the uk’s best outdoor dining

Last updated Jun 04, 2023

Beer gardens, rooftops, street-side tables… Nothing says ‘summer’ like dining al fresco. At Staycity you always have the option to whip up a meal in your apartment, but nothing beats a meal and a cold one in the sunshine. We’ve rounded up the very best of UK outdoor dining so you can follow your tastebuds around your favourite cities.

 

1. manchester 

Look up, up, up… Manchester’s 20 Stories has a garden rooftop terrace dripping in plants, with a drop-your-drink view of the city. They’ve set up a rooftop BBQ and there’s al fresco fireplaces set up for chillier nights. Book now for drinks with friends or stay for the meaty menu stuffed with antipasti platters and creative BBQ skewers.  

Address: 20 Stories, No1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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2. liverpool

A rooftop fit for a wedding venue. At Goodness Gracious Rooftop Garden the views across Liverpool are so jaw dropping, couples book the venue for their special day. Go for the view, stay for the summery cocktails and delicious food; they do a mean roast and a fancy afternoon tea. Check out their social pages for events.

Address: Goodness Gracious Rooftop Garden, 25 Water St, Liverpool, L2 0RG.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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3. birmingham

Traditional style pub from the front, quirky beer garden from the back. A Birmingham institution, The Old Crown is a local’s favourite complete with eclectic garden décor (hello telephone box) and a drool-worthy menu of mezze, baps and kebabs. Expect garden parties throughout the summer and events such as quizzes and bingo nights.

Address: The Old Crown, 188 High St, Birmingham, B12 0LD.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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4. edinburgh

Gin with a side of graffiti… The Blackbird is home to Edinburgh’s coolest urban beer garden. Graffiti artist ‘Mr Doodle’ decorated the walls with his colourful artwork giving the garden a quirky vibe where young creatives flock to. The all day food menu is stuffed with burgers, salads and classic pub grub. Order a gin cocktail from the outdoor bar and catch a live music session.

Address: The Blackbird, 37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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5. london

Hackney Wick, London’s hippest neighbourhood just got even better. A beautiful converted Dutch barge with a surrounding canal-side terrace, Barge East is the epitome of summer city life. These guys use ingredients from their very own garden and host a fresh produce market on the weekends – food doesn’t get fresher than this.

Address: Barge East, 98 White Post Ln, London, E9 5EN.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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