete with an abundance of foliage, greenery and sunlight. A must visit during the warmer months.

The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriar’s Road, Salford, M3 7DB.
theblackfriarsalford.co.uk

@escapetofreightisland / Instagram

Escape to Freight Island

Manchester’s biggest open air food hall is a real cracker all year round, but definitely makes better use of its grounds when the sun is shining.

Promising ‘Balearic vibes, Beers and great food’, Escape to Freight boasts both a massive beer garden and their iconic Plant Room, a real sun trap full of plants and greenery. The venue plays home to nine independent food vendors and a massive bar, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the warmer weather with your mates.

Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PZ.
escapetofreightisland.com

@serene_wonderland / Instagram

Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

When it isn’t overrun with lairy European football fans, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar is one of the best places to catch some much-needed sun here in Manchester.

Standing directly next to the historic Old Wellington pub near the Corn Exchange, the beer garden at Sinclair’s is famously huge and always absolutely rammed, which is probably down to the pub’s wonderfully cheap alcohol selection, something that’s hard to come by in Manchester these days.

Sinclairs Oyster Bar, 2 Cathedral Gates, Manchester, M3 1SW.
0161 834 0430

@theoasthousemcr / Instagram

The Oast House

Undoubtedly one of the most famous beer gardens in the whole of Manchester belongs to The Oast House, situated in the centre of Spinningfields.

The Oast House has become well loved for its craft beer selection, extensive wine list and those city-famous hanging kebabs, all of which can be enjoyed together in the courtyard (which houses very festive tipis in the winter).

Though it is recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment, and to order your drinks in bulk as the wait times can be lengthy.

The Oast House, Crown Square, The Avenue Courtyard, Manchester M3 3AY
theoasthouse.uk.com

@thebritonsprotection / Instagram

The Briton’s Protection

While the beer garden over at The Briton’s Protection isn’t the biggest in Manchester, it is definitely one of the more hidden gems in the city.

The Briton’s Protection is one of Manchester’s oldest and most historic pubs, and specialises in a vast selection of whisky, with over 300 bottles to choose from. These can all be enjoyed round the back of the building in the courtyard, which is always bustling with a fantastic atmosphere.

The Briton’s Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5LE.
0161 236 5895

@thefirehousemcr / Instagram

Ramona & The Firehouse

(Kind of) new kids on the block Ramona & The Firehouse have made quite the name for themselves since their 2020 opening, mainly thanks to their margarita list and gigantic slabs of pizza.

But both restaurants – which sit back-to-back – boast fantastic outdoor terraces, both of which are perfect in the winter and the summer. Firehouse, in particular, is ideal if you fancy some Ibiza vibes in the heart of the city.

Ramona & The Firehouse, 40 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JG.
www.takemetoramona.com

@old_pint_pot / Instagram

The Old Pint Pot

A student’s haven, the Old Pint Pot pub down Adelphi Street in Salford is known best for its cheap booze, pub grub and live music.

But in the summer, the Old Pint Pot’s massive beer garden overlooking the River Irwell comes to life, with students and 9-5ers alike coming together to enjoy the summer. It’s guaranteed good vibes in this place, so make sure to pay it a visit (especially when the sun’s shining).

The Old Pint Pot, Adelphi Street, Salford, M3 6EN.
www.oldpintpotsalford.co.uk

@wharfpub / Instagram

The Wharf

Another Castlefield gem to add to the list, The Wharf provides good times all year round with its seasonal roast dinners and its impressive gin selection.

And in the summer, its beer garden fills up nicely and provides stunning views of the canal, Beetham tower and the surrounding new builds sprouting up around the area. Castlefield is undeniably one of the best places to hunker down for the day when the sun’s shining, so make sure to pay a visit to The Wharf when you’re next in the area.

The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester, M15 4ST.
thewharf-castlefield.co.uk

@rainbar_mcr / Instagram

Rain Bar

Round the front, this little pub doesn’t look like it boasts much of an outdoor space (unless you enjoy the sound of angry traffic at the bottom of Deansgate).

But round the back, Rain Bar boasts a massive – and wonderfully secluded – beer garden which proves to be a lovely little sun trap on warmer days. Perfect!

Rain Bar, 80 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JG.
rain-bar.co.uk