Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in North Downs

"Indian street-food specialists Bundobust have ventured across The Pennines to open this spacious Piccadilly branch. Inside, seating is canteen-style with the enticing menu of snacks and sharing plates being equally informal, and entirely vegetarian too."

"You can eat for well under a tenner at Indian kitchen Bundobust. Located in the Northern Quarter, the restaurant is a veggie haven of spicy cooking; we recommend the masala dosa, a warming combination of soup and mini pancakes."

"Albert’s Schloss is a Bavarian-inspired fun palace of extraordinary dimensions and clever design. Behind the glistening tiles of the former Manchester and Salford Wesleyan Mission building (est in 1910) you’ll discover a vast bar, real fires, perfectly preserved original plaster, and a wall stuffed generously with flowers by floral artists’ Frog. You’ll also find a stage, DJ booth and network of beer pipes and tanks serving unpasturised Pilsner Urquell to hordes of adoring punters."

"A Manchester staple, Albert's Schloss known for traditional German food and pilsner beers. While many people flock to this restaurant for dinner and live music, you can't pass up the chance to try their breakfast. Their Bavarian-inspired dishes made fresh in their cook haus may be the centrepiece of the meal."

"Manchester's first Bavarian bier palace, cook haus and bakery is a cavernous space which sees Pilsner Urquell served straight from huge shiny tanks, while meat comes in the form of steak, schnitzel, curry or bratwurst."

"Housed inside the beautifully grand Principle hotel on Oxford Road, the Refuge is one of Manchester’s most stylish hangouts. The clientele ranges from touring rock stars to local fashion bloggers, all sipping on delicious cocktails and relaxing among the beautiful décor. If you want to really nail that Instagram shot, take a seat in the winter garden and ask your companion to photograph you beside one of the fairy-light lit trees."

"The Refuge is a beautiful restaurant spot located inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel (formerly The Principal Manchester). Come for breakfast and enjoy their Winter Garden, a space in the heart of the venue where they've brought the outside indoors. Full of bright light, it's an Instagrammer's dream."

"This huge bar in the city centre has a botanic-style garden that looks like it was made specifically for Instagram. Come here during the daytime and it will usually be quiet – ideal for that extra special photo. View this post on Instagram"

"This historic square is home to four main pubs and bars: The Crown & Anchor, The Old Wellington Inn, Sinclairs Oyster Bar and The Mitre Hotel. It’s a great place to have a pitstop!"

"All rooms at the Patten Arms Hotel have been elegantly decorated and benefit from an en suite bathroom, freeview television, telephone and hospitality tray. Breakfast is included. Food is served in the bar area until 8:30pm."

"A whole dining and drinking neighbourhood made up of vibrant shipping containers, Hatch is one-of-a-kind here in Manchester – continually growing over the years to welcome more and more local traders. Hosting both events and live music frequently, guests can kind of create a DIY day or night out at Hatch – with tons of bars and restaurants housing their own indoor spaces and terraces, a vast open-air space with tons of seating, and lots of independent shops to potter around. Expect cuisines from countries such as Vietnam, Portugal, Spain, Italy and even Teesside, as well as cocktail bars, coffee shops and more."

"Tiny nanobrewery Öl has its own brew kit on-site and makes some fabulous concoctions. But, as a result of the tiny set-up, their own beers usually sell out incredibly fast, so they stock a range of others too. Find them at Hatch on Oxford Road in one of the shipping containers."

"Hatch is a hip and trendy box park located on Oxford Road, close to the University of Manchester. You can head there for drinks or food or shopping. Moreover, you can take some nice photos there."

"People who think vegans just eat boring salads have clearly never heard of The Thirsty Scholar. This vegan pub spends most of its time playing host to bands, comedy nights and poetry readings, serving up a menu of hearty grub with a plant-based twist."

"Serving honest, freshly-cooked food, Harvester creates a warm, family-friendly vibe at its hundreds of restaurants throughout the UK. From tapas-style starters and juicy rotisserie chicken, to famous signature ribs and 100% British beef burgers, the…"

"An institution in Manchester, with several different locations, in various guises throughout the city, Trof’s Northern Quarter location is the perfect start to the tour. Described as a ‘dandyish den of opulence’ on their website, the leather seats, and wooden décor, really make this a cosy and comfy place to hangout, offering hearty breakfasts, amazing burgers, Sunday lunches, and drinks to quench all thirsts. Whether you are looking for coffee (soya milk and decaffeinated coffee available) a refreshing smoothie, herbal tea or an old fashioned lemonade or dandelion and burdock, Trof will not let you down."

"Not only does Trof serve up a lovely menu full of hearty faves such as giant chicken burgers, fish and chips and even a stunning Sunday Roast, but they also do it at a reasonable price. Offering up 50% off food once every week (previously Mondays, currently Thursdays so make sure you check beforehand!), those eating out on a budget can enjoy some seriously cheap grub at one of Manchester’s best city centre hotspots. If you miss it, not to worry, because a huge majority of their menu comes in at less than a tenner per dish anyway."

"A Manchester staple when it comes to brunch, Trof is serving up all the classics until 4pm. Perfect for when you need a little TLC, this quirky restaurant bar will cheer you up with avo toast, vegan breakfasts and roasted peaches, and make sure to wash it all down with an espresso martini."

"Sushi Marvel Chorlton is a fully licensed Japanese deli that offers made to order food that are prepared freshly at their premises upon your request. Offering a wide variety of menu that will fit all people with different dietary requirements, they have gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. They have sashimi, nigiri, uramaki, futomaki, hosomaki, donburi, snacks and sides as well as specials."

"Coming in with rave reviews, Sushi Marvel was born in Chorlton before expanding to Manchester’s up and coming neighbourhood, Ancoats. The restaurant was created by a chef well-versed in sushi making, working in Hong Kong, Japan and London – so you know you’re in good hands when you visit."

"Sushi Marvel Chorlton foods are freshly prepared at its premises and made to order. They are a fully licensed Japanese Deli. Its menu is simple yet accommodating."

"Popular with students, this yakitori joint imbues a rather soulless unit off Oxford Road (the main university drag) with the warmth of Japanese comfort food ..."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Apple Jacks Adventure Park is fun for all the family, located in Stretton, just a short drive from Warrington town centre. They offer visitors the chance to try archery and have a go on their giant trampoline pillow, which always provides a soft landing!"

"Before he founded the Scout Movement, Robert Baden-Powell set up the Salford Lads’ Club in Ordsall in 1903. The idea behind clubs like these was to keep young boys in deprived areas out of trouble, and channel their energy into constructive pursuits and sport. The list of former members here is illustrious and includes the actor Albert Finney, the Busby Babe Eddie Colman and guitarist Graham Nash of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash."

"You may recognise The Salford Lads’ Club from the famous cover of The Smiths’ hugely popular 1986 album The Queen is Dead, with a bouffant-haired Morrissey and co stood outside its doors. Now you’re in Manchester, you’d be silly not to venture out to this same spot for a Smiths selfie with your fellow travellers. A popular venue for Manc-music fans; head inside to learn more about the band and to buy exclusive merchandise."

"Located a 20 minute walk away from the Peel Park campus, Salford Lads' Club was established in 1903 as a purpose built club for boys. The club was famously featured on the cover for the The Smiths album 'The Queen is Dead'."