Extra cool now that's its a pub featured on Fresh Meat but I've always liked going there and I've…read morebeen to few many shows upstairs, which are always very cool also. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere but only one toilet!

Over the last decade, The King's Arms has become something of a Manchester institution. Tucked away…read moreon Bloom Street in Salford, it's a ten minute walk from Deansgate and the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The surrounding new build flats aren't the prettiest but it's worth making a special trip to enjoy a pint and a bit of culture in this charming boozer. A grand looking, red brick building with several floors, The King's Arms has been lovingly nurtured and restored back to life by current manager Jon Cooper. There's a community theatre company and a collective of visual artists and photographers based on the top floor and a performance area for local and visting bands on the first floor. There's free folk and jazz gigs every Wednesday and Greek /Klezma musicians every Thurs. There's also occasional film screenings, poetry readings and community benefits. The reason I love The King's Arms so much however, is for their gorgeous bar with comfy leather seating, high ornate ceiling and worn wooden tables. The bar staff are as welcoming as the decor and whenever I've been there's always been something cool on the stereo from Serge Gainsbourg to The Shangra Las. The fact they also serve great ales, beers, spirits and warm drinks at reasonable prices is what makes it one of Manchester's coolest drinking dens! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-52UnhQhu8

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.

Came here to see Hans Zimmer Live and had a great time! Getting in to the Arena went much faster…read morethan other venues I've visited, and it was very easy to find our seats once we got inside. The crowd was as energetic as the orchestra, which is to say MASSIVELY GOOD VIBES! As we were only a few rows from the stage, I was very happy I donned foam earplugs. I was literally *feeling* the music more than I was hearing it, heheh! The bio-break during Intermission flowed pretty fast (not me ... the line!). The food here, considering I got a hot dog & soda, was actually very good! The only thing that was a pain was trying to exit the garage after the show. All traffic seemed to bottleneck into a couple lanes that had to cross the foot traffic leaving the Arena after the show. Otherwise, a great venue and I wouldn't mind seeing more shows there.

It seems even many years later after rebranding including with other sponsors, Manchester Arena…read morewill always be known as the MEN Arena to many locals - it opened in 1995 and is the only indoor purpose-built arena of its' kind in Manchester and although stadiums across the city including the Etihad and Emirates Old Trafford do host concerts now, this is the only Arena of its- type to be fully indoors in a city centre location, it is actually right next to Manchester Victoria Station and the main disabled enterance actually involves going through the station's lift (quite confusing!) - this can also be used as a cut-through to parts of the station when the lifts are out of order, which is the situation right now. Back to the Arena - I can't help but think the only reason this place is so well-known, successful and used is because it lacks competition in one of the UK's best and biggest cities - the customer service is a disgrace such as with booking tickets. The disabled seating tickets team force you to have to phone up with no online booking - they are only open at awkward hours during the day with no option to wait on hold, meaning if you require assistance booking it is going to be difficult to get tickets. It involves creating an account/profile, sending proof of a disability, waiting for that to be confirmed and then placing your tickets on hold for a few days until everything is confirmed - and if it is confirmed you're expected to pay various booking fees: security fee, postage fee (You can only pick up on the day of the event where they advise not to, if you don't pay) and of course a booking fee for telephone orders. Tickets are expensive - I attended Impractical Jokers' recent tour here and I even had to pay a security fee - now I get the venue has to be secure especially after the saddening attack in 2017 but why should they charge a "surcharge" just to be safe as every place like this should be safe and not charging for the fact you're safe, right? The security wasn't even good either - I was told to empty my pockets and go through a scanner, however, they didn't even use the airport-style bag checker on what I emptied (they didn' even look at it and I did have a case which was unexpected) - I also was able to take a drink in despite them being banned - the security is flawed. It does have a capacity of just over 21,000 which is even larger than London's famous O2 Arena, however, I do really prefer the O2, the Manchester Arena has virtually nothing upon entering: no shops, restaurants while the O2 does - all the Arena has is stands selling really expensive food, beverages and merchandise - they even have salesmen who go into the crowd during a show trying to wave things in front of you - like come on I bought my ticket to watch an event, not watch you wave programmes about for goodness sake! The view of the stage wasn't too good either, I had to watch the show from the big screen and after paying for some of the more expensive seated tickets, that isn't what you want either. I really hope the rival to Manchester Arena is built soon by my club, Manchester City as it needs something to rival this hell-hole - the extra star is virtually only for being the only indoor concert/tour arena of its' kind in Greater Manchester, they even hosted amateur hockey games here at one point!

The four stars are definitely warranted for this place as a music venue. In fact I LOVE it. Despite…read moreus getting hopelessly lost getting here and thereby missing half the set of the band we wanted to see, it turned out to be well worth our merry ground. There is ample space to park behind the unit, which is bizarrely located in a derelict railway arch that resembles an unofficial homeless shelter. As it turned out we weren't the only ones who were late due to the strange location. Many disgruntled friends had similar hide and seek adventures, only theirs cost them a few more quid in a taxi. One thing you need to be aware of before you go is that it is NOT the Raddison Edwardian! Wear warm clothing, and perhaps not your best tuxedo/evening dress, this place is basically a big dungeon with huge amps in one room and a makeshift bar in the other. The ceiling and walls near the bar area have something unGodly growing on them and the walls were very wet. Both of these I thought were cool features before realising that it wasn't in fact an artistic decisive deco rational endeavour. Once you get past the dirty wet walls and the strange fungus growing on the ceiling it's actually a fantastic music venue. The acoustics were incredible due to the large space and tunnel shaped interior of the main hall. The thing I loved about it was how different it was from other Manchester music venues. It had its own little charm, with tiny laser beam displays at the front as well as sniper like green/red lights emanating from the back which made it look like all the audience members had targets marked on their backs. All in all it was a very "cool" experience which kind of ended as soon as the gig. There was no hanging around and chatting in the hall. Everyone kind of wanted to get out of there, as an eery silence fell upon the empty music hall. I can envisage this being used in a future film project of mine for sure. It has magnificent production value for a horror/thriller film sequence. With its given name, it kinda demands it no?

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...

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

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.

Went to see a film music tie-in at this venue and really enjoyed though massive number of stairs to…read moreclimb to get to my seat. Also slightly restricted viewing.

Lovely venue to listen to live music! I've been here many times to listen to the Hallé play, and…read morethe architecture of the room allows for great acoustics! Every seat has great views and great sound of the music, and the foyer of the hall holds many people. It's a great venue situated in Manchester that should be experienced once.

The Fitzgerald is not even slightly a speakeasy as it has a giant obvious door with a street sign,…read morebut it does have a nice decor and atmosphere. Cocktails were universally excellent - I adored the Lemon Meringue Pie which came with a toasted topping, the Vesper was as lethal as it was smooth, the Aviatrix came with a violet "fog" which was one of the best drink gimmicks I've ever come across and the remaining drinks we had featuring mint and campari (from the first page...I can't remember their names) were also brilliant. Prices range from about £6 - 8 which is basically as good as it gets for cocktails of this quality. Music was good with the DJ playing a range from jazz to 90s R&B. Service was a bit slow at times and they totally messed up the bill but the servers were all extremely nice and friendly, it's not a snooty place at all. Highly recommended.

My absolute favourite bar in Manchester but during the week rather than the weekend!…read more I've always loved a speakeasy and am a big fan of electro swing at the moment so when I first found the Fitzgerald I was so excited. The cocktails are great and the bar staff are always willing to help out with flavours. I fell in love with the Sazerac because of this place! They have a black and white movie on a wall from a projector and great music all the time with the comfiest of sofas to relax in with a drink. Fitzgerald on a Thursday has 2 cocktails for £10 and live music which ranges from a Ceilidh to R 'n' B Jazz. Just a fantastic mix and such an easy going atmosphere that I have literally spent hours in. I hired the place out for a cocktail making class for a birthday gift for a friend and it was just amazing fun. We had three cocktails (that we got to choose based on the birthday girl's favourites) and we all got to go behind the bar to make them (8 of us taking turns) but best of all it was only around £30 a head...for the whole place to ourselves! I've been more times than I can count but now I'm in Edinburgh I do miss the place!

Good vibes, good service, good pricing. Location is perfect in Northern Quarter. Live music on the…read moreweekends.

After a lovely dinner at Superstore, we went for a few drinks at The Whisky Jar…read more Situated next to El Capo on Tariff St in the NQ, this bar, and the ones that around it, have been established in an old mill, which gives the bar some great wooden and brick features. The main bar and seating area is small, but luckily it wasn't too busy when I went here on Saturday and we managed to find a comfy sofa to relax on. There is a basement area which seemed to be much busier and louder than where we were sat upstairs, so this bar seems to cater for everyone's needs overall. The drinks menu in here obviously concentrates on Whisky - which isn't really my thing, but there were some yummy cocktails on the menu too. I ordered a Cookie Jar - a light yet creamy cocktail served with a cookie! And right up my street. They have live music on here sometimes and an open mic night every Tuesday from 7.30pm - so i may have to pop down for that!!