Manchester's 5 best rooftop bars

Craft beer in hand, you’re going to want to take your time exploring YES’s four floors. A creative safe haven for music discovery, you’ll discover a different vibe on every floor - with a chilled-out vibe in the afternoons and ticketed live music by sundown.

The roof terrace has been cut out of the original roof and rocks a suitably industrial vibe. Sloth in amongst the ivy, under the original roof frame, opened up to the sky, it’s a lively spot on a summer evening. You never have to leave (well, not before closing time). When you get peckish, YES has you covered with a changing roster of independent food stalls serving proper food. Think pizza or vegan junk food.

Hire out the Pink Room or get in touch to enquire about exclusive use of the rooftop bar.

What else would you expect from a bar that’s called itself ‘Terrace’? Heading up the Northern Quarter as one of the new cool kids on the block, Terrace NQ is a hidden outdoor space for every season.

Stepping out onto the roof, you’ll soak in the reclaimed industrial vibes and classic Manchester red brick, with only a few neighbouring tables in the intimate space. Beer garden brollies keep you cool and dry, and strings of unshaded lightbulbs take you into the darker evenings.

Alongside the usuals, they have a thoughtfully seasonal menu of cocktails and mocktails, plus limited edition beers. Tropical summer tastes give way to warming flavours for the colder months. We particularly enjoyed the sloe gin Prickly Martinis… And when cocktails aren’t enough, table service food from the popup chicken shack will keep you going.

Contact the management to enquire about private hire.

The first thing that strikes you when you enter 20 Stories is the sweeping view overlooking the Town Hall and the Central Library. The second thing you need to know is that there’s not just one, but two Champagne menus. Stay calm, this is a classy place.

Out on the Nyetimber Terrace - basically Manchester’s ultimate rooftop - you can accompany your drinks (fizz, let’s be honest) with a couple of small plates from the globally-inspired menu. The soft-shell crab with sriracha mayo is something out of the ordinary.

20 Stories are well set up for event venue hire. Roof terrace tables are bookable for groups of 6 or more. Downstairs, the private dining room seats 18, and large parties of up to 60 can be accommodated in the main restaurant.

Perched high up in the Beetham Tower, nestled amongst the city centre’s skyscrapers, Cloud 23 affords panoramic views of the skyline. Stay cosy inside, enjoying the Manchester weather from behind the safety of the floor-to-ceiling windows, or step out onto the terrace.

With the full force of the experienced Hilton staff behind you, you can hire out the room and terrace and put on anything from a board meeting with a view for 24, a wedding for 40 or a standing drinks event for 60. Bring any style of furniture and décor into the space to make it into your own.

Crossing the threshold of the Ivy always feels like a special experience. You know you’re going to get looked after. Make your way through four uniquely themed floors to the Roof Garden, and you’ll be greeted with what looks surprisingly like an exotic, chintzy dining room.

Under the sky(lights), you can drink and dine from breakfast till late, with tables or private dining or events up to 50 available in the aptly named Skylight Terrace. Luxe service continues with seasoned event planners on hand to ideate and orchestrate your event.

You know what to expect when it comes to food and drinks at the Ivy. A classic club-style bistro. Make the most of it with the White Onion and Truffle soup to start, and leave room for the creamiest Crème Brulée to finish.