Manchester is home to a growing rooftop bar scene, not just famous football teams, bands like Oasis and the legend that was the Hacienda. This guide brings together six of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, based on real visits and hands-on experience, focusing on atmosphere, views, and what each venue is actually like. So if you’re planning a night out or a special occasion, here are my top rooftop picks in Manchester, which one will you choose for your next cocktail? (Page last updated 2026)
Discover the right rooftop bar in Manchester for you
20 Stories Rooftop Terrace Bar
Best for: 🍾🍸
Location: In its own building (map)
View: All of Manchester
Vibe: Boujee
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 but it is not outside
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 2026)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the rooftop bar
Rooftop review roundup: Winner of multiple awards, 20 Stories is Manchester’s answer to London’s Madison Rooftop Bar – with fabulous views, a great atmosphere, and the price tag to match!
As I approached the entrance, I spotted a long queue winding around the building and my heart sank. You can only book the outdoor rooftop terrace if you’re a group of six or more, so if you’re visiting for drinks as a couple, a special occasion, or just fancy a spontaneous cocktail, be prepared to queue. And this was on a Saturday night… it was a long one. I’m not a queuer. My neurosparkly brain gets anxious in crowds, but the door team were so friendly and encouraging that I decided to stick it out. Once inside, I was really glad I had.
The atmosphere is captivating, with expansive skyline views and high glass screens helping to shelter the terrace from the wind. I could immediately see why it’s so popular. Despite the queue outside, there were plenty of different areas to choose from – comfortable sofas, high tables, bar seating, and even wicker chairs tucked beneath palm trees – giving the rooftop a variety of spaces to suit different moods.
The service was excellent, the vibe was spot on, and I’d happily return. Next time, though, I think I’ll visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend queue or find more friends to make it up to six!
Website: Click here
The Ivy on the Roof, Manchester
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 2026)
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: The Ivy is one of the UK’s most popular restaurant and bar chains, with each location having its own personality. Some I love, some not so much, but The Ivy Manchester Brasserie immediately won me over – and not just because it has a rooftop.
As soon as the lift doors opened, it felt like I’d stepped straight into summer. Not knowing which side to choose, I made sure I experienced both! I visited solo and, although the team had no idea why I was really there, they made me feel genuinely welcome. Summer 2026, the rooftop has been transformed from The Ivy’s classic floral style (as seen in my photos) to a richer palette of deep greens and honey tones, creating a vibrant new setting to complement the latest menu. I already know I’ll be back. The Forbidden Margarita alone is tempting me to head north again!
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 2026)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: A classic pub with a rooftop terrace that spills out from the bar. Whilst not claiming rooftop status, I have granted it as it fits the criteria for Where’s the Rooftop! Good summer vibes, shared tables and relaxed fun, the elevated feeling at a decent price point! I found the staff friendly and warm and could happily have stayed all day. This is a staple Sunday afternoon drinking session destination but with over 570 gins on offer – that’s more than one to try every day of the year!
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 2026)
Warm/dry weather only? No there’s a retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: Elgato Negro Tapas is a terrific little tapas restaurant but I wouldn’t make a special visit for the rooftop. Albeit how cute it is. You can’t book it and is often used for private hire. Usually I would suggest to book a table, request the rooftop and follow up with an email. All of which I did and then arrived to find there was a wedding reception on! I was disappointed they didn’t mention that when I booked especially when I requested 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 by phone!
Website: Click here
The Rex and Club Brass Rooftop
Best for: 🍸🥃🍹
Location: On top of the formerly named Gotham Hotel now Rex Hotel (map)
Hotel guests only? No – this is a change with the new hotel
View: Most of Manchester
Vibe: Chill & sexy
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? On one of the 3 little rooftops!
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2026)
Warm/dry weather only? No – there is an indoor area too
Rooftop review roundup: The Rex and Club Brass was a private members when it was under the Gotham hotel but it is now rebranded and is open to all! This rooftop bar oozes character with 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.
The Rex and Club Brass Rooftop Website
Kings Street Townhouse 6th Floor Terrace
Best for: 🍸💧
Location: On top of the hotel
Hotel Guests only? No
View: Manchester
Dress code: 👠👚👙
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price:🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info updated 2026)
Warm/dry weather only? No as there’s a retractable roof
Rooftop review roundup: Kings Street Townhouse 6th Floor Terrace (previously only open to hotel guests and private hire) is a great spot for a quiet catch up on their small but sunny space. Lazy lounge vibes I found myself wanting to have a little rooftop rest for longer than my schedule allowed! So you have been warned! My other warning would be to contact to the hotel to check they don’t have the terrace booked out as it is often used for events.
King Street Townhouse is actually probably best known for it’s rooftop infinity pool. As I wasn’t staying at the hotel I wasn’t able to access the rooftop itself, although the team kindly showed me the pool area. It was smaller than I’d expected – more of a plunge pool than a swimming pool and big reason many people choose to stay here as you can’t access unless staying.
Website: Click here
