The best rooftop bars in Manchester

There’s rooftops, and then there’s rooftops that are twenty floors up. 20 Stories, which sits at the top of the impressive No.1 Spinningfields, is a bar and restaurant with a modern British menu. So whether it’s a fancy roast dinner you’re after, afternoon tea or just drinks, this is a seriously impressive choice. Bask in the sun on the stylish terrace surrounded by plants and outdoor fireplaces. Plus they really aren’t joking when they say this is one of the best views of town in, er, town.

Under new management and fresh off the back of a nearly half a million pound renovation, The Ape & Apple is the city centre pub you ought to have on your radar. And central it is, located between Spinningfields and Albert Square on John Dalton Street. It’s full of original features as well as some very fetching modern finishes, like a brand new marble bar. There’s a compact roof terrace too, which gets plenty of sun throughout the day. New management are responsible for popular smash burger enterprise That Burger Thing, so you’re all set.

Oh the stories this place could tell. A go-to city centre spot for over 25 years, it sits at the foot of Deansgate like a proud elder statesman of the Manchester bar scene. For the sake of accuracy, Atlas’ terrace isn’t actually on the roof of the bar – more like round the back. It is definitely above the ground though, so it’s here on this list. With a choice of over 300 gins to try out, Atlas is easily one of the most desirable locations in Manchester when the sun comes out.

A relative newcomer to the roof terrace scene, The Beeswing sits above Kampus, making it an ideal place to watch the comings and goings of the square from a cool distance. This Mediterranean bar and restaurant has a carefully considered wine list, loads of spritzes and seasonal cocktails. Their food offering includes a not-strictly-Spanish tapas menu devised in part by Baratxuri, meaning pintxos, hummus, padron peppers, lamb koftas and plates of Iberican meat. So, exactly what you want to be eating on a sun-soaked terrace then.

At the confluence of gig-goers and thirsty students, Big Hands is the actual dive bar that inspired a hundred dive-themed bars. It’s moody and low lit, with neon, photos, eclectic furniture and a ‘more is more’ attitude to interior design. The ground floor plays host to loads of live gigs and vinyl DJ sets, but when you emerge from its dark underbelly there’s a surprisingly expansive roof terrace to enjoy. Split over a couple of levels and with an absolutely fantastic view of the Oxford Road corridor, it’s a truly unmatched location to enjoy a fizzy lager.

Chotto Matte leads with its Nikkei dining concept, but the roof terrace is the standout. Perched atop No.1 St Michael’s, the all-season space pairs sweeping city views with a vibrant, sociable atmosphere that evolves from day into night. Guests can drift between terrace drinks and the main dining room, where sushi, ceviche and robata dishes bring bold Japanese-Peruvian flavours. As evening progresses, cocktails and music take over, making the terrace a natural meeting place.

Despite the The Con Club occupying some premium Altrincham real estate across from the ever-popular Altrincham Market House, it seems still not everyone knows about their little oasis of a roof garden. It’s small but mighty, and the perfect spot to enjoy anything from a spritz to seafood to a Sunday roast.

Climat is the epitome of cool modern dining. Located on the eighth floor of Blackfriars House just off Parsonage Gardens, it’s not really like anything else in Manchester. The menu is all about the intriguing plates of food both small and large, and they describe themselves as ‘wine-led’. This is quite the understatement as their ‘cellar’ is an integral part of the restaurant space. But it’s all happening out on that terrace – sip on vintages sourced from small growers while overlooking an unforgettable view of the city skyline. 

El Gato Negro, the ultra stylish tapas place on King Street, is split across three floors. There’s casual charcuterie dining on the ground floor and the restaurant proper on the first floor, but it’s up on the (hopefully) sun-soaked roof where things get seriously Spanish. These culinary cats are known for their tapas: usual suspects at the top of their game alongside more contemporary creations. Grab a coveted spot in the sun and peruse the cocktail menu while looking over the hustle and bustle of King Street.

It’s undeniable that the name The Ivy has a lot of clout, and the Manchester iteration of the iconic collection of restaurants – the first of which opened in London’s West End in 1917, don’t you know – has a roof garden which will certainly impress. The retractable roof means it’s good for all seasons. Surrounded by lush decor you can enjoy food from the brasserie menu and an extensive drinks menu packed with local spirits and beers, as well as specially crafted cocktails.

Here’s one you probably haven’t thought of. The south-facing rooftop bar at Junkyard Golf gets sunshine all day and its own dedicated outdoor bar, so there’s no need to head back downstairs every time you fancy another drink. There’s a separate cocktail and slushy menu up on the terrace, while inside you can still grab all the Junkyard favourites, from frozen margaritas to the bubblegum-flavoured Fizz Pop topped with popping candy. Golfing not necessary to participate, but is highly encouraged.

This one is a little more exclusive. In Manchester, King Street is synonymous with the finer things in life, and the people at King Street Townhouse have really understood the brief. This terrace is south-facing, meaning it is drenched in as much sunlight as the Manchester skies offer us. The view is impeccable too – we dare you not to Instagram it. While the terrace is usually reserved for guests only, it is occasionally opened up to the public. Grab a spot, if you can.

No roundup of roof-based boozing in Manchester would be complete without a nod to the Lower Turks Head. A Shudehill institution with old school character for days and a whopping 30 keg taps and 12 cask pumps. If you know about their roof terrace, then you know it’s a perfectly pint-sized sun trap for unpretentious local ales. 

With stunning views of Altrincham’s majestic transport interchange, Nell’s Altrincham isn’t quite convincing as NYC (the place that inspires their distinctive pizzas), but it’s making the absolute most of what its got nonetheless. The roof terrace of their Alty outpost is vast, and a bona fide sun trap too. Grab yourself a spot on one of their distinctive orange benches, order in some of their signature 22″ ultra-crispy slices, and you have yourself an idyllic afternoon.

High above the city bustle Reserve at The Rex occupies a space that has long been considered one of Manchester’s most striking vantage points. Perched atop the hulk of a building formerly known as The Gotham, this rooftop is the setting for the hotel’s plushly appointed members’ bar. You can enjoy small plates, cocktails and, of course, sweeping views. It’s open to members and guests only, but one to consider if you want to make an impression.

The private members’ club that prides itself on providing everything effortlessly under one roof, they’ve also got a lot going on on top of said roof. The final phase of Soho House Manchester to be unveiled was its roof top bar, complete with swimming pool. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself up there by you’ll find an al fresco pool space complete with distinctive orange sun loungers and a dedicated bar.

Located on the roof of Malmaison Deansgate – which is confusingly located on Albert Square – Sora is a sushi and cocktail bars with views as good as you’d expect. They offer an array of your usual sushi rolls, as well as Japanese-inspired small plates. It’s great for a post-work drink or an afternoon bite to eat in the heart of the city, but out of the chaos.

Terrace NQ know exactly what their USP is. With entrances on both Edge Street and Thomas Street, they straddle two of the buzziest streets in the Northern Quarter, making it a mighty contender in the rooftop bar game. Downstairs it’s all craft beers, cocktails and low lighting. Head upstairs though and it opens up into a super cool, leafy outdoor space with heaps of seating. No views up here, it’s a hidden spot, but the atmosphere makes up for that in spades.

Tre Ciccio (which playfully translates as ‘three chubby pals’) is a slick Italian joint with locations in Altrincham, Ramsbottom and Glossop. Their Neapolitan pizza is some of the best around, and their roast chicken dishes are outrageously satisfying. When the sun is shining you can enjoy it all accompanied with a limoncello spritz while basking on one of their terraces with nifty retractable roofs (Alty and Ramsbottom only – sorry Glossop!)

YES is known for being a one stop shop for everything eating, drinking and live music. Set over four floors in an iconic red brick Victorian building on Charles Street, it’s their roof terrace that’s the showstopper. A favourite with students and an alternative music crowd, the vibe is cool-but-approachable. The views are good, and despite being able to kid yourself you’re in NYC with all that exposed brickwork, the pints and cocktails are officially reasonably priced. When it comes to summer hang outs, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.