Three people holding pints of beer over a table of pizzas

10 of the best Manchester beer gardens

 

Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun on a rooftop bar, cocktail bar or pub, our list of the best Manchester beer gardens cater to everyone’s taste. We’ve got you covered with some of the hottest locations you need to experience this summer, just a stone’s throw from our flats in Potato Wharf!

 

20 Stories

(10 min walk from Potato Wharf)

Aim high with a visit to 20 Stories - Manchester’s highest outdoor terrace! The wonderfully modern venue is 19 floors up, on the top floor of No 1 Spinningfields Tower. 20 Stories is not only one of the finest cocktail bars in Manchester; it lets you enjoy craft beer and an extensive list of wines by the firepit, with a backdrop of magnificent views of the city. Treat yourself to an exquisite evening watching the sunset in style at one of the most popular rooftop bars Manchester has to offer.

 

Atlas Bar

(10 min walk from Potato Wharf)

One for the gin lovers! With an extraordinary selection of over 570 gins from around the world, this award-winning sun trap is the perfect spot for some cold drinks on a hot day. Their terrace has a retractable roof and heating, making it a remarkable option all year round. 

 

Lock 91

(10 min walk from Potato Wharf)

A bar created from the original Lock Keeper’s cottage, this independent venue embraces its 19th-century history. Low sloping ceilings, a Victorian Parlour with a balcony overlooking the canal, and a drawing-room transformed into a much-loved local pub are all features that serve up ample character alongside delectable cocktails. This often-overlooked waterside bar is the perfect place for relaxing drinks in the sunshine. 

 

The Briton’s Protection

(11 min walk from Potato Wharf)

Make the most of the good weather in the lively and spacious courtyard of Manchester’s oldest pub. The Briton’s Protection specialises in whisky, serving over 300 different types, and has 8 rotating locally sourced cask ales on draught. Locals know the pub as an iconic Manchester landmark and a real historic treasure, deeming it a must-visit for whisky-lovers.

 

Slug & Lettuce Spinningfields

(12 min walk from Potato Wharf)

Looking for a pretty venue for some post-work drinks this summer? If cocktail bars in Manchester are your thing, Slug & Lettuce Spinningfields has got you covered! With 2-4-1 cocktails, bottomless brunch, cocktail trees and a large outdoor terrace overlooking River Irwell, Slug & Lettuce is a popular spot for those wanting to relax and catch up with friends in the sun.

Bottomless drinks include pints of Amstel, soft drinks, prosecco by the glass, Mimosas, Aperol Spritz, Bloody Marys, Virgin Marys, now Pornstar Martinis if you upgrade for £10pp! Check out their 2-4-1 menu and visit their website.

 

The Oast House

(13 min walk from Potato Wharf)

One of the largest and most popular beer gardens in Manchester’s city centre. The restaurant and courtyard operate under a walk-in service, so there’s no need to worry about booking. This is a place for everyone, a vintage escape amidst the cosmopolitan area of Spinningfields. You can indulge in deli boards, rotisseries and a grill that can be washed down with some of the world’s finest ales and beverages. The Oast House has live music sessions every Friday and Saturday evening, giving the venue a festival feel. 

 

Rain Bar

(13 min walk from Potato Wharf)

Originally a Victorian Warehouse, this multi-storey pub can be deceiving from the front. The back of the pub is home to one of Manchester’s largest beer gardens, a two-tiered terrace by the Rochdale canal, where you’ll be sure to find a table to bask in the sunshine with friends. With differing daily deals, why not pop along for a Wine Wednesday (buy 2 large glasses of wine, get the rest of the bottle free), Fillet Thursday (fillet steak with thick-cut chips, beer-battered onion rings and peppercorn sauce for just £15), or Fizz Friday (£5 off bottles of Prosecco)!  

 

DogHouse

(1.1 miles from Potato Wharf)

Enjoy an eco-friendly pint at BrewDog @ The DogHouse! This venue offers both an extensive scenic rooftop terrace and a ground floor bar for those looking to stay indoors and avoid heights. The rooftop terrace pours a range of craft beers, wines and signature serves, accompanied by a Taco Hut! The ground floor bar boasts 30 taps of craft beer, burgers, spicy buffalo wings and salads, with half of the menu offering vegan and vegetarian options. The DogHouse is one of the most unique rooftop bars Manchester has to offer; the environmentally-conscious venue uses CO2-eating paint, lots of greenery and living walls covering the outside of the building. 

 

Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

(1.1 miles from Potato Wharf) 

Looking for pubs with beer gardens? Enjoy a drink in the historic Shambles Square! This popular city hotspot dates back to 1720 and offers some of the lowest prices in the city. The iconic, large beer garden is shared with the neighbouring Old Wellington pub, making it a lively place to spend your afternoon. Choose from an excellent selection of beers, ciders and good food (oysters included!). 

 

Escape to Freight Island

(1.5 miles from Potato Wharf)

Can’t all decide on one cuisine? No need to worry, Escape to Freight Island offers a variety of street food vendors under one roof! With a selection of tastes including Vietnamese, Mexican, Basque and Italian, there’s something to suit everyone. 

The mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment, cocktails and beers creates an atmosphere that isn’t commonly found in Manchester, making it feel like you have been transported somewhere else.

Experience the fun for yourself!

 

Manchester’s beer gardens offer more than just a space to catch up with friends. There’s a variety of different cuisines, drinks and scenery to choose from, whether you prefer cocktail bars, rooftop terraces or pubs with beer gardens. All of this is made even better for the residents of our exceptionally-designed homes in Potato Wharf, as the proximity of our properties mean they are never far from home. Discover the last of our impressive one and two-bedroom flats in Potato Wharf, a short walk from the city centre.