Top 5 outdoor spaces in Manchester
It feels like Spring has been a long time coming this year. Now the sun has arrived, it’s natural to want to make the most of it, and the opportunity to hold an outdoor event in Manchester is growing with a range of fantastic and diverse venues. Whatever your event – big or small, corporate or private – Manchester’s open spaces have something for you. Here are a few of our favourites ‘top 5 outdoor spaces in Manchester’… and a couple in Salford too!:
1. River bar and Terrace, The Lowry Hotel
For relaxed luxury the five-star Lowry hotel has stayed on top of the game for almost two decades. As vibrant and fresh as ever, the River Bar, with its water-edge view across the Irwell and Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge, has a calming sense of space in the hub of the city. Boasting the longest bar terrace in the city, the Lowry’s terrace is a gem of a sun-trap and the perfect spot for intimate al fresco entertaining. https://www.thelowryhotel.com/
2. Rooftop Lounge and Playground, Great John Street, The Old School House
The name, Rooftop Lounge and Playground says it all. What was once a rooftop Victorian school playground is now a space for adults to rediscover their sense of fun. The converted Victorian school house, now the stylish Great John Street hotel, takes play very seriously. South-facing to catch the best of the rays, the playground has a terrace, BBQ, hot tub, sun lounges, informal seating and a glass veranda. When the sun is shining it’s the perfect urban party spot for up to 150 people, with a covered lounge should the city’s unpredictable weather change. www.eclectichotels.co.uk
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3. Piazza, Media City
BBC’s Breakfast TV has made the Piazza, Media City an instantly recognisable spot up and down the country. For big outdoor events this space definitely has the wow factor. It offers uninterrupted views across the water to an impressive skyline taking in the unique architecture of the Lowry Theatre and Imperial War Museum North. This large, flexible space directly outside the BBC’s northern headquarters, can comfortably host up to 6000 guests. And if you want to inject a further media feel to your event, there is the option to broadcast over a large double-sided outdoor screen overlooking the piazza.
4. Castlefield Bowl
Summer is when the Castlefield Bowl really comes to life as venue for outdoor concerts in the city. Upcoming gigs include Shed Seven, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, and The Levellers. The venue, with its purpose-built stage, large dance space and tiered seating makes it an excellent space for small scale festivals. Located on Liverpool Road it is a discreet and secure outdoor space in the heart of the city. With a capacity of up to 8000 people, for a big party atmosphere it can’t be beaten.
5. King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse, located within the upper King Street Conservation Area of Manchester city centre, is an impressive Italian renaissance building, designed by local architect Edward Salomons and originally built in 1872 for the Manchester Salford Trustees Bank. With a stunning view of Manchester city centre and Town Hall from it’s rooftop South Terrace, this glamorous boutique Hotel has quickly established itself as a key venue. Available for BBQ events in the summer, which includes the obligatory G&T, and it’s heated to keep the chill away. It also offers 40 gorgeous rooms and suites; ideal to stay over. www.eclectichotels.co.uk
I hope our suggestions of top 5 outdoor spaces in Manchester is useful. For more ideas, visit www.tlc-ltd.co.uk