We may not want to be part of Europe any more but who doesn’t enjoy a bit of continental al fresco dining when the sun makes an appearance? Here are six chic places on your doorstep to dine in style while grabbing some rays.

Great British Life: La PopoteLa Popote (Image: Archant)

La Popote

Where is it?

Macclesfield

The experience

What could be more perfect than dining under the dappled sunshine in a beautiful garden on a warm summer’s day? La Popote is a lovely restaurant any time of the year but the al fresco space is simply gorgeous.

On the menu

Make believe you’re in France as you lunch on home cooked classic Gallic cuisine that might include a starter of salade de tomatoes, followed by casserole fruits de mer and a gateau du malva.

Church Farm, Marton, Macclesfield, SK11 9HF| 01260 224785 la-popote.co.ukThe Yellow Broom

Where is it?

Great British Life: Yellow Broom terrace bar areaYellow Broom terrace bar area (Image: Archant)

Twemlow Green, Holmes Chapel

The experience

This pretty restaurant is surrounded by lawns and has a beautiful south facing secluded garden and heated terrace where you can while away an afternoon relaxing with a glass of wine or two. Here you’ll also find chef Russell’s vegetable, herb and flower garden from where he sources fresh organic herbs and salad vegetables.

On the menu

The menu is seasonal and changes but they offer cream of asparagus and chive soup or chicken liver parfait followed by herb crusted cod or slow braised Provencale lamb shoulder, dauphinoise potatoes and braised red cabbage. You could simply enjoy a sandwich and cream tea.

The Yellow Broom, Forty Acre Lane, Twemlow Green, Cheshire, CW4 8BL | 01477 534048 | www.yellowbroom.co.ukRestaurant Twenty2

Where is it?

Edgar House, Chester

The experience

Great British Life: Edgar House (c) Mathew McQuillanEdgar House (c) Mathew McQuillan (Image: mcquillanphotography2013)

Edgar House is an elegant Georgian building on the city walls of Chester. Restaurant Twenty2 has an al fresco dining space overlooking the river which is perfect for those who wish to soak up the city’s historic charms.

On the menu

Why not indulge in brunch and bubbles? Or maybe the chef’s tasting menu, or a classic afternoon tea with sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and treats? They also do a savoury afternoon tea for those who don’t have a sweet tooth.

22 City Walls Chester CH1 1SB | 01244 347007 | edgarhouse.co.uk20 Stories

Where is it?

Manchester city centre

The experience

Aiden Byrne’s new restaurant and bar has a huge roof garden with stunning wraparound views over Manchester. It’s perfect for people-watching too. There’s a separate cocktail bar and barbecue stations and when it gets chilly at night there are heaters to keep out the cold.

On the menu

A set lunch menu features chicken boudin or smoked eel starters, rump of belly pork and roasted hazelnuts and cod and confit ceps and asparagus mains, followed by white chocolate and passion fruit mousse. But there are burgers and some homely classics too.

No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, M3 3EB | 0161 204 3333 | 20stories.co.ukPiccolino

Where is it?

Alderley Edge

The experience

Ooh where am I? On a cruise? In Portofino? Piccolino does al fresco dining like nowhere else and the one at Alderley Edge is super swanky. Plus, the retractable roof here means that you can get the feel of the outdoors even when - if! - the great British weather lets you down.

On the menu

Scampi and avocado, Gnocchi, Calzone pizza. Are we in Alderley Edge or Capri? The menu is designed to give you an authentic flavour of Italy and that is just so perfect for lunch or dinner on the terrace.

Piccolino, London Rd, Alderley Edge, SK9 7QD | 01625 599995 | individualrestaurants.comEl Gato Negro

Great British Life: Al fresco dining at Piccolino in Alderley EdgeAl fresco dining at Piccolino in Alderley Edge (Image: not Archant)

Where is it?

Manchester city centre

The experience

Another retractable roof on the top of the acclaimed El Gato Negro, where chef patron Simon Shaw whips up award-winning tapas. He’s opening soon across town near New Islington, so that’s one to watch.

On the menu

Everything from charcuterie to sharing plates. The menu is authentically Catalan with plenty of exciting dishes to enjoy under a blue Manchester sky, such as morcilla Scotch eggs served with mushroom duxelle, apple puree and aiol, chargrilled rack of baby pork ribs glazed with sherry.

52 King St, M2 4LY | 0161 694 8585 | elgatonegrotapas.com

Great British Life: Style in every corner of El Gato Negro on King Street, Manchester (c) Joby CattoStyle in every corner of El Gato Negro on King Street, Manchester (c) Joby Catto (Image: © Joby Catto 2016)