Home to two of the most famous football teams, bands like Oasis and the legend that was the Hacienda. But it also boasts a great rooftop bar scene – one of which often winning awards. So lets discover 6 of Manchester’s best rooftop bars, which one will you be choosing for your next cocktail?
20 Stories Rooftop Bar
Best for: 🍾🍸
Location: In its own building (map)
View: All of Manchester
Vibe: Boujee and a bit tricky
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾 – just champagne
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Not on the terrace for drinks unless a party of 6+ but yes for the rooftop restaurant as it is covered
Children allowed? No it an over 21 venue
Dress code: Dress to impress!
Smoking allowed? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the rooftop bar
Rooftop review roundup: Winner of many awards, this is the London Maddison’s of Manchester. With fabulous views, vino and vibes it is a hugely popular spot in the city. As such it comes with a caveat on the weekends: Welcome to queuing. You can only book the outside rooftop if you are a party of 6 but for a quick drink, special occasion as a party two then get ready to stand in line. And it’s a long line. Which always bodes the fear of it being a pretentious experience. Happily the door staff were super friendly so the tone was being set and encouraged me to stick it out. Once in, the ambiance is captivating, with expansive views and high glass ‘walls’ shielding against the wind – I could see why it was so popular. There were so many different areas from sofas to high tables, perched at the bar or sat under a palm tree in a wicker chair, considering the queue there was so many options. Service was great and the vibe was spot on but I might try a week night next time to avoid having to queue.
Website: Click here
The Ivy Spinningfields Brasserie and Roof Garden
Best for: 🍸🍀🍾☘️🍽
Location: On their restaurant (map)
View: Some of Manchester
Vibe: Lively
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: The Ivy chain is infamous, varying in vibe with location. Not usually the biggest fan of them but one I liked – and not just due to being on a rooftop! The Saturday DJ is un intrusive yet creates good vibes . There’s three areas on top (and three floors of the restaurants!) All boast all full of floral foliage with even a flower wall greets you from the elevator. Staff are great and this is definitely one I’ll come back to.
Website: Click here
Atlas Bar
Best for: 🍾🍸😎
Location: Right next to Deansgate Station (map)
View: Nada
Vibe: Pub fun
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: A classic pub with a rooftop terrace that spills out from the bar. Good summer vibes, shared tables and relaxed fun, this is a staple Sunday afternoon drinking session stop! The the staff were really friendly and with over 570 gins on offer you will be back to try more!
Website: Click here
Elgato Negro Tapas
Best for: 🥘🍤
Location: On top of their restaurant- 3rd floor (map)
View: N/A
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price: Cava as Spanish 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Not for the rooftop
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? No there’s a retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: Great little tapas restaurant though I wouldn’t be coming for the rooftop. It’s pretty small and even booking it’s not guaranteed – there was a wedding reception on it when I came and they didn’t think to mention that when I booked – even requesting the rooftop! Still, it was a great little place, terrific tapas tucked away from the hustle and bustle, excellent service but double check the rooftop is available!
Website: Click here
Club Brass – guests only
Best for: 🍸🥃🍹
Location: On top of the Gotham Hotel (map)
Hotel guests only? Yes unless a member
View: Most of Manchester
Vibe: Chill & sexy
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No
Smoking allowed? On one of the 3 little rooftops!
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: Only for private members and hotel guests this bar oozes character though don’t be fooled by the hotel name – this isn’t a Batman and Robin themed bar. It does have a chic classic retro vibe though, more Cuban cigars and 1920s vibe inside. Each with their own little character of garden to gin with sofas and music from the bar to sooth away the day! Perfect for a pre dinner chill in the sunshine if you are staying.
Website: Click here
Kings Street Townhouse – guests only
Best for: 🍸💧
Location: On top of the hotel
Hotel Guests only? Yes
View: Currently a lot of scaffolding but Manchester
Dress code: 👠👚👙
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price:🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? No there’s a retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: A famous rooftop mainly for its ‘pool’ which as I wasn’t staying and didn’t have a slot booked meant no photos of that. And the pool is more a plunge pool size, but yes the photos out of it are impressive and a reason to stay though this is not a cheap stay and if you do, you still have to then book yourself a slot or there’s no room at the pool! The rooftop is hired out a lot too so if you stay here for it, do check there isn’t a private function on as that seems to be it’s primary use. .
Website: Click here
