City Guides
Everywhere taking bookings for outdoor drinking and dining in Manchester from April 12th
Who’s excited?

Published
1 year agoon
By
Alex Watson
Several venues across Manchester have confirmed they are now taking bookings or getting prepped for walk-ins on April 12th.
Following Boris’ unveiling of the roadmap out of lockdown, many restaurants are firing up the ovens and dusting off the chairs ready to welcome punters back in!
Here’s everywhere already taking bookings or walk-ins…

Finest Media
Elnecot
One of the best restaurants in Ancoats will be opening up the terrace on Cutting Room Square again on April 12th. Expect their legendary brunch, Sunday roasts and everything in between.
Dive Bar and Grill
Ready with a brand spanking new (and heated!) terrace, Dive Bar and Grill will be open from April 12th. Walk-ins are also welcome but pre-booking is advised.
Dakota
You can now book a table for al-fresco dining and drinks on the heated outdoor terrace at the boutique hotel, Dakota. Reservations for accommodation and Bar & Grill visits can be made for after May 17th too!
Cane & Grain
Coming back with their large outdoor (and covered terrace) and a brand new menu including the likes of ribs, burgers and their fantastic mac and cheese.

Finest Media
Alvarium
One of my personal favourite stomping grounds, Alvarium the garden-themed bar tucked away just off Tib Street will be back serving frosty pints and a delicious new food menu on their terrace. See you there.
The Oast House
Famous for their massive outdoor terrace, it’s only right the Oast House are opening up on April 12th. I’d be quick though – when bookings were announced that many people tried their website crashed!
The Con Club
Altrincham favourite will be opening the ground floor and secret hidden terrace on April 12th for walk-ins only.
The Wharf
Enjoy some alfresco dining or just a frosty drink at the Wharf. You can either book or try your luck on the day. Any bookings made for after May 17th will be for inside tables only.

Finest Media
Hatch
Hatch is back baby! There’s plenty to choose from too from Grandad’s Sausages, FUKU and even Parmo’s from Parmogeddon. There are plenty of drinks too!
Zouk Bar & Grill
The award-winning Indian Halal restaurant just off Oxford Road has bookings live for reservations on the terrace between April 12th and May 16th.
River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel
Opening on April 15th, the large terrace that extends down the length of the River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel will be open for food and drinks.

Finest Media
The Bay Horse Tavern
With thanks to the pedestrianisation of Thomas Street, Bay Horse can reopen in April instead of May. Bookings open on March 6th.
The Refuge
You will be able to have The Refuge experience in their hidden Edwardian courtyard. Spaces are limited.
NAM
Bookings are now live for Ancoats’ Vietnamese Bar and Kitchen. They’ve even just launched a brand new Sunday Dinner menu with doughnuts and pho gravy.

Finest Media
Marble Tap Room
The Beer Yard at Marble breewry will be open from April 15th. Walk-ins welcome.
Rudy’s
Both Peter Street and Ancoats sites will be out open so you can get your Neapolitan pizza fix.
20 Stories
With amazing views of the city and cracking cocktails – you’ve got everything you need for a mint April 12th.
Crazy Pedro’s
You’ll be pleased to know that both the Northern Quarter and Bridge Street Crazy Pedro’s sites will be back open. The Bridge Street terrace has also just got an extension meaning it is now massive so even more people can enjoy the bottomless pizza and booze offering!

Finest Media
Wolf at the Door
The NQ favourite will be back serving up tacos and bao buns as well as cocktails, natural wines and plenty of guest beers too.
Impossible
Catch up with your mates in Impossible’s massive outdoor terrace overlooking the Great Northern. You’ll have your spot for two hours.
Feel Good Club
The cafe that makes you feel good will be opening their little outside terrace on Hilton Street so you can enjoy your coffee and cake and watch the world go by.
Lust, Luck, Liquor & Burn
The NQ terrace will be open from April 12th for walk-ins only. Tuck into some massive burritos, nachos and plenty of margaritas.
Sugo Pasta Kitchen Altrincham
Everyone’s favourite pasta place is back – only in Altrincham though for now. You’ll have to wait until May for the Ancoats site.

Finest Media
La Bandera
The independent Spanish restaurant will be back for some alfresco tapas and sangria!
Dukes 92
One of the busiest outdoor terraces in the city at the best of times will definitely be welcoming punters back on April 12th.
Home Sweet Home
Open for all your sweet treat needs including Milkshakes, Cocktails, Cakes, Pancakes, Burgers and everything in between.
Nibble NQ
The small cafe just outside Pop Boutique on Oldham Street serve up delicious brownies and brunch dishes.
Menagerie
The popular Instagram hang out spot will be swinging open the metaphorical doors of their terrace so you can enjoy some bubbly with your pals.

Finest Media
Mecanica
On the corner at the top of Oldham Street, Mecanica will be opening their outside area from April 30th for walk-ins.
The Rose & Monkey Hotel
This hidden terrace is perfect if you’re after a night tucked in the corner, putting the world to rights.
The Botanist MediaCity
The massive terrace outside the Botanist will be open serving up their lovely grub and fantastic selection of beers.
Oké Poké
One of the smallest terraces on the list – but at least it means you can enjoy some fresh poke!
VietShack
It looks like VietShack are opening up a brand new terrace on the new pavement on Great Ancoats Street just in time for April 12th. Perfect.

Finest Media
Eastern Bloc
The perfect sun trap in Stevenson Square and the one everyone flocks to when there is a glimmer of summer, Eastern Bloc will be up and running for April 12th.
Cocoa Cabana
Opening up with a couple of new tables out on the front so you can satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Seven Brothers Middlewood Locks
The new Seven Brothers will be opening up the veranda so you can enjoy a few cold ones in the new Middlewood Locks development.
Scene Indian Street Food
Down on Spinningfields, Scene has a huge terrace perfect for April 12th’s shenanigans.
You may like
-
Greggs launches new school breakfast clubs where pupils can eat a nutritious meal for free
-
Health expert calls for a full ban on supermarket meal deals
-
New Turtle Bay restaurant set to open in Salford Quays as plans submitted
-
M&S launch new Corgi and Jubilee Connie the Caterpillar cakes
-
New budget supermarket set to rival Aldi, Lidl and Asda is opening in the UK
-
Quality Street set to launch huge sharing chocolate bars
City Guides
The best places to enjoy a gin & tonic in Manchester this Easter weekend
The perfect excuse to indulge in a couple of gins this weekend…

Published
1 month agoon
April 12, 2022
The Easter weekend is coming up and the forecast is for warm sunny weather, which calls for one thing and one thing only; a definitive round up of the best spots to enjoy a G&T here in Manchester.
Now, it’s no secret that here in Manchester we’re spoiled for choice on where to enjoy a tipple or two. And, if gin is your tipple of choice, you certainly won’t be left wandering the streets aimlessly in search of that perfect drink.
So, without any further ado, here’s our favourite Mancunian spots to enjoy a gin & tonic…

@threelittlewordsmcr / Instagram
Three Little Words
Because of course Manchester Gin’s very own distillery and bar was going to make the ultimate G&T list. The venue, located down Watson Street, boasts its own distillery, meaning every last drop of Manchester Gin is made there and then on site.
The Spirit of Manchester Distillery also also gives guests the opportunity to make their very own gin, as well as learn the ins-and-outs of distilling.
On the actual drinking side of things, their bar boasts every variety Manchester Gin has to offer, including their new Oyster Gin, as well as a whole array of other gins from across the U.K and beyond.
Three Little Words, 2-13 Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP
threelittlewords.co.uk

@theatlasbar / Instagram
Atlas Bar
Found at the bottom of Deansgate, Atlas Bar is definitely one of the better known gin bars in the city. Boasting a massive collection of 560 gins – both local and global – guests are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting their tipple.
Atlas Bar also features a heated outdoor terrace, perfect for both summer evenings and those chillier winter nights.
Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY
atlasbarmanchester.com

The Old Bell Inn
The Old Bell Inn
A little bit further afield in the village of Delph, Oldham, stands The Old Bell Inn, which is an actual world record holder thanks to its vast collection of gin – all 1,100 of them.
You can’t compete with that, can you?
And, as well as it’s extensive gin offering, The Old Bell Inn is also well loved for its classic ‘countryside pub’ vibes and dazzling views of the Saddleworth Moor – the perfect place to sit back and relax with an ice cold G&T, if you ask me.
The Old Bell Inn, Huddersfield Road, Delph, Oldham OL3 5EG
www.theoldbellinn.co.uk

Seven Bro7hers
Seven Bro7hers
Yes, I’m well aware that I’ve included a taproom on this list but hear me out; the iconic Salfordian brewers have recently dabbled in the world of distillery by launching their very own gin brand, Sis4ers Distillery.
Their distillery has produced a number of different botanical blends with tasty flavours such as strawberry, lime and thyme, espresso and passionfruit.
Seven Bro7hers, 39 Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 5AF | Lockside Lane, Salford, M5 4YP
sevenbro7hers.com

@lonocove / Instagram
Lono Cove
Having only opened recently, the Northern Quarter’s newest tiki bar Lono Cove features two floors of ‘contemporary’ tiki fun, including treasure chest cocktails and an abundance of greenery… Oh, and plenty of gin.
While tiki bars are usually associated with rum (there’s plenty of that, too), Lono Cove boasts an impressive selection of gins that can be enjoyed with tonic or in their many cocktails.
Lono Cove, 14 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1DH
lonocove.com

@theblackfriarsalford / Instagram
The Black Friar
G&Ts taste better in a lush green beer garden, so of course The Black Friar had to make the list, with its stunning outdoor space.
The iconic Salford boozer recently reopened after eighteen years of no action and a massive transformation, and it is now the place to enjoy some gourmet pub grub and a couple of gins, either with tonic or in the form of a tasty cocktail.
The Blackfriar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB
theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/
City Guides
CITY GUIDE: The best rooftop bars Manchester has to offer
Who’d have thought rainy Manchester would have so many options?

Published
1 month agoon
April 12, 2022
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
City Guides
The best beer gardens in Manchester to enjoy in summer 2022
We’re spoiled for choice here in Manchester…

Published
2 months agoon
March 22, 2022
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

Band of Gold and Fat Friends creator Kay Mellor dies aged 71

N-Dubz are reuniting with new music and a huge Manchester gig

The Manchester Day Parade is BACK for the first time in two years

Championship footballer comes out and becomes only openly gay professional footballer in Britain

The Lion King musical is finally coming back to Manchester’s Palace Theatre this year
