Summer has officially departed and, while we may be sad to wave goodbye to our beloved beer gardens for another six months, we’re undeniably very excited to welcome back those log fires and warming Sunday roasts.

Yep, autumn is here and that means Manchester’s cosiest pubs are back open for business, offering all those lovely autumnal treats such as mulled wine, warming fire places and those iconic cosy corners.

And luckily for you lot, the city is teeming with wonderful pub offerings to keep you occupied throughout the colder months.

So without any further ado, here’s some of our favourite spots…

@theblackfriarsalford / Instagram

The Blackfriar

This historic boozer reopened last year after eighteen long years out of action following a massive investment by property giants Salboy, who transformed the building back into the cosy pub it once was, with a fine dining section and green oasis through the back.

But round the front, guests can settle down in front of a roaring fireplace and indulge in all those comforting pub grub classics like fish and chips and pie and mash alongside a lovely pint of Guinness. It doesn’t get much more autumnal than that, does it?

The Blackfriar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB.
https://www.theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/ 

@thedidsbury / Instagram

The Didsbury

Famous for its enormous front-facing beer garden in the summer (and for being the first stop in the famed Didsbury Dozen pub crawl, of course), The Didsbury is also well loved for its snug interior throughout the autumn and winter months.

Here, you’ll be able to sit back and relax with a beverage directly next to a crackling fireplace built within a lovely exposed brick wall – dogs are welcome too, incase you needed any more convincing. 

The Didsbury, 852 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SG
The Didsbury Website

@oxnoblepubdeansgate / Instagram

The Oxnoble

Located at the heart of the old Potato Wharf in Castlefield, The Oxnoble is one of the city’s most historic pubs, having being built all the way back in 1804. 

And you know what they say about old and historic pubs; they make for the best winter boozers. The pub’s low ceilings and creaky floorboards give it a very comforting nostalgic feel, with its old-timely fireplace pairing perfectly with the many beers and bitters on offer behind the bar.

71 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ
The Oxnoble Website

The Circus Tavern / Facebook

The Circus Tavern

The ‘smallest bar in Europe’ was always going to make the cosy pubs list, wasn’t it? Admittedly, many may consider The Circus Tavern to be more on the claustrophobic side than the cosy side but still, it’s an undeniable gem for those colder months.

While there isn’t a roaring fireplace to snuggle down next to (that’d be a major health hazard in such a small place, don’t you think?), there is plenty of old-worldly pub vibes knocking about. Plus, famed footballer George Best did frequent the pub back in the day, if that helps.

The Circus Tavern, 86 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GX
http://circustavern.co.uk/

The Marble Arch

A short walk away from the Northern Quarter down Rochdale Road, The Marble Arch is undisputedly one of Manchester’s most historic and iconic boozers, having stood the test of time since 1888.

Providing those ‘proper pub’ vibes among a sea of trendy craft beer bars, The Marble Arch brews its own beer and is a definite must-visit when looking for some solace from Manchester’s icy wind and rain. 

The Marble Arch, 73 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY
The Marble Arch Website

@samschophouse / Instagram

Sam’s Chop House

A pub once frequented by artist LS Lowry (there’s a massive statue of him propped up at the bar if you don’t believe me), Sam’s Chop House is as cosy and old-worldly as a pub can get.

Guests have to take a rickety and narrow winding staircase down to find the pub and fully functioning gourmet restaurant nestled underground, alongside an extensive drinks menu (the Guinness is really good here, too).

Sam’s Chop House, Back Pool Fold, Manchester M2 1HN
0161 834 3210

@thebritonsprotection / Instagram

The Briton’s Protection

It doesn’t get much cosier than this; The Briton’s Protection is one of Manchester’s oldest pubs (are you noticing a pattern here?) and specialises in possibly the most wintery drink there is: whisky. 

The pub can showcase up to 300 whiskies at any given time and features those classic old pub stools and circular tables crammed into a warm corner. Picture that on a cold Friday night after work… You can’t beat it.

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

@gilbertoski / Instagram

Peveril of the Peak

Of course Peveril of the Peak was going to crop up at some point – it is one of the most recognisable pubs in the whole of Manchester, after all (just look at that two-toned yellow and green brick exterior).

But on the inside, the Pev provides a seriously good atmosphere, the kind only achieved by the most traditional of boozers. Inside, guests can sit on original wooden benches among stained glass window, etched mirrors and brass bells. Classic.

The Peveril of the Peak, 127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JQ
The Peveril of the Peak Facebook

@totalcurtis / Instagram

The City Arms

The historic City Arms, located smack in the middle of Manchester’s city centre, has been a regular entry in the Good Beer Guide for years and boasts all those lovely old pub features, including those built-in Chesterfield sofas and circular tables just begging for a packet of crisps to be opened and spread out upon them.

As is the case with this style of old-age pub, The City Arms really comes to life in the colder months and provides a comforting and cosy abode for Mancunians escaping the rain.

The City Arms, 46-48 Kennedy St, Manchester M2 4BQ
0161 236 4610

@bayhorsetavern / Instagram

Bayhorse Tavern

Ah, the Bayhorse Tavern, a haunt well known and loved by all those city-centre dwellers. While it may not be an ideal layout for those hot summer days (yeah, all three of them), it is the perfect spot to shelter from the rain.

The Bayhorse has a cracking selection of beer and also do a banging roast on a Sunday – the ideal place for the whole of autumn and winter, then.

Bayhorse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
https://thebayhorsetavern.co.uk

The Easter bank holiday weekend is here and it’s set to be a sunny one, so we might as well make the most of it with a couple of trips to Manchester’s rooftop bars.

Rooftop bars?! I hear you ask.

Yes, it turns out that Manchester actually boasts an admirable selection of venues that offer a rooftop experience while you enjoy your drink. 

Here’s some of our favourites…

@20storiesmcr / Instagram

20 Stories

Let’s start with an obvious one, shall we? 

This venue is arguably one of Manchester’s most Instagrammable spots with stunning views of the city from, you guessed it, the twentieth floor. I wonder where they got their name from?

Anyway, 20 Stories offers impressive food and cocktail menus, a whole array of greenery and trees, and an outdoor fire pit.

20 Stories, No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB
0161 204 3333
20stories.co.uk

YES

Believe it or not, one of Manchester’s most popular music venues has an actual rooftop bar. 

If you make it past the suitably dark and dingy music basement, all the pizza and beer on the first floor and the pink room on the second (yes, this venue has an actual room dedicated to the colour), you’ll find yourself out on the third floor in their makeshift rooftop bar.

Though it doesn’t boast the views from twenty stories high, it makes up for it with beautiful decor, holiday vibes and, most importantly, £3 pints.

YES, 38 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB
www.yes-manchester.com

@theivymanchester / Instagram

The Ivy

This up-market Spinningfields spot offers a unique twist on a rooftop bar with their ‘roof garden.’

Guests can enjoy food and cocktails amongst an abundance of florals, foliage and colourful fabrics, all creating an enchanting oasis in the heart of Manchester’s city centre.

And thanks to its retractable roof, The Ivy Roof Garden is open seven days a week, come rain or shine.

The Ivy Spinningfields, The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
theivymanchester.com

Terrace NQ

It says it in the name, doesn’t it?

Nestled down the Northern Quarter’s Thomas Street, Terrace NQ offers a little solace to those desperate for a bev in the rare Mancunian sunshine. 

Its secluded rooftop terrace is adorned with fairy lights, unique furniture and a fantastic atmosphere, so makes for the ideal spot to enjoy some sunshine.

Terrace NQ, 43 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
0161 819 2345

@conclubrestaurant / Instagram

The Con Club

All the way over in Altrincham, The Con Club offers a fantastic sun spot complete with a tipi for those impromptu spells of rain – we do live in Manchester, folks.

The Con Club’s rooftop remains relatively unknown, and the restaurant is only accepting walk-ins, so your chance of getting a seat are high!

The Con Club, 48 Greenwood St, Altrincham WA14 1RZ
0161 696 6870
conclubuk.com

Atlas Bar

Okay, this Deansgate staple might not technically have a rooftop bar… but it has an outdoor bar around the back that’s suspended in the arches below the roof, so that definitely counts.

It’s easily one of the best terraces in the entire city centre, and with a choice of more than 500 gins, it’s certainly one of the more desirable locations in town when the sun comes out.

Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY
0161 834 2124
atlasbarmanchester.com

@hatchmcr / Instagram

Hatch

Okay, we’re pushing it a bit with this one, considering that the Oxford Road foodhall is literally plonked directly under Mancunian Way.

But we have to give it to the staff over at Hatch – they’ve been brilliantly creative with their use of space and have somehow managed to make a couple of rooftop bars that get a lovely dose of sun for most of the day.

Grab a few beers, order some food and enjoy.

Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED
hatchmcr.com

Big Hands

Another unexpected one, this staple part of Manchester’s music scene actually offers a small and secluded roof terrace for guests to sit and enjoy the sun with a can of Red Stripe.

Expect naughties leather sofas, film posters and an epic dance floor if you fancy a few drinks in this haunt over the weekend.

Big Hands, 296 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9NS
0161 272 7309

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