Five of the best beer gardens in Manchester to visit when the sun's out in 2025
From rooftop terraces to canal-side spots, check out Manchester's best beer gardens
It feels like we’ve waited a lifetime for it but warm, sunny weather is finally upon is in Manchester. So, make hay while the sun shines, as they say, and enjoy the good weather while we have it. And what better way to do that than by spending an hour or two (or more, we won’t judge) in one of the city’s beer gardens.
Whether its down by the canal in Castlefield or nestled among the office buildings of Spinningfields, beers gardens are scattered across the city. Some are small, others are huge, and a respectable number even take the form of rooftop terraces.
We’ve rounded up five of the best beer gardens in the city below. So grab your sunglasses, put on the sun cream and head to one of these al fresco spots.
The Wharf
Surrounding the Castlefield basin are various bars and pubs offering al fresco drinking, but the Wharf is certainly the go-to option if you’re looking for a quintessential beer-garden experience. It boasts a huge seating area overlooking the canal which is the place to be on a warm, sunny afternoon.
It’s the perfect place to stop off after a walk along the canal and within easy reach of town without being in the hustle and bustle of the crowds of shoppers. If you get peckish it offers an extensive menu, with everything from light bites to hearty meals.
Sadler’s Cat
Located in the heart of Manchester’s trendy NOMA quarter, Sadler’s Cat is a chilled out spot for a drink or two. It’s only a short walk from Victoria Train Station and on the doorstep of music venue New Century - so ideal if you’ve got a gig lined up.
Previously known as the Pilcrwo, this community pub offers a selection of beers from Cloudwater, along with natural wines and soft drinks. The beer garden itself - known as Sadler’s Yard - is incredibly spacious and provides a tranquil oasis from the rush of Exchange Square just around the corner.
Yes
Nestled among the soaring high-rises of Oxford Road is the charming rooftop terrace at Yes. Located on the top floor of the bar-turned music venue it has rows of benches where friends can gather over crisp pints.
The rooftop terrace is a stylish one, where gritty exposed brick and metal beams mean lush, green plants. It’s the kind of effortlessly place you could imagine you’d find in Berlin. Back inside you can grab a bite to eat from Pepperoni Playboy, serving up pizza slices from £3.50; and We Can Be Gyros, offering Greek-inspired dishes.
Oast House
Probably one of the most well-known beer gardens in Manchester, you couldn’t not mention the Oast House in this list. Found in the heart of Spinningfields, it has a huge outdoor seating area where you can bask in the sun’s rays.
As well as beer, cider and wine, there are cocktails on offer to truly make you feel like you’re on holiday. For when you get hungry choose from delicious loaded fries, gyros, wings, burgers and more.
Terrace NQ
Nestled among Northern Quarter’s bars and eateries is Terrace NQ, found on Thomas Street. As well as street-side seating, this rustic bar boasts not one, but three rooftop terraces, so you’re spoilt for choice.
It has a quintessential North Quarter-feel yet could easily be a spot tucked away down a quiet side street in an Italian city. As well as craft beers and real ale on offer, it has a great selection of cocktails. There’s pizza too if you get peckish.