Lets go Out Out! Our top outdoor pub picks for April 12th

Pubs. Remember them? Now Covid seems to be doing one, it’s time to get back to the boozers. Right now, only beer gardens are open, but whatever, we’ll take it. Anywhere outside the house will do. That’s why we’ve put together a list of locals you might be able to get a seat at. All outside, so hopefully the only thing you catch is the sun.

The Met

It has been said that you can tell if somebody had a middle class or working-class upbringing by whether they think the Met is posh or ‘like a Wetherspoons’, the middle class choosing the latter. Ok, maybe I made that up (but it’s true). Either way, this is one that needs no introduction for most. There’s plenty of outside space, with one area that’s covered-ish, tables round the back and a few out front too. And after a year staying in, you’ve probably saved up enough money for a round here.

The Woodstock

Most festivals are off this year, so maybe here is the next best thing. With an outside bar, and outside seating, the only thing missing is portaloos, mosh pits and cups of piss landing on your head every 5 seconds. Guess this festival theme is somewhat intentional considering the name. Often compared to the Met for good reason, it’s decent inside and out and pricey enough to keep the chavs out. It’s the Rolling Stones to the Met’s Beatles.

Located a bit off the beaten track in West Didsbury, I’ve spoken to a surprising number of people who live close to this pub but have no knowledge of its existence. If you’re one of them, you’re in for a treat.

The Didsbury

Now this is what we’ve waiting for. A top pub with the best beer garden in the area. No wonder they named the entire village after it. Here’s the place to be when the sun comes out. You can do more than just drink here too, you can make a day of it. Right next door you’ll find the parsonage and an old church if you’re into that sort of thing. Then there’s Fletcher Moss, a nature reserve perfect for walks and home to the river Mersey, which means you’re only a lilo away from Liverpool if you don’t mind risking your life.

Red Lion

If you follow Burton Road up to the top, you’ll find a place called Withington. This area has some similar bars to Didsbury but for roughly a pound less per drink.

And even though it’s full of students who are seemingly competing to see who’s got the worst fashion sense, it can be a nice change of scenery. The Red Lion is the best of the bunch for the good weather, featuring a decent sized drinking area out front and another less well-known one out back.

The Chorlton Tap

Believe it or not, it’s possible to go to Chorlton without joining a yoga club and pledging allegiance to Jeremy Corbyn. Of course there’s always the risk, but this place might just make it worth it. With a terrace out front and a decent patio around back too, this could be the place to be this spring. And for those who have no direction in life, it’s easy to find too as it’s opposite the Chorlton tram stop. So while the sun’s shining, milk it. Sorry, almond milk it.