Ahh summer. When it finally arrives, the terraces of Manchester come to life, buzzing with laughter and conversation. From street food in the sun to great pub grub, there are plenty of places to eat and drink alfresco.
But which places should be top of your list? We’ve rounded up our favourite outdoor drinking and dining destinations, all within walking distance of NOMA. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
When you’re looking for variety, a trip to New Century Kitchen never disappoints. NOMA’s resident food hall is home to five incredible traders, serving everything from fried chicken to banh mi. The best bit? You can enjoy it all while basking in blissful Sadler’s Yard. It doesn’t get much better than this.
34 Hanover Street, Manchester, M4 4AH. Within NOMA.
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A fantastic option for street food, Mackie Mayor’s outdoor area is home to a slew of picnic benches down the side of the Grade II-listed building. Take a pew, grab a drink and order from one of their resident kitchens for steak, ramen and more.
Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle Street, Manchester, M4 5BU. 7-minute walk from NOMA.
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Whether iced or otherwise, nothing beats a coffee in the sun. NOMA resident Pulp is super-popular with the worker bees of Manchester, and you can enjoy a freshly-brewed cuppa and a perch on a bench from Monday to Friday. Master barista Alex is always happy to have a natter too!
Hanover Street, Manchester, M4 4AH. Within NOMA.
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Sitting pretty at the heart of NOMA, the Sadler’s Cat combines community spirit with deliciously fresh Cloudwater beer – both cask and keg. There’s a real buzz about it during the warmer evenings, so get down early to bag a bench and sip a pint of Happy in the sun.
Hanover Street, Manchester, M60 0AB. Within NOMA.
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The Firehouse and Ramona are both elite venues in their own right, but The Firehouse gets our vote when you’re looking to dine outdoors. It’s ever-popular – be sure to book – and renowned for its charred peri chicken, which pairs perfectly with a crisp pinot gris.
40 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JG. 6-minute walk from NOMA.
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Not only is The Marble Arch one of the city’s most treasured pubs, it’s also got a fantastic beer garden. Take a seat on one of the benches or cosy up in one of their huts while you enjoy a pint and some proper pub grub. Our pick? Fish and chips or the legendary Arch Pie.
73 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY. 6-minute walk from NOMA.
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Thomas Street is one of the best destinations for alfresco drinking and dining in Manchester, and The Smithfield Social enjoys pride of place. Visit for cocktails – they make a mean Bloody Mary – and brunch in the sun. We love the truffle and pecorino hash browns, delightful.
53 – 55 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA. 8-minute walk from NOMA.
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One of Manchester’s finest restaurants now has space for outdoor dining, so you can enjoy delicious pasta, spätzle and gnocchi under the shelter of the railway arch. If you haven’t visited The Sparrows yet, you really must.
16 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF. 5-minute walk from NOMA.
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Did you know that there’s a place where you can tuck into sushi and noodles, shoot hoops and relax on outdoor picnic benches? UNAGI’s Cheetham Hill venue is a real hidden gem. Visit for award-winning Japanese food and laidback vibes.
10 Park Place, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4EY. 8-minute walk from NOMA.
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When you’re in need of a pre-train pint but you don’t want to miss out on any evening rays, nip to the Victoria Tap. Situated inside the station itself, it’s got a sneaky beer garden where you can sit and sup while you watch the trams rumble by – it’s strangely therapeutic.
Victoria Station Approach, Manchester, M3 1WY. 5-minute walk from NOMA.
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Brewing up signature coffees and laidback brunches, Pot Kettle Black is is a hub of great grub. Order from their menu packed with Bennys and brekkie buns – the banana bread French toast is a must for those with a sweet tooth – and settle down on the picnic tables outside to soak up the rays.
Angel Gardens, 1 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4GE. Within NOMA.
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Boasting the city’s sunniest welcome, Federal Cafe takes inspiration from neighbourhood hangouts across Aussie and New Zealand. Alongside shining customer service, you can expect a menu crafted from high-quality and sustainable ingredients, from the breakfast açai bowl to artisan ciabattas at lunchtime.
9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester, M4 1EY. 9-minute walk from NOMA.
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Transport your tastebuds to sunny Spain with alfresco dining at Evuna. Located in the Northern Quarter, it’s an ideal choice for indecisive diners, with a tasty array of small plates spanning everything from spiced chickpea croquetas to chorizo in red wine. Pair with a glass of wine or cold draft beer and it’s instant holiday vibes.
NQ, 79 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1LQ. 10-minute walk from NOMA.
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When the sun is out, flock to the award-winning Crown & Kettle pub for a few scoops in this Ancoats sun trap. Whether you’re a craft connoisseur or just looking to quench your thirst, their drinks menu is seriously impressive stuff, with a selection of resident beers, cask pints and rotating guest brews.
2 Oldham Road, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5FE. 10-minute walk from NOMA.
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Step away from the hustle and bustle for a moment of sun-soaked serenity in Bar Fringe’s back alley beer garden. This quirky little establishment specialises in Belgian beers, so spoil yourself with a perfect pour and park yourself on one of the picnic benches to work on your tan.
8 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JN. 8-minute walk from NOMA.
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Grub might be home to Manchester’s best kept secret beer garden. The vibrant, bunting-laden outdoor space is also where you’ll find a rotating lineup of street food stalls and an exciting calendar of events, meaning there’s always a good reason to drop in – especially when the sun is shining.
50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M4 4HF. 7-minute walk from NOMA.
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Sadler’s Yard, Angel Meadows, and Angel Gardens are especially beautiful at this time of year. Sadler’s Yard and Angel Gardens, in particular, benefit from the green-fingered care of the PLANT gardeners, whose work not only enhances the charm of these spaces but also supports local biodiversity.
When the sun is out, why not make the most of it? Pick up a meal deal – or better yet, grab a tasty takeaway from PKB – and find a sunny spot to relax. With so many inviting places around NOMA, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to unwind.
Various locations around NOMA
