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.
Featured image: Mexican Pets, Nobody’s Working Title – Blunt Records Pinning down a genre as sprawling as indie-rock is as futile as painting your living room with gravy instead of emulsion. However, we can at least set some boundaries. We can drill down through layers of subgenres and microgenres, but ultimately, a broad definition of…
Punk Rock Factory have gained a growing following over the years for their punky covers of well-known Disney songs. The lovingly named ‘Sausage Army’ turn up en-masse, clad in Motörhead and Ramones merch for a night of silly, classic rock and roll. Bringing the pop back to the punk, Bronnie brings the warm-up stretches in…
Featured image: Jackie Lee Young / Shorefire Media Houston trio, Khruangbin, headed to the Apollo on Monday to play a double set, starting with running through their latest, more stripped-back album A La Sala in full. From the first hum of Mark Speer’s guitar, the swarming audience prepared to be baptised with a night of…
Featured image: Sonic PR Ahead of their three-night residency at the Apollo in December, music journalist Leah Small takes a look at the evolution of IDLES across their five studio albums. With fists raised and a rambunctious energy like no other, self-proclaimed ‘angry’ ensemble IDLES burst forth from Bristol in 2009, possessing a raw and…
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