Manchester is the top of its game when it comes to drinking establishments - with everything from homely northern beer gardens to high end rooftop bars overlooking the sparkling city. Perhaps one of the best things about this thriving scene is, now that the nights are closing in and the temperature is dropping, outdoor socialising is only just getting started.

In the absence of sunshine, the city centre bars have gone all out to make sure you can still enjoy the great outdoors, with everything from fires and infrared lamps to good old fashioned blankets for ultimate cosiness. After all, it’s the true Manchester spirit not to be phased by glum weather.

Thousands of people are working in the city centre, and it’s little wonder that it’s become a hotspot for going with your coworkers for after work drinks. Lisa Murgatroyd works for city centre coworking space Accelerate Places, where she finds herself being something of a tour guide for companies new to the city. She said: "We opened up in Manchester because it really stood out as a vibrant, buzzing place, with so much to offer in the way of bars, restaurants, gastros, and brilliant bars to take your colleagues after work.

"One of the attractions was how accommodating the bars and restaurants are  - not only are they friendly, welcoming and affordable, but there are a lot of hidden gems. They know how to deal with the climate too. The temperature might be dropping as we get into Autumn, but there are countless heated terraces and rooftop bars where you can go on a works night out and still enjoy being outdoors."

She added: "It's little wonder companies from all over the country are drawn to Manchester, it's a wonderful city, certainly one of the best cities to work in, in my opinion."

Here are the five places where you can enjoy Autumnal outdoor drinks...

1. Atlas Bar

Where: 376, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LY

Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar's south facing terrace has is not long refurbished with a fully retractable canopy, which creates a cosy, city centre haven. Heaters are placed throughout with great views of the greenery, and sofas to get cosy on with an after-work wine. Its Deansgate location means that it’s easy to get to from most areas of the city centre.

2. The Alchemist

Where: New York Street & Spinningfields

The Alchemist

Both the Spinningfields and New York Street bars have heated outdoor areas, which are spot on for nippy Autumn nights. Large parasols and heat lamps are dotted around to keep out the chill, and the staff will gladly bring you a fluffy blanket should you feel the need to keep your knees warm. Both bars are ideal for an after work cocktail during the chilly post-summer months. Spinningfields is bigger than the New York Street bar, but both have plenty of space for a pleasant unwind after work.

3. Zouk

Where: Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5QS

Zouk

This green and leafy spot just off Oxford Road is pretty much faultless when it comes to comfy Autumn dining (and drinking). With its retractable roof canopy, infrared heat lamps and freestanding gas heaters, it makes for a really ideal, chill-proof venue. Guests are more than welcome to blankets for extra comfort and warmth. The Zouk owners have invested £200,000 on better seating areas outdoors, so it’s certainly worth checking out.

4. 20 Stories

Where: No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, M3 3EB

20 Stories

This is a slightly more upmarket option, but absolutely worth it. 20 Stories on Spinningfields has a luxurious rooftop garden terrace which has trees scaling two storeys high. There’s an outdoor lounge bar under a canopy of trees and warn lighting, with a pretty exceptional view of the Manchester skyline. You would expect to pay a little more here than in an average city centre pub, but it’s perfectly justified, and could be ideal for a leaving do or work get together.

5. Mr Thomas’s Chop House

Where: 52 Cross Street, Manchester, M2 7AR

Mr Thomas’s Chop House

Mr Thomas’s Chop House is a grade II listed building, which first opened as a public house in 1870. Its large outdoor space is nicely toasted on colder days with heat lamps, where you can sit and enjoy good food, wine and company. It’s quite a large venue inside and out, and can be hired for formal events including weddings, but it’s also quite a nice spot for a midweek drink after a long day at the office.