The Bank Holiday weekend’s here at last, and we’d like to think we’ve earned the right to a few in a nice beer garden.
Handy for us, then, a new list of the UK’s favourite beer gardens has just been released.
Revealed via an interactive map created by UK company Roché Awnings, Google maps footfall data has been used to show off the most popular pubs across the country.
Even better, six of them are in Greater Manchester. Read on to find the one closest to you.
The Briton’s Protection
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Great Bridgewater St, Manchester
It’s no surprise to see this iconic Manchester pub on the list. Famous for holding the biggest collection of Jack Daniels in the city, The Briton’s Protection has over 350 whiskies and bourbons on its back bar. One of Manchester’s most beloved watering holes, the pub dates back to 1811. Popular with ale fans alike, it has one regular staple – Beartown’s The Britons Protection Bitter – and seven changing guest beers. It’s deceptively small inside but boasts a large beer garden to the rear.
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Terrace NQ
Thomas Street, Manchester
Thomas Street has changed a lot in recent years, but one thing that’s stayed (pretty much) constant is Terrace NQ. Like every other bar down there, it’s got a good number of tables out front – but venture inside and up the stairs and you’ll find not one, not two but three beer terrace gardens on its roof. Amazingly, it’s still considered by some in the city to be a bit of a hidden gem – perhaps due to the fact that, despite being right there in the name, the terraces weren’t actually open for the first three years of trading.
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The Courtyard
Chester Street, Manchester
Popular undergrad haunt The Courtyard has one of the biggest beer gardens in central Manchester. Set in the quadrangle underneath a big block of student halls, it’s partially covered and heated – making it an ideal choice for early spring drinks. It also prides itself on being cheaper than Wetherspoons, with some of the cheapest pints, ciders and spirit mixers in Manchester.
The King’s Arms
Bloom Street, Salford
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Originally housed across the road in the old gasworks office, today this Grade-II listed pub is housed in an impressive Victorian building. Dating back to 1879, it’s worth a visit for many reasons: including its famous house cat, Charlie, top beer selection and cracking little beer garden.
The Old Pint Pot
Adelphi Street, Salford
Also known as Adelphi, The Old Pint Pot in Salford is a popular stomping ground with Salford’s students and locals alike. Tucked a little off the beaten path, its outside terrace has some decent views over the River Irwell sitting as it does on the river’s horseshoe bend. You’ll find a good range of real ales here, plus lagers, ciders and spirit mixers – all reasonably priced.
The Palantine Public House
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Lower Broughton, Salford
A popular pub in Lower Broughton, Salford, The Palantine is a bit out of the way but well worth the trip if you want to make a day of it. Boasting a great beer garden out the back, it serves up a good mix of beers, spirit mixers and fun cocktails. The pub also shows live sport fixtures on big screens, worth a taking note of if you’re looking for somewhere to watch the Euro’s this summer.
Feature image – Terrace NQ
News
Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground
Danny Jones
Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.
The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.
As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.
In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.
As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.
Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.
Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.
As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”
They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.
'The Swinton Lionesses today proudly announced the launch of their new identity – the Manchester Swinton Lionesses – marking an exciting new chapter not only for women’s rugby league but for the evolution and ambition of one of the sport’s most historic clubs.
Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.
“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.
“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”
As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.
New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children
Emily Sergeant
A new landmark chickenpox vaccine is beginning its rollout across the UK in a bid to help protect hundreds of thousands of children.
Chickenpox is a common infection in children that spreads easily.
It is usually mild but it can lead to serious complications which need hospitalisation, including chest infections and fits. The latest Government data indicates that half of children will contract chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of 10.
Currently, children who catch chickenpox are typically advised to stay off school until all spots have formed a scab – which is usually five days after the spots appear.
But now, this new vaccine will mean children can miss fewer days in nursery or school, and reduce time parents need to take off work to care for them.
Hundreds of thousands of young children are now being offered the chickenpox protection as part of routine NHS childhood vaccinations.
The combined vaccine adds chickenpox protection to the existing measles, mumps and rubella schedule.
Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around £24 million is lost in income and productivity every year in the UK due to childhood chickenpox, so not only will the new vaccine rollout save money this way, but it is also expected to save the NHS a whopping £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The new vaccine comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations – with a combined MMRV vaccine replacing the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).
From now on, GP practices on the NHS will start to offer children the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Dr Claire Fuller, who is the National Medical Director for NHS England, called the rollout a ‘hugely positive moment’ for children and their families.
“From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses,” commented Dr Fuller.
“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention, and keep more children safe and in school.”
Featured Image – Jonny McCullagh (via Wikimedia Commons)
Georgina Pellant -
30th April 2021 
