Roof Terraces in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

When the sun’s out, what can be better than a drink high up looking over Manchester and all those lovely, lovely cranes as far as the eye can see? Lucky for you, the city has many excellent roof terraces for exactly this, and while the beeping of a construction site might not be music to your ears, all the below have nice beefy soundsystems to drown out the noise of modern capitalism. Chin chin!

For other tried and tested places to enjoy the city sunshine, take a look at our guide to the best beer gardens in Manchester.

Our top picks

El Gato Negro Tapas

El Gato Negro Tapas, 52 King Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 4LY - Visit now

El Gato Negro’s second floor is the place to be on sunny days. With a retractable roof, this King Street spot offers an extensive cocktail menu, as well as an impressive Spanish wine and sherry list. Nibble on mini Catalan chorizo with Aspall cider, jamon Iberico croquetas and charcuterie boards – to help soak up the alcohol while soaking up the sun.

Climat

Climat, 8th Floor, Blackfriars House St Marys, Climat, Parsonage, Manchester , M3 2JA - Visit now

Craving elegance? Aren’t we all. Climat has it in spades. This glorious French-leaning restaurant delivers those cityscape views you’re craving, along with probably the best wine cellar in all of Manchester.

Terrace NQ

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

The clue’s in the name for this Thomas Street staple. Rise up above the dimly lit, elongated bar for one of most airy terraces in the Northern Quarter. Forewarning though: as soon as the sun is out, it’s standing room only.

Big Hands

Big Hands, 296 Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9NS

You’ll probably spot Big Hands’ roof terrace a few minutes before arrival, with a huge advertising billboard on its back wall, and tall leafy plants camouflaging the seating area. This is shabby chic at its finest – white plastic seating with eclectic plant pots at every step. Yet there’s something about this roof terrace that means you’ll always feel at home.

YES

YES, 38 Charles Street, Manchester, M1 7DB - Visit now

Yes has a busy, semi-covered rooftop area that gets regularly rammed at weekends. Why? The music is great, the drinks are high-quality (and not too expensive, all things considered), and you can enjoy the open-air atmosphere in one of Manchester’s best multi-purpose venues.

Honest Burgers

Honest Burgers, 36 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT - Visit now

Small but perfectly formed – unlike their whopping big (and delicious) burgers – this roof terrace is a great, relaxed space to soak up those Spinningfield rays.

Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LY - Visit now

It’s less of a rooftop terrace and more just a one-step-up terrace, but Atlas Bar’s outdoor space is one of the best places to catch the sun on those balmy summer days. Note: It gets busy, so you’ll have to get there early to bag a good spot.

20 Stories

20 Stories, No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

The daddy of them all, with its award-winning roof terrace on the 19th floor. 19? Not 20? No, me neither. Don’t worry about that, just focus on those lovely, lovely views while sipping on a drink from the top-tier cocktail menu.

The Ivy Spinningfields

The Ivy Spinningfields, The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HG - Visit now

Get yourself up to the very top of the very fancy Ivy Spinningfields, for some high-life rooftop living. Gather your crew and settle in for a day-to-night session – the drinks menu is one of the best around.

The Deansgate

The Deansgate, 321 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ - Visit now

Often in the shadows of neighbouring Beetham Tower, this traditional pub can – at certain times of day – be the ideal place to soak up some rays while enjoying a real ale or pinot. You’ll find its roof terrace hidden away on the tavern’s top floor.

King Street Townhouse Hotel

King Street Townhouse Hotel, 10 Booth Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 4AW - Visit now

Despite an already healthy roster of roof gardens in Manchester, there are still more to come. Boasting Manchester’s first rooftop infinity pool, the King Street Townhouse Hotel offers visitors panoramic views across the city.

King Street Town House Hotel in Manchester
Image courtesy of King Street Town House Hotel.

Where to go in Manchester

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Restaurant
Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar

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Bar or Pub
The Rose & Monkey Hotel

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Bar or Pub
Finders Keepers

Welcoming waterside bar in New Islington Marina, serving a wide array of carefully-curated cocktails.

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Restaurant
Climat

Highly-regarded wine-led, French-leaning wine bar and rooftop restaurant in the city centre.

Manchester
Restaurant
Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours is a relaxed, fun wine tour, full of the city’s best food and drink, led by an effortlessly engaging host.

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Henry C

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11 Central

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Kennedy’s Irish Bar

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Manchester
Restaurant
Axe & Cleaver

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