12 Of The Best Outdoor Bars In Manchester

6 August 2025

There’s few things as satisfying as a cold drink on a hot day sat under the sun at an outdoor bar. Manchester has more than its fair share of great places to grab a drink outside, with areas like Stevenson Square buzzing with activity in the summer months. Whether you’re relaxing on the weekend or heading for an after-work drink, here are our top picks of the best outdoor bars in Manchester.

1. The Oast House

Ask anyone local about Manchester outdoor bars and The Oast House will always come up. Famous for its rustic charm and lively atmosphere, the vibrant outdoor seating area is a standout feature with plenty of space to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Spinningfields. There’s a regular line-up of live music, as well as a delicious menu if you’re after more than a drink.

Where: The Oast House, The Avenue, Courtyard, Manchester M3 3AY

2. The Wharf

Nestled along the picturesque Bridgewater Canal, The Wharf restaurant and bar comes with a huge outdoor area that’s perfect for laid-back afternoons and after-work tipples. There’s ample space indoors too should the Manchester weather take a turn. Nearby Dukes 92 is another popular outdoor bar in Manchester, but The Wharf has the bonus of being family friendly if you want to take the kids too. The scenic views, decent drinks menu and friendly atmosphere are why we’ve put it near the top of the list.

Where: The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST

3. Atlas Bar

A Deansgate stalwart, Atlas Bar, is practically as synonymous with Manchester as the Haçienda and Oasis. Best known for its vast gin selection, there’s over 570 varieties, so if you’re a gin lover, it’s definitely up there as one of the best outdoor bars in Manchester. The beer garden is at the back of the bar, and partially covered for any wet afternoons, and soothing tunes finish off the laid-back vibe - perfect after a day in the office.

Where: Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY

4. Freight Island

Since its inception in 2020, Freight Island has easily become one of the most heavily frequented outdoor bars. Manchester Piccadilly train station or tram stop are just a quick walk away, making it incredibly easy to get to. Its mix of vendors includes street food stands, cocktail joints and beer bars, so every base is covered. You can even pour your own Guinness if you want to save the bar staff some time. The outdoor seating ranges from bar tables and booths to stadium-style, and there’s often live music and always a brilliant mix of people.

Where: Freight Island, Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ

5. Rain Bar

Somewhat unassuming from the outside, Rain Bar has a fabulous beer garden hidden away behind its flat-fronted exterior. Set right on the canal, it’s a charming spot to grab a post-work pint and bask in the elusive Mancunian sun.

Rain Bar is beloved amongst locals thanks to its laid-back atmosphere amidst the thrum of the bustling city. The bar is renowned for its warm hospitality, wide selection of beverages and friendly faces. Rain Bar embodies everything wonderful about Manchester's pub culture, whether you’re just stopping by for a drink or spending a few hours shooting the breeze.

Where: Rain Bar, 80 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JG

6. Terrace Bar

Right in the middle of the Northern Quarter, you’ll find Terrace. As the name suggests, it’s not just one of the best outdoor bars in Manchester, but also a roof terrace for those who like their drinks served with a side of skyline. The feel is very urban, with wooden decking and industrial decor, and you can expect the usual menu of beers, wines and cocktails. If you’re in for the long haul, Terrace comes to life after hours with an always-excellent selection of DJs getting people off their bar stools.

Thomas Street is home to outdoor seating, so if Terrace is full, you’re sure to find seating outside Cane and Grain, The Bay Horse Tavern, or even the Smithfield Social.

Where: Terrace NQ, 43 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA

7. The Crown and Kettle

A list of outdoor bars in Manchester wouldn’t be complete without a good old pub. The Crown and Kettle is a historic tavern with a unique interior, and a ceiling that needs to be seen. Known for its authentic British charm, it's located handily between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, and has both indoor and outdoor seating, good pub grub and a well-poured pint.

Where: The Crown and Kettle, 2 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5FE

8. Ramona

If you like frozen margaritas, pizza and tater tots, Ramona is the place for you. The menu is small in comparison to some other outdoor bars in Manchester, but that’s part of the appeal. Ramona does what it does, and it does it well. Pared-back decor, strings of fairylights and a mix of live music make it easy to spend hours here. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, their sister bar, Firehouse, is immediately next door and brings you live dancers and house beats until late.

Where: Ramona and Firehouse, 40 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JG

9. Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

In the heart of Manchester, next to the Corn Exchange, sits Sinclair’s Oyster Bar. Its history can be traced as far back as 1720, with the bar offering a charismatic glimpse into the city's vibrant past. In fact, so traditional is this iconic establishment that it doesn’t even have a website. Renowned not just for its historic appeal but also its high-spirited atmosphere and down-to-earth approach, the expansive outdoor seating area lets you take in the buzz of the city and is a perfect place for people watching with a wine or a beer.

Where: Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, 2 Cathedral Gates, Manchester M3 1SW

10. Ducie Street Warehouse

Ducie Street Warehouse is a massive space that delivers on all fronts, even though it may not be the most obvious of choices when it comes to outdoor bars. Manchester, as we know, isn’t always blessed with great weather, and Ducie Street is a top place to go when you want to enjoy the sun but your weather app is threatening rain. Sit outside on the simple terrace with an Aperol, enjoy brunch on the weekends, or lounge on one of the indoor sofas with a craft beer while you listen to one of the many resident DJs. If the weather does change while you're outside, you can easily move indoors and work your way through the imaginative cocktail menu.

Where: Ducie Street Warehouse, Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP

11. The Stables Tavern

Very new on the Manchester outdoor bar scene, The Stables Tavern gives you ten rotational beer lines serving local brews and long-time favourites. They also do a mean sausage roll and staff greet you with a bowl of crisps. There are benches, bar tables and tons of standing space outside, while the building itself is worth a visit to take in the historic Manchester architecture that’s been lovingly refurbished. Located between Spinningfields and St Johns, The Stables Tavern is that perfect balance of old fashioned boozer with modern touches and Mancunian warmth.

Where: The Stables Tavern, Grape Street, St Johns House, Manchester M3 4AP

12. Diecast

Manchester’s biggest beer garden is the perfect destination for anyone who loves a frozen daiquiri and an electric atmosphere. Diecast offers an eclectic blend of experiences, from quick and simple pitstops to grab a slice of pizza and a lemonade, to all-out party vibes and live entertainment. The outdoor area is a lively sun trap during the summer and a tinsel-covered wonderland in winter. You can even hire a caravan for your private events if you want to add a whimsical touch to your day or evening out.

Diecast are a Colony Card member where you can get exclusive discounts!

Where: Diecast, 51 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JQ

Heading to the bar after work?

An after-work drink is always welcome, whether it’s for a team debrief or to let off steam after a day of meetings. Colony is a network of coworking offices based across Manchester city centre, in some of the most popular locations. As well as being a dynamic place to work, whether from your own private office or at one of our floating desks, we’re also close to all the best outdoor bars in Manchester so you can work, drink and play in the heart of the city.

Contact us to find out more about our coworking memberships.