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Fancy a drink and want to up your game? Then these amazing rooftop bars in Manchester will be perfect for you!
While we all know that Manchester has some serious NYC vibes, it’s true that we don’t have as many rooftop bars as the Big Apple.
That having been said, there are still quite a few that are worth checking out.
In this article, I tell you everything you need to know about the best rooftop bars in Manchester, where they are located and what they offer.
1. 20 Stories
20 Stories is one of the ultimate rooftop bars in Manchester.
Located on the 19th floor of the No.1 Spinningfields building on Hardman Street, this is a super sophisticated place for lunch, dinner or just the bar.
This rooftop restaurant has its own rooftop terrace.
The terrace isn’t just any terrace, it comes with 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline.
A variety of seating, real trees and large umbrellas fill the terrace area, providing you with an excellent place to enjoy a date or drinks with friends.
They have an extensive Aperol Spritz cocktail menu, a pleasing wine list and a traditional bar menu.
Some of their exquisite house cocktails include “Mint that”, a unique blend that tastes like a mix of mint choc chip ice cream and rum and many more tantalising temptations.
If you are thinking 20 Stories rooftop terrace is just for summer then you’d be wrong, as it’s open year-round with the addition of heaters and blankets in the colder months.
2. Cloud 23
You will find Cloud 23 at The Hilton Manchester in Deansgate.
The hotel is housed within the iconic Beetham Tower, and their cocktail bar is on the 23rd floor.
It is worth going to Cloud 23 for the views alone but once you mix that in with a couple of excellent cocktails, visiting this rooftop bar really is a no brainer.
Whether you are searching for a fancy place to impress your date or somewhere to go for celebratory drinks, Cloud 23 is the place to be.
Cloud 23 offers a wonderful seven course tasting menu if you are thinking of staying for food.
If you just visit for drinks then try one of their signature cocktails, a glass of Champagne and how about some delectable nibbles?
Cloud 23 is filled with the gentle buzz of chatter and laughter as people unwind and relax whilst looking at the city’s skyscrapers.
3. BrickHouse Social
For one of the best roof terraces in Manchester try BrickHouse Social.
This gastropub and bar are on New Wakefield Street and overlooks Manchester’s Oxford Road.
If you want to escape Manchester life, then BrickHouse Social will transport you to New York City.
This place is an all-around good bar as it’s good for a bit of everything.
There are three floors of space to socialise in but one of the highlights has got to be the rooftop terrace.
There’s plenty of shade but also many areas to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Whether you are planning on visiting with mates after work or enjoy a relaxing day time drink BrickHouse Social is a top spot.
Their taproom is the beating heart of the whole place.
They have eight beer taps on rotation so be sure to try their new flavours.
For cocktails, they serve classics like Long Island Iced Tea and Pornstar Martini’s as well as tins, beers and cans.
4. Honest Burgers
You may not expect a rooftop terrace from Honest Burgers, but there is one, and it’s an excellent spot to people watch and enjoy the hubbub of Manchester life.
Honest Burgers is on Bridge Street in Spinningfields just three minutes’ walk from the John Rylands Library.
You would visit Honest Burgers whether there was a terrace or not, but it just so happens they do excellent burgers with a view!
Honest Burgers have joined together with Runaway Brewery to open a little terrace with ice cold beers all year round.
Their 100% British beef patties and vegan, vegetarian and chicken alternatives keep the crowds rolling in.
Whilst you are there be sure to choose one of their local beers, their sweet cocktails or some refreshing homemade lemonade.
5. YES
YES, is a vibrant music venue and it is also home to one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester.
You will find this venue on Charles Street right around the corner from Manchester Oxford Road.
The four-floor venue is a top spot for live music, but the terrace is an excellent space for relaxing drinks with friends.
You could feel like you are near the sea on this rooftop terrace.
When you peer down onto the streets below you will find the bustle and charm of Manchester.
The colour scheme features pleasant turquoise tones, and the exposed beams are a pleasant addition.
There’s plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas in case it gets warm.
Order some of their pizza or their vegan kebabs and a beer and relax.
They pride themselves on their cheap pints and fancy drinks so there really is something for everyone.
6. Terrace NQ
For rooftop bars in Manchester city centre head to Terrace NQ on Thomas Street in Northern Quarter.
The clue is in the name! This is one of the best roof terraces in Manchester.
This place has a real stripped back kind of feel and lets the atmosphere speak for itself.
From bar stool seating to large tables there’s a nook for everyone at Terrace NQ.
There’s actually not one but three terraces all sporting an industrial chic vibe and leafy finishes.
Terrace NQ caters to everyone. There’s a fantastic new range of alcohol-free classic cocktails like “Non-Star Martini” and the “Strawberry and Cucumber Nojito”.
They also have an awesome selection of craft beer and real ale.
If you are feeling peckish you can order their awesome pizzas.
For the colder months you can begin to order their popular mulled wine for the perfect winter pick me up.
7. The Ivy
The Ivy is one of the swankiest joints in Manchester.
You will find this restaurant and bar at The Pavilion on Byrom Street in Spinningfields.
On the top of this Spinningfields location is the Ivy Roof Garden.
The rooftop restaurant and bar are open in all-weather (and all-weather is something you can certainly expect from Manchester) owing to a retractable roof.
The decor feels highly stylish and decadent. Colour seating, a pink gemstone bar and greenery make for a wonderful aesthetic.
This is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester city centre as it also features a resident DJ.
They serve modern British classics from their Brasserie menu.
With two relaxing bar areas The Ivy rooftop terrace is an excellent place to enjoy one of their delicious cocktails.
You can also reserve the terrace for private events for up to 50 guests.
8. King Street Townhouse
One of the most superb hotels in the city is King Street Townhouse which also happens to have one of the best bars with a view in Manchester.
Despite the name, this four-star townhouse hotel is actually on Booth Street, just two minutes’ walk from the Manchester Art Gallery.
The south facing terrace at King Street Townhouse has plenty of squishy seating where you can kick back and enjoy the view of the city.
If rooftop bars weren’t enough this hotel also has an infinity pool which looks out over the Kimpton Clocktower.
If you plan on visiting for food, you will want to call ahead and make a reservation as this place is pretty popular.
Their bar is always alive with conversation. They serve an array of drinks from Champagne to signature cocktails, an extensive wine list and beers and ciders they’ve got so much to choose from.
9. El Gato Negro
El Gato Negro is a Spanish tapas restaurant on King Street in central Manchester.
This award-winning tapas restaurant is a wonderful place to go for amazing food and a drink on the terrace.
This restaurant has three floors. There’s al fresco pavement dining and an indoor dining space, a middle floor restaurant where you can find the chef’s table and the open kitchen.
Finally, there’s the top floor which has a terrace with a retractable roof.
Being a Spanish restaurant, El Gato Negro is known for its superb wines.
They have worked with a Master of Wine to source the best wines from independent producers.
As well as wine, there is also a wide selection of artisanal craft spirits that are used in their house cocktails.
There are also beers, ciders, spirits, sodas and mocktails.
El Gato Negro brings a touch of Spain to the streets of Manchester and the atmosphere of a friendly upbeat Spanish restaurant.
10. Atlas Bar
Atlas Bar is right by Deansgate train station and the Bridgewater Canal.
This award-winning bar has been pleasing locals and visitors for more than two decades.
The whole place is chic and modern, and it is home to one of the best Manchester rooftop bars.
The south facing terrace is a wonderful spot in summer but there are also heaters so you can comfortably sit up there in winter as well.
Atlas Bar is one of the most underrated bars in the city and the atmosphere will soon take you away from Manchester life.
If you are a gin aficionado then Atlas Bar is the place to be.
At Atlas Bar you can enjoy more than 570 different gins (at the last count), it’s a crazy collection so it may take a while to find your favourite one!
Alongside gins they also serve a wide variety of food as well as a delicious weekend bottomless brunch.
11. Club Brass at Hotel Gotham
Hotel Gotham is a 5-star hotel on King Street. You will find Club Brass on the rooftop of Hotel Gotham.
This is definitely one of the swankiest and best rooftop bars in Manchester.
This exclusive, high-end establishment has a rooftop bar and a VIP lounge.
This is actually a private rooftop bar with entry only for members and Gotham guests.
Always buzzing with people at the weekend this place has been known to host celebrities as well as top business tycoons.
The rooftop terrace looks out over and along King Street as well as into the city centre.
If you have a little bit of cash to splash and want a luxurious rooftop bar experience this is the place to be.
For drinks they have pretty much everything as you may expect.
Their specialty cocktails are particularly popular, and you can never go wrong with a glass of champagne at such a fancy venue.
12. Brewdog DogHouse
Head to Fountain Street and you will find another of the best bars with a view in Manchester.
Brewdog DogHouse is a hotel in the heart of the city and has it all.
Fantastic food, beer taps in the room and a rooftop bar.
This place is laid back yet buzzing with life – exactly the right combination for a brewery bar.
With views out onto the street below and into the city if you can have a seat by the balcony there’s plenty of things to watch.
Alongside 30 taps of amazing craft beer they serve up burgers, wings and salad.
They also host a Wings Wednesday night where they showcase some of their favourite guest breweries.
They also of course show off their BrewDogs own craft beer as well as a heavenly selection of frozen margaritas.
Whether you are chilling with mates on an evening or looking for a day drinking spot Brewdog DogHouse is an excellent rooftop bar to head to.
13. Ape and Apple
The Ape and Apple is a British pub on John Dalton Street in the city centre just a short walk from Deansgate.
This modern pub is a lovely place to destress with friends and the drinks are well priced too.
The place has all the charm of a traditional pub, but the modern seating and touches make for a trendier vibe.
There’s plenty of places to sit but many people like to head up to the rooftop terrace.
The roof terrace is also one of the most spacious in Manchester so it’s great to try your luck there on a busy summer’s day or in the evening.
The place is often buzzing as it hosts many live music nights and also a free comedy club on Wednesday’s.
They stock a wide variety of fantastic ales including the locally made Chorlton Pale Ale and the Manchester Brown Ale.
14. Lower Turks Head
Another of the best rooftop bars in Manchester city centre is Lower Turks Head.
You will find this traditional 18th century pub at 36 Shudehill right in the Northern Quarter.
The pub actually dates back to 1745, is rich in history and has an abundance of charm and characters.
It’s definitely a local haunt and gets super busy at the weekend.
They are all about the locally brewed beer at Lower Turks Head.
They have 30 keg taps and 12 cask pumps serving beers like Chorlton Pale Ale and Joseph Holt Bitter.
Their brewery is less than a mile from Lower Turks Head so you just know the beer will taste good!
There’s an outdoor heated terrace which is ideal for summer days or indeed in the winter months.
With all the live sports on the TV’s and good beer, they’ve got everything you are looking for in an excellent traditional British pub.
15. The Sky Lounge at Doubletree
The Sky Lounge is the penthouse space at the Doubletree hotel by Hilton.
You will find this hotel and the Sky Lounge at number 1 Piccadilly on Auburn Street.
Its location on Piccadilly means that it’s one of the best roof terraces in Manchester.
You can see many of the iconic Manchester landmarks and watch as the switches on its lights.
This is a lovely space to visit for a corporate event, to celebrate a birthday or just to go for some upmarket drinks.
You can also rent out Sky Lounge for private events that are bound to impress.
They have an eclectic range of cocktails, beers and spirits as well as British and European cuisine.
16. Tre Ciccio
Tre Ciccio is on Moss Lane in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. This is another lovely space if you are wanting an outdoor terrace experience.
If you aren’t based in southern Manchester, you can also check out their Ramsbottom restaurant.
Tre Ciccio is a southern Italian restaurant that serves up some mighty fine food.
It’s an excellent place to visit for lunch or in the evening, and it’s certainly a must-visit if you are searching for alfresco dining.
Their terrace space is surrounded by greenery and plants and there are super comfy booths to sit at.
As this place can become quite busy it is always best to reserve your seat on the terrace to avoid disappointment.
Whilst pizza is definitely recommended, Tre Ciccio has an excellent selection of wines, classic cocktails and prosecco and champagne.
17. Big Hands
Another of the best rooftop bars in Manchester city centre is Big Hands.
You will want to head to Oxford Street to find this bar.
As it is located just up the road from the Manchester Academy it has become known as a good pre- or post-show drinking venue.
It is also known as a place where artists hang out, so keep your eyes peeled.
Their outdoor terrace is filled with plants, hanging baskets and does feel a bit shabby but in a chic way.
The roof garden is beloved by regulars, and it’s even heated in winter.
The rest of the space at Big Hands might be small but they make up for it in their delectable range of drinks.
Whether it’s your favourite beer or whiskey they are bound to stock it or find you an excellent new one to try.
Unlike many other bars that have come and gone in the city Big Hands has stood the test of time and it is always a good time.
18. Deansgate Tavern
The Deansgate Tavern or just The Deansgate is a popular and iconic Manchester pub.
Located at the southern end of Deansgate, close to the Bridgewater Canal you will find this is an atmospheric place to enjoy a rooftop bar experience.
They reopened in 2022 after extensive renovations to bring you a better socialising space.
They added a third floor and a terrace space to provide plenty more spots to drink.
The Deansgate actually started its life in the 19th century and the pub still has many nods to the original venue.
This is a top venue to watch all your favourite sports whilst enjoying some top drinks.
They have an extensive list of red and white wines as well as spritz and their amazing signature serves like the Mango Picante and the Caramel Apple and vanilla rum Cherry Bakewell.
19. Old Nags Head
Head to Jackson’s Row, just off Deansgate and you will find the Old Nags Head.
This pub has been standing in the same place since the 1800s.
This place is wonderful as it’s a complete antitheist to much of its more modern surroundings.
Whilst it’s super atmospheric inside the pub another fantastic space to drink is at their rooftop beer garden.
The pub is certainly affiliated to Manchester United (though City supporters are welcome too) as there’s even some murals on the wall overlooking the terrace.
You can sit with your favourite pint and your mates and enjoy a traditional Manchester establishment.
20. Climat
Another superb Manchester rooftop bar is Climat. You will find Climat at the Blackfriars House St Marys.
This restaurant is in a lovely location next to Blackfriars Bridge and overlooking the River Irwell.
This lovely restaurant/ bar is the place to go if you love wine.
They will keep any wine lover happy with a list of more than 400 wines with a particular focus on Burgundy’s.
As well as Burgundy they have a comprehensive list of grape varieties from all over the globe.
Though wine is the main draw there are of course beers, bottles and specialty cocktails.
The outdoor terrace features plenty of greenery in the form of flower beds.
The views of Manchester are extremely impressive from the top of Climat.
Skyscrapers dominate the landscape, and it’s fun watching the city turn from day to night.
Climat is a lovely place for a wine date with the girls or a sophisticated place to go with work colleagues or even to celebrate a wine lover’s birthday.
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