Exploring Manchester by night: hot haunts and sizzling spots
 
After you’ve spent the day experiencing Manchester’s museums and galleries, shopping in its excellent boutiques and malls, checking out its classic attractions and chilling in its cafes, it’s time to start exploring the city by night. Â
From top music to secret hideaways and cultural highlights, there’s a hot spot to suit all night owls in the city.
Get your toes tapping
Manchester has exceptionally strong musical roots and you can celebrate up and coming bands – as well as some major world class acts – by spending your nights in a few of the city’s top venues. Night and Day is a perfect example, many of Manchester’s biggest names have graced the stage, but you can still check out a roster of great tunes for a decent door charge.
Band on the Wall is another excellent venue, hosting a wide range of musical styles – including rock, folk, soul, jazz and blues. What’s more, it happens to be a not-for-profit enterprise that’s run by registered charity Inner City Music. If you’re a jazz fan, you must also pay a visit to Matt and Phreds, which specialises in ecstatic jams and music enthusiasts of all tastes are sure to find something to suit at the fun-packed Deaf Institute.
Check out creative ChorltonÂ
Make your way out of the city centre for a brilliant, bohemian style trip to Chorlton. This southern suburb is favoured by musician, artists, writers and creative types of all creeds, so you can expect to find the pubs and clubs buzzing with culture.
There’s also a distinct working class vibe, which mingles wonderfully with the various trendy cafes and alehouses that have popped up in recent years. For organic brews, try the Marble Beer House and if you’ve got your eye on something to eat too, Pi does a great ‘pie and a pint’.Â
Choose quirky Northern Quarter pubsÂ
Expect something extraordinary with your drink by paying a visit to one of Manchester’s many unusual and speciality bars, many of which are located in the fast-growing Northern Quarter. For a little slice of NYC’s speakeasy style in the city, there’s nowhere better than the lush Black Dog Ballroom. Its award winning décor and extensive cocktail menu have garnered it quite a reputation, but the glamorous thrill of its secret room and downtown style and is a real highlight.
Alternatively, head along to Dusk ’til Pawn, which has a charming pawnshop facade that’s sure to steal your heart. It also revels in the speakeasy style and you’ll find vintage TVs, radios and instruments crowding the walls, as well as a very friendly atmosphere and large cocktail menu.
Odd, also located in the Northern Quarter, is another bar that has its own, special style. This independent, free-spirited establishment has a quirky mixture of competing décors and a friendly atmosphere – as well as a huge selection of drinks to choose from. There’s a great jukebox and even a large cinema screen downstairs, guaranteeing a fun night out.
Lynsey writes for FHR
