Cam, Ry, and Olly were great & friendly bartenders. Very respectful and made great drinks!!!…read more Sully, Cal, and Greg, on the other hand, were rude and were incapable of manning the bar. Will not be coming back. (due to the fact that I live in America, not Manchester)

Hallelujah! After…read morefour years of redevelopment, not-for-proft charity Inner City Music finally re-opened the doors of Band on The Wall last September. Aside from redecoration and a spacious chill out area, the main difference to the legendary music venue is the stage. There's a spanking new state of the art PA system installed, new lights, new audio-visual equipment and for the jazz fans amongst you, a concert grand piano. What's more, the venue looks set to make local funk, soul, blues, jazz, hip hop and world music fans extremely happy with a packed programme of live shows and deejays most nights of the week. They've already had gigs from Breakestra, Nitin Sawhney and The Mad Professor and Southern soul legend Candi Staton is set to grace the stage in April. The show you have to reserve a ticket for however, is 27 March when 10 piece band Introducing will be attempting to recreate DJ Shadow's seminal Entroducing album live. Yup, that's note for note, loop for loop, for the very first time, live AND in front of an audience! Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmzHRGoKca0&feature=related

I have a sore head. It's not good but it's the price you pay for a great night out. Ruby Lounge…read moretotally exceeded expectations. Me, planning, making a decision is a rare thing. My suggestion was actually a hit. I did my indecisive alterego very proud. There are many quality club nights organised by the Lost and Found name and this was no exception. Dance off, being £1 entry, sold it for me. Doubles for £3, a range of sambucas £1.50? Messy. Dance off saw a battle between three major DJs, strangerways, good vibrations and juicy DJs playing a mix of Joy Division, The Temptations and Dr Dre. Amazing combination. Ruby Lounge is renown for it's quality club nights and live music. The venue is perfect, with an adequate dance floor, a stage to match and plenty of seating on a slightly raised level for a chill out. Another great Northern Quarter location that needs to become a regular thing for me.

I think this might be a strip club. In fact I'm pretty sure. Well, it wasn't when I was in the Ruby…read moreLounge last night for a Lost and Found gig which is why I felt comfortable to take my boyf in with me. The gig was billed as The Cribs Aftershow but it was basically just a gig- most of the spectators were either in one of the four bands, looked like they should be or were girl groupies who were way too impressed with themselves that they were getting backstage. The sofas and high backed armchairs in the main bar area were nice touches, there were a few mirror balls around too. Plus velvet curtains - hello, strip club? Then you turn to the grimy stage area with the big grill up between the bands and the crowd. That said, no one went past the pillar anyway. Too cool to stand right at the front. Alright drinks prices - get some of their cheap vodka mixers or flavoured sambucas otherwise you'll run out of money quickly. After the bands they had Gareth Brooks from Xfm DJIng but we didn't end up staying.

Officially launched in March 2010, this is a new kid on the block in Chorlton's night life…read more Although it is to the rear of The Lounge bar, the management are keen to stress that this is a separate entity, with its emphasis firmly placed on live entertainment. To this end, an independent entrance has recently been installed, so that access is now via the alley to the side of The Lounge. I discovered this place purely by accident, having gone for lunch with friends at The Lounge early in 2010 and seen workmen gutting the back room, whilst electricians installed a new sound system. February saw a total refurbishment to what had originally just been a relatively small function room, and what was a pleasant but unremarkable space has been transformed into an attractive and intimate night time venue. Checking it out upon its opening, I was pleasantly surprised. The ceiling is now swathed in deep red sheer fabric, creating the feeling of being inside a Moroccan tent, whilst recessed coloured halogen spots, twinkling icicle lights and candles provide warm illumination. Mirrors and artwork adorn all the walls, and the overall effect is both tasteful and homely. The bar's owners have clearly had the designers in. Further transformation is evidenced by the change in entertainment and the clientele. In keeping with the bijou proportions of the space, live music is predominantly acoustic or semi-acoustic. That said, it's not as small-scale as you might imagine. When I attended the first night of the newly-launched Cajun Specials session last week, no less than 12 musicians were playing, and those who couldn't fit into the performance area joined in from their seats! Similarly the following night, which is open mic, saw 13 acts onstage, and the evening ended in a big jam session. The lady next to me remarked that it was 'like having a party in your own living room.' I'm told that the owner of Baroque intends building the bar's reputation as a credible live music venue, and if the nights I've attended there over the past six weeks are anything to go by, it's well on its way to achieving that goal. The ambiance is lovely, and the friendly bar staff just don't seem to be able to do enough for you. It's a very relaxed venue, and I'm told that the aim is also to make it a gay-friendly environment, which presumably explains all the pretty design touches. Prices here are pretty good, with a large glass of wine being £3.50, or under the current offer: if you buy two glasses you get the rest of the bottle free. £7 is great value for a bottle of wine! The only slight drawback at the moment is that the gents' toilet is currently behind the stage area, so male patrons have to either walk through the musicians to get to the loo, or else wait for a change-over between performers. However, I'm told that this will be remedied soon because the re-modeling isn't finished yet. It seems that even more ambitious plans are in the works for this cute little bar, and these will be implemented before the summer. SCORES Decor: 9/10 Cleanliness: 8/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 Value for money: 8/10 Live entertainment: 10/10 Variety of drinks on offer: 8/10 Food: N/A Staff: 10/10

Back in the 40s and 50s, The Ritz must have been Manchester's most glamerous music venue. As well…read moreas platforming visiting acts like Frank Sinatra, it was unique in having curved walls, a fantastic balcony, and a sprung dancefloor. Whilst it still makes a wonderful music venue - hosting occasional gigs by bands like Babyshambles, Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons - The Ritz's main occupation these days seems to be hosting cheesy club nights. Every Monday, there's weekly student night Dirty Stop Out with rock, pop and metal deejays, every Wednesday there's 70s night Love Train and every Saturday there's Party in The Town playing bad music from the 70s to Take That. All three nights seem to be a hit with students and singles but I've personally no desire to go somewhere there's (A) a surplus amount of Alcopops and (B) big groups of horny, intoxicated stag and hen parties. I prefer to remember The Ritz as the place Sinatra once glided across the stage crooning 'In The Wee Small Hours'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XdN4SDYwyc&feature=related

First off I like a nice sticky floor,it gives a gig a much better atmosphere,and as i'm only ever…read moregoing to go to a Metal gig, a sticky floor is a must. The Ritz has sticky floors,and it is also a decent place to watch a band or 3,why the hell anyone would want to go to a club night here is beyond me. Although saying that why anyone would go to a club night anywhere is beyond me,I have an irrational hatred of disc jockeys and lines for the toilet.. Where was I? Oh yes the Ritz,if the gig I went to was crap then it might've got a worse review,but as it was the gig was one of the best I have been to in 21 years of gigging. German Thrash,the king of music. I was prepared to give the place 4 stars but then I remembered the bar prices, if you want to rip off club goers fine,but don't rip off those that have already spent £20 to watch a band. There really is no need to charge £17 for two pints and a JD and coke!! In summary,good for gigs,bad for club nights,and stupid pricing policy.

A quirky establishment with an upstairs dining area and downstairs bar. The food is 90% vegan,…read morewhich was nice because they had creative options for everyone! We had the BBQ Jackfruit dog, which was a vegan sausage topped with BBQ pulled jackfruit, vegan chipotle mayo, and jalapeno's. It was absolutely delicious! The sausage was not dry, as sometimes happens with vegan sausages, and the combinations of flavors was great. We also got the vegan Mac n Cheese; it was listed under bigs, but the portion size was disappointingly very small. It also tasted a bit grainy, not the best potato cheese I've had. They are allergen friendly, but make sure you make all your allergens known! The mac n cheese does have coconut milk in it. They also have Ice Shack Vegan ice creams, which is a bonus!

It doesn't have the same history as The Roadhouse, Night & Day or Manchester Academy but The Deaf…read moreInstitute is probably my favourite venue in Manchester these days. They have great club nights and a truly eclectic range of gigs from emerging punk-funk and disco groups like Yacht and The XX to established underground pop bands like Broadcast. Even better, most of the gigs take place in an intimate room with high ceilings, cleverly stacked seating and standing room for about 300 people. I went to see Detroit protest singer Rodriguez on Monday evening and had a fantastic night. The atmosphere was great, the acoustics were fab and the drinks were mighty fine. Being a long-term country and Americana gal, I also fell in love with the Good Dolly and Bad Dolly wallpaper in the ladies toilets! The only disadvantage is, I'm still a little hungover!

This venue was such an eclectic dive and I loved every minute of it ! ( other than the heat) We…read moretraveled from afar to see an acoustic set by Art Alexakis of Everclear. He did a stellar acoustic performance and covered a new solo song and many everclear top hits. At the end he took requests and answered questions from the crowd. Ok, back to reviewing the venue. I don't know how to describe the ambiance other than eclectic and hipster. See my photos for yourself. They poured heavy on the drinks and kept them coming all night . Only real complaint is that it's sweltering hot inside but I expect that at a music venue. I actually found a great seat at the bar and was able to people watch, see the performance, and at have my drinks refilled on the reg without having to move an inch . Staff was nice and made sure we were taken care of . It appeared as If they also have food available. Be careful walking down the winding staircase to the dungeon where they hide the bathroom . I swear I saw a dragon down there ! If you live in the area or just are coming into town for a short visit, it's a great venue to check out artists just trying to get their career started. I'm so glad I made the trip to see Art!

Night & Day looks and feels like the kind of bar Tom Waits would stumble into when he was writing…read moreseminal albums like Small Change. There's a flickering sign in the gold window, a long bar where you can order shots and bottles of beer and bartenders that treat you like a long lost friend (until your money runs dry!). As well as being one of the city's most alluring dive bars and we're talking grubby and run down rather than boho chic, Night & Day is also one of Manchester's best music venues with live bands playing five or six nights a week. Admittedly, the sound isn't as good as the Academy or The Deaf Institute but the great atmosphere, promising local bands and established underground bands make it a must visit. When I was music editor at City Life magazine many moons ago, there were so many great gigs at Night & Day - from Goldfrapp, Add N To (X) and The Gossip to Elbow - that I was tempted to move in!

Jumping jeepers it's Warehouse season again!!! Stop what…read moreyou're doing, quit your your job, postpone the divorce, you don't want to miss a thing! From now until February if anyone needs me I'll be in a big dark tunnel under the railway station throwing out some shapes to the best DJs in the world and hugging people I would normally cross the street to avoid- it don't get no better than this Jon Boy! One of my greatest claims to fame took place here when Mike from Groove Armada dedicated Superstylin' to yours truly on my birthday after getting me and my friends in as a thank you for taking them around the old man bars of Liverpool after striking up an unlikely friendship in Cream. Tis a strange feeling indeed to spend an evening being asked by strangers if you are "THE Jay". I am SO the Jay.

You can't get better than this when it comes to clubbing in Manchester. Whilst still living…read moreLiverpool I often came to Manchester clubbing and thought 'so where is everyone?', I found them ALL here! Yes hidden away in a dark underground car park under Piccadilly train station there are around 2000 whistling shape throwers that gather every week or so from the month of September through till Febuary every year. The Warehouse Project makes you feel like you truly are part of an underground scene again ......although in recent years it seems to have secured a few sponsorship deals (kinda ruins it). But hey this place is somewhere you can let your hair down and lose yourself (or lose your shoes if your like me ....no seriously is quite embarrassing when people are congratulating your other half for going home to get you another pair of shoes due to the fact you have lost them indefinitely down the side of a speaker). I would recommend that if you want to know what Manchester really has to offer you wiggle your way down to the Warehouse Project and party with the best of 'em.

Totally lucked out on a Monday night and there was a New Orleans Jazz band playing. The food was…read moremeh bar food for the US but since we were in the middle of the U.K. It was glorious. Having to go up to the bar to place every single order was a bit cumbersome but they brought it to you when it was ready. If you are looking for a fun dive kinda spot in Manchester with live music it's a must go.

I was lucky enough to catch the Paul Farr band at Matt and Phred's last night. It's safe to say…read morethat I entered what Howard Moon and Vince Noir would refer to as a 'jazz trance'. My word, if you get the opportunity to catch these guys when they play again on the 17th August (they play here quite regularly and it's always free entry) or at the Cinnamon Club you really must - even non-jazz fans would thoroughly enjoy their awesome musical prowess, it's absolutely universal to appreciate the percussive banter between the awe-inspiringly superb drummer and the creative percussionist armed with an absolute arsenal of unusual instruments. The guitarist has worked with the likes of Tom Jones and Lily Allen and along with the fabulous bassist, they're all just mind-bendingly supreme. The pedant and I (have I introduced you to him before?) popped in for some cocktails while the Thursday salsa classes were still going on, and I tell you, if you're remotely nervous about salsa you must join this group. Beginners are from 7-8, improvers from 8-9 and everyone was having an awesome time. The teachers seemed very sweet. The pedant took on a Dave Walsh special pizza, a great combination of anchovies, chorizo and spring onions, and if you get the opportunity (and are comfortable in your masculinity) try out a Pixie's Potion cocktail. It might look girly, but it contains absinthe. Talk about a kick and a half. As well as this, I had no idea Matt and Phred's did fresh-baked cakes - they look amazing. And the bar staff, as always, were truly magical. There's a wonderful cosy atmosphere to Matt and Phred's, and had we not had any pressing errands the next day the pedant and I could have stayed there all night. It's one of those places where whoever you're with, you constantly find yourselves looking back and forth at one another and smiling in agreement at the joy of seeing incredible music in such a cool little place. I'm making a late New Year's resolution. Visit Matt and Phred's far more often. Like on a weekly or fortnightly basis perhaps? I'd best start saving up for all those caipirinhas...

Some would say that The Cinnamon Club is the Ronnie Scotts of the North, I would whole heatedly…read moreagree! Not only can you see the greats and new Blues Soul and Jazz artists, but also seriously talented musicians of other genres. With a fully sprung maple dance floor, and an arched ceiling towering above you at over forty feet, it is a venue for all occasions... and makes a welcome change from propping up the bar in your local. You can book tickets on-line in advance and can be as cheap as £5! The venue is really spacious, and it has many tables where you can sit and enjoy the music and their very fine wines. Whats more, the beautiful Edwardian building creates a very intimate atmosphere, I fully recommend it too if you are into your dancing, you will see many a competent swinger on the dancefloor alongside simply merry couples enjoying a little boggie together. You can hire the club as a venue for a special occasion too, they will supply a band, food and wine. They also have classes on week nights if you want to brush up in your Jive or Latin moves.

This is a gorgeous place. Foodies and music lovers will love this joint. The beautiful Edwardian…read morebuilding plays host to some of the finest proponents of blues, soul and jazz play as you relax over a delicious meal. It's refreshing to see the menu changing weekly and there is plenty on offer in terms of snacks and light bites. There is a stylish Bistro and a Lounge, each with its own bar, and a grand, arched ceiling overlooks a superb, maple-sprung dance floor. They have live music which is performed every Thursday and Friday and a top-of-the-range PA system ensures that every note is crystal clear. Members of the Club receive the added benefit of free entry to The Lounge and are also invited to meet the musicians at the interval and after the gig in the restaurant bar. The Cinnamon Club is a unique style ans versatile venue which makes it exceedingly popular for private parties, corporate events and weddings..... and a very cool name to boot !!

At long last I made it to a gig at the Albert Hall - a venue I've been wanting to check out for a…read morelong time but needed to wait for the perfect gig. So on Saturday night my friend and myself went to see Metronomy which was perfect for the surroundings and was totally 'high energy' kick ass! If you've ever been lucky enough to gig it up at the Paradiso in Amsterdam then this is the closest equivalent we have, a converted church and hall and some amazing Victorian architecture surrounds you on all sides. Trof own this place which fits in well with their portfolio of Deaf Institute, Gorilla, The NQ one etc (all cool venues, all a bit different) and I believe there's plans downstairs to make it a all a bit more proper soon (bar, food, day time venue etc) The only thing letting this place down is the quite awful selection of drinks on offer - the beer is either Tuborg or San Miguel and more random lagers...not a single ale, IPA or anything which is really not on considering you're still have to pay £4-£4.50 for such rubbish beer. Considering Trof have always got a good rep in their bars across their portfolio I feel this is really letting down the brand. Getting out is a bit of a ball ache - great venue but narrow Victorian stairs. Be expecting to wait in line and the queues for the coat check were huge so I really wouldn't bother. We have tickets for Afrikka Bambata and DJ Shadow in Feb - can't wait to get back then, just hope they sort out the beer before then.

Thank you Trof!! The hazy memories of Brannigans are completely replaced by the best music venue in…read moreManchester. The music hall itself is the majestic renovation of the old church, with stained glass windows, and the old organ pipes acting as a backdrop for the stage. The standing area is spacious and well proportioned - it's almost a square, which makes a change from the long thin 'corridor' approach of many venues in Manchester. The seating area is a 3 sided balcony standing on ornate pillars. Despite the balcony, the space feels completely open thanks to the high ceilings (which are full of ornate carvings). Churches always make great venues (e.g. Islington Chapel or Manchester Cathedral), so it's a massive service to the music scene in Manchester. What I think is most exciting about Albert Hall is that because it's such a unique space, hopefully bands will treat gigs there as something special. Everyone's seen bands mid-tour sleepwalking through a set, especially mid-week. The first band I saw at the AH was Half Moon Run (the first 'official' gig at the AH, excepting the special gigs for the MIF), and they certainly seemed to be excited to be playing such a beautiful venue. Anything that can snap bands out of a trance and reminds them to stay in the moment is a great thing. London has plenty of beautiful venues, so it's about time Manchester had something to compare. Downstairs is a pub-like bar, with a strangely anachronistic light-up dancefloor (was this a leftover from Brannigans? I can't remember). I assume in non-gig nights, this will act as the main bar, but at the gig it was used for pre-drinks and the march stall. I can see the venue would be great for club nights as well as gigs, so I'll be interesting to see which nights move over to there (I assume the typical Deaf Institute rota?). The only issue I can see is with leaving. The exit is via two very poky stairwells that then lead into a single door exit (for some reason the exit onto Peter street is blocked so everyone leaves into the backstreet). Leaving a gig involves a lot of crushing at the best of times, but this felt somewhat unnecessary. Still, that's just nitpicking. Can't wait to watch the gig list for Albert Hall get released. Next gig I'll be seeing there is Neutral Milk Hotel, and I can't wait to see a special band in a special venue!