Featured image: Rebellion
By the time Freshers Week is over, all you’ve been left with is a hole in your pocket and a hatred of Playground. In a city renowned for its nightlife, it would be silly to end up in Hotmess every Wednesday without fail. If the same three clubs have left you wanting a bit more, broaden your horizons and check out our top picks for nights out.
So hardcore techno isn’t your thing — we hear you. Matt and Phred’s is a jazz club with heart. Boasting live music from Monday to Sunday, there’s no better showcase of Manchester’s emerging talent. Enjoy seated or standing, with an expertly-made cocktail.
Self-described ‘community hub in a pub’, the Old Abbey Taphouse in Hulme is the stuff of dreams. From dub to open mic nights, this hidden gem is one you’ll want to get behind. Plus, to beat the end-of-week blues, head down to their renowned Sunday Sessions to enjoy a roast with sounds from guest DJs.
This is where it all began. Stevenson Square great Eastern Bloc began as a record shop in 1985 before transcending into a cultural landmark. Café by day, effortlessly cool bar by night. Catch local talent, classic vinyl spinning and multi-genre madness at this cosy little number.
If you like cheesy hits and pale ales, this might be the one for you. The top pick for a (very silly) Wednesday night quiz, plus classic club nights every weekend, Lost Cat has it all. Save yourself the freeze from queueing for Freemount.
Home to CROP radio, this intimate Northern Quarter venue knows how to throw a party. From gigs, to club nights or live radio, there’s something for everyone. Sure to stretch your music taste far past anything you could anticipate.
The definition of a ‘mixed bag’, Rebellion has hosted the likes of While She Sleeps, WARGASM and Of Mice and Men, whilst also hosting raves minutes from campus. If it’s techno, jungle, death metal or otherwise — Rebellion will probably cover it.
Not just a pizza joint, Ramona Radio goes live every Wednesday night. Laid-back party vibes are guaranteed, with genre weaving and artists encouraged to share their favourite tunes in this intimate atmosphere. Grab yourself a bite to eat before dancing the night away.
A classic but a goodun, Withington’s best is home to Warped Wednesdays, alongside the best up-and-coming promoters’ nights. Your favourite basement rave, this venue is small but packed full of love, no matter the genre.
aAh! Magazine invites all Manchester Met students with a passion for journalism, writing, design, illustration, and photography to pitch ideas for our upcoming print issue: The REAL Issue. This issue will explore what realness means today, especially for young people and students navigating a world dominated by digital life, social media and AI. What does authenticity…
By Adam Taylor It’s time to post your top artists to show how cool and different you are. Spotify Wrapped for 2025 has finally dropped. This stat-loaded list of listening habits gets everyone excited, revealing top artists, songs, podcasts, music genres, and hours listened – which can be a bit concerning… Spotify adds new features…
Featured image: Suzy Hazelwood aAh! Magazine’s Literature and Creative Student Editors are delighted to announce our first online call for submissions for the 2025/26 academic year. This series invites creative writing students and visual artists to respond to the theme ‘Hometown’, offering the opportunity to showcase their work online. Manchester is a hometown for thousands, and simply…
Featured image and photography: Beck McNally Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – a name that many Mancunian music-lovers will know well, died on 20 November this year. No official cause of death has been released to the public. The renowned bassist of The Stone Roses, and later Primal Scream, was a hugely influential musician – particularly in…
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