Beer Gardens in Manchester

The Briton’s Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5LE - Visit now

Ask anyone who knows anything about Manchester pubs and they’ll soon start waxing lyrical about The Briton’s Protection. It’s one of the oldest pubs in Manchester – if not the oldest pub – and it has a magnificent, sun-trapping outdoor space to sit and enjoy beers and whiskies with friends. Highly, highly recommended for all you beer garden connoisseurs.

The New Oxford, 11 Bexley Square, Salford, Manchester, M3 6DB - Visit now

Bexley Square is at the heart of Salford’s most fast-growing and desirable area and it’s also home to The New Oxford. It’s a classic old-school pub with a vast range of drinks to enjoy on benches outside. Expect cheerful staff, friendly punters and enough open space to enjoy the sun when its out – plus protective umbrellas when it isn’t.

The Eagle Inn, 18-19 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW - Visit now

Another great Salford pub, The Eagle Inn has greatly expanded its outside drinking area, both front and back, making it perfect for either popping in for a quick half or settling in for a session with like-minded pals.

Duke’s 92, 18 Castle Street
Castlefield, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LZ - Visit now

The Duke’s 92 beer garden is legendary across the city. This canalside bar is well worth a visit, assuming you can get in – a recent weekend visit saw lengthy queues for a table. But it’s well worth it, the outdoor space is one of Manchester’s best and everything is executed safely, without sacrificing the simple pleasure of a summertime drink with friends.

Mr Thomas’s Chop House, 52 Cross St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 7AR - Visit now

Mr Thomas’s Chop House first opened in 1870. Expect beautiful arches, Victorian-era fixtures and fittings, classic British cooking and an excellent wine list. Head around the back and you’ll find a splendid outdoor drinking area, right in the heart of the city centre.

GRUB Manchester, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF - Visit now

The best venue in the Green Quarter, by some measure, Grub has plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy food and drink on a sunny day, and shelter when it’s wet. If you haven’t been yet, why not?

Port Street Beer House, 39-41 Port Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 2EQ - Visit now

Port Street Beer House is open again for drinks, inside and out. But it’s the out that shines: a great sun-splashed beer garden, cosy enough to be friendly but spacious enough to feel safe and relaxed. And let’s not forget the beer. You’ll struggle to find a better choice of ales in Manchester.

Terrace NQ, 43 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1NA

High above Thomas Street, Terrace NQ offers a beautiful rooftop beer garden. When the sun is shining, this is easily one of the most pleasing places to sink a pint in the Northern Quarter.

The Pilcrow, The Pilcrow, Sadler’s Yard, Hanover Street, NOMA, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 0AB - Visit now

Now back in action, beer gardens don’t get much better than The Pilcrow Pub’s. Based in Sadler’s Yard in the fast-developing NOMA district of the city, around Victoria Station, this is an elegant space, with a relaxed Scandinavian feel.

Marble Arch Pub, 73 Rochdale Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 4HY - Visit now

It’s not the biggest outdoor drinking space in the world, but it’s an exceptionally nice one and the beer here is so good that we’re willing to overlook this. This much-loved local favourite reopens on the 8th August.

The Beech, 72 Beech Rd, Manchester, M21 9EG

If you fancy moving out of town, jump on the Metrolink and head to Chorlton. While the residents are often lampooned as the “liberal urban elite”, you cannot argue with the choice of watering holes on offer. Post-lockdown, The Beech is a grand choice if you fancy switching seats to chase the late evening sun.

Mary & Archie Chorlton, 111 Manchester Rd, Manchester, M21 9PG - Visit now

On the other side of Chorlton, you’ll find Mary & Archie. Here, the outside seating area is small but perfectly formed and soaks up plenty of sun.

The Woodstock Arms, 139 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester, M20 2DY - Visit now

The Woodstock is a beautiful, traditional old pub with a wonderful beer garden. If you are over Didsbury way and in search of some post-lockdown outside drinking, you’ll struggle to find much better.