Totally lucked out on a Monday night and there was a New Orleans Jazz band playing. The food was meh 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. read more

See all

I was lucky enough to catch the Paul Farr band at Matt and Phred's last night. It's safe to say that 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... read more

During the week there isn't anywhere better to be if you like Jazz music. Came here on a quiet Wednesday and stumbled across quite an incredible Organ trio playing their entire album. There weren't that many people there which was both fantastic and extremely sad. Fantastic, because my friend Ben and I had prime seats and rude back ground chatter was non existent. Sad, because there were so few people there to witness some really exceptional music. The band was called Svarc Henley Longhawn and they'd traveled all the way from Leeds to perform. The particulars re drink prices and decor are monumentally irrelevant when it comes to utterly brilliant music such as this. Despite the lack of an audience the musicians never held back and gave it 100% which was not only admirable but inspirational. I made it a point to shake hands with all of three musicians and thanked them for an awesome performance. They were absolutely made up about that. If Matt and Phreds put on acts like this even once during the week, It's well worth a visit. I will definitely be returning on another dark stormy night, for some morale lifting Jazzy tunes. read more

Matt and Phreds - Incredible music on a Wednesday night! LOVE Manchester! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

A good friend of mine was performing at this venue and he invited me out. I (25 year old black male) attended the event with my partner (23 year old white female) and another friend (22 year old white female). My name was on the guest list and we all entered. After grabbing the first round of drinks the owner of the licence ( Clare Turner) came over and asked my partner and friend if they were ok with being with me. After she said that, I said, "ok, it's time to leave". I left and proceeded to record as I was leaving. She then came out behind me and my partner in a drunken state, hurling abuse genuinely trying to provoke a reaction out of me. (I have video evidence) my partner asked Clare why she came over to us, my partner also said, "he's my boyfriend" after my partner said that. Clare back tracked. Sure, you can say I'm pulling the race card here but no one else was bothered by the owner the entire night. The vibe was dope and seeing my good friend complete his set was amazing. But if that's how the owner treats paying customers then they deserve to be exposed. read more

I have always had a soft corner for Matt & Phredd's as a music venue. Music venues in the northern quarter have that special something about them that you don't get anywhere else. Seven days of live music, more or less and decent cocktails with a free pizza offer between certain hours on certain days of the week and you can't go wrong. We walked in and I felt I was being drawn in by the decor, the ambience and the general vibe of the place, which is always a good thing. This visit of ours was to see a burlesque show by Cherie Babe and her group on Sunday night. I must say we thoroughly enjoyed the event. The seating was a bit cramped but it added to the character of that place. What we liked also was the service of the bar staff. We ordered old fashioned, the cocktail and if you've ever made one of those or seen someone make one you know it's a thankless job. We were quite impressed that the girl put in a lot of effort to ensure our cocktails turned out right and was very polite and friendly throughout. Like I've said before, getting a good level of customer service in these times is always a pleasant surprise. We were also quite pleasantly surprised when the lead performer of the night, Cherie Babe actually spoke to us for a good few minutes on the way out and took the time to find out if we'd really enjoyed the show and so on and so forth. All in all I had a good experience and would definitely go back again. Only four stars and not a five this time because the seating for the actual show was cramped and my view of the stage wasn't the clearest of all. As always I hope they continue to maintain these high standards for a long time to come. read more

See all

It is the only Jazz bar in Manchester where they have live jazz bands EVERYDAY of the week! It is free to enter (apart from special nights) and they do free pizza during happy hours (5-8) with any two alcoholic drinks (that sounds brilliant). They also have salsa classes here every Tuesday with a live band, I love dancing and jazz so it was a perfect combination for me. The red interiors and decor gives the place a very retro feel. The crowd is usually decent and trendy (not seen any chavs here) usually get louder post midnight. The drinks are reasonably cheap and so is the food! What I like most about this place is the chilled out and un-pretentious vibe here! read more

Matt and Phreds - Kyla brooks singing some sexy jazz numbers! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Partial to the odd turtle neck? Groovy smoothie..... Own a berry and some turtle shell rims? Uptight and out of sight hip cat..... Want to know where you can keep it unstructured and cool? If Jazz is your thing or you just wanna swing then head down to the Northern Quarters only dedicated Jazz bar Matt & Phreds daddio and keep it loose goose. Right on....... Joking aside, this is a really top night spot. Completely free of the intimidating pretentiousness that has unfortunately become linked with Jazz bars and really accessible to anyone wanting to just try something new. The decor and music combine to make this one of the most atmospheric small venues you'll ever go. Definitely worth a break from the norm. read more

Matt and Phreds - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I heard good things about this place, great things in fact, amazing things actualised it lived up to all my expectations! Loved the crowd, really great people and fantastic atmosphere. I love Jazz so I was obviously a very happy lady! I went allout and tried a few of their delightful cocktails, big selection that will keep you occupied all night. Staff were fantastic, really friendly and obviously into he music themselves. Cannot find one bad point....aside from the fact the cocktails gave me a nasty headache in the morning but I suspect taht was due to how many I DRANK! read more

Matt 'N' Phreds Jazz club is a real gem, that's really pretty well hidden in central Manchester. Nowadays they don't even have a front door, so you have to walk down the alley at the back to get in. It is however the best jazz club in Manchester. It's a little pricey, but the entertainment is free, so it evens itself out. They have live music 7 nights a week. If you arrive later than 9-10 you may have to pay a cover charge of £5 or so, depending upon the day. They have a good selection of continental beers, and do great bar snacks and pizza (the food is reasonably priced). It's pretty small, but the crowd is cool. read more

Matt and Phreds - Matt & Phreds - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Cracking pocket of Jazz Bar right slap bang middle of the Northern Quarter (club sandwiched between Tibb Street and Oldham Street). This place seems to get mixed reviews either for arrogant staff or overpriced ale. Never personally experienced that (ale is expensive everywhere you outside of tescoburys et al). Many of the performing musicians I'm told have descended from the Royal Northern College of Music and when I've been in they've never put a digit or larynx wrong. There's occasionally a hint that not all the people in there are genuine lovers of Jazz, but if they're merely pretending I doubt they'd come back. Once you're inside for a while (and have managed to secure a table which you can pre book) the you feel as though you've been transported from Manchester and you've ended up in New York, Chicago or San Francisco. Accordingly the place has been overhauled recently (and I believe Matt and Phred have parted company), more to iron out creases and generally smarten the place up that very little (plus new kitchen). Admittedly I'm no Jazz Purist; I own the obvious (like many I guess) records by John Coltrane/Miles Davis/Dizzie Gillespie but then also appreciate the likes of Charles Mingus, Oscar Peterson Trio, Vince Guaraldi but also the 70's fusion fella's like Chick Corea, Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius. But then my knowledge on the subject falls flat on it's sax. Still it's great to watch live Jazz musicians in this kind of environment (the smoking ban somewhat alleviates a little of the aura but this dark, fascinating club easily manages to serve you a very pleasant illusion). I play the piano on occasion but would've loved to reach a standard whereby I could let loose on the ebony and ivory's in places like this. They serve cracking food (fresh pizza as an example) and a decent selection of cocktails...if cocktails are your thing I suppose. I'll stick with a beer, 'margherita con bufala' and the confluence of poly rhythmic and swung syncopated swing beats singing 3/4 bits into my ear ends. If you've enjoyed sitting in a chain coffee bar listening to piped jazz music then you'll love the real thing. read more

Yo forget the live music at 9pm and get here at 6pm for the two pints and a free pizza deal. There's limited seating (most of its reserved) so get there early. Only reason to come! read more

Matt and Phreds - Watch out Erin! There's a ghost behind you! - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Now, I've never been a huge fan of jazz. It's too confusing, it has no rules and I'm a girl who likes rules. Without rules, we'd all just be floating around doing crimes and forgetting where we'd put things. Without rules, there'd be no knickers-and-socks drawer and there would be anarchy. Where was I? Oh yes, jazz. I don't like it, it's weird and confusing. I'm the sort of person who needs a repetitive beat and a constantly looped sample of 70's disco if I'm going to dance. However, for all my misgivings about jazz I like Matt & Phred's. It's hard to be quirky in the Northern Quarter. Well, everything in the Northern Quarter is quirky. I mean, it's hard to be quirky and original. Stepping into Matt & Phred's is how I imagine stepping into some kind of Prohibition-era 'joint' in New York would be. It's dark, sparsely furnished, packed with fashionable clientele and usually has a sticky floor. By staying true to this stripped-back aesthetic, it manages to be capture the essence of quirk without deploying the use of, say, a fake moose-head or a 'vintage' bean bag. If you arrive early, you might be lucky enough to snag one of the cute little spindly tables in front of the stage. If you arrive too late to grab a table, then prop the bar up with some be-coated men, and marvel at the vast, wide range of liquors on offer (myself and a friend did have a good giggle at Knob Creek whisky). Once you've chosen your spot, you need to choose your poison. At this point, you can't go wrong with a bottle of vino, all pretty reasonably priced at £12-17. Perhaps not the cheapest wine in the city centre, but the ones I've sampled (all reds, so I cannot vouch for their whites) have been tasty and drinkable. The wine list isn't extensive, but is obviously judiciously chosen. If you're feeling a little flush, their sparkling wine (£40) is very palatable, and adds to that broken-down speakeasy decadence. And oh! the cocktails. Nowadays it seems every bar in Manchester is offering cocktails, but these aren't just any old cocktails. My boyfriend swears by the mojito, and I had a margarita there a couple of weeks ago that was truly the best I've had in this fair city. At £6.50 a pop they're pretty much spot on in price. Foodwise, Messrs Matt and Phred know you cannot go wrong with a tasty pizza and a bowl of olives. With all their pizzas coming in at around the £7 mark, you'll be laughing your way back to the bar for another Raspberry and Apple Collins. For a lot of people, Matt & Phred's is about the music, the funky funky jazz. Me, I know nothing about it, but I do know that when I'm sitting at a tiny table with a bottle of good red, a few good friends and a tasty pizza, a little bit of boogie-woogie bass and some understated scatting really does feel right. Hey, maybe I don't mind jazz after all...maybe..maybe I like it. Well, that's for my therapist and I to discuss but I know one thing, jazz or no, Matt & Phred's is a comfortable, down to Earth bar with no pretensions, and seriously good cocktails. read more

I headed to Matt and Shreds because I've been that told that did really good pizza and played good jazz music. Matt and Phreds has that classic jazz club feel. You can also book tables in advance to guarantee a good seat to enjoy the music and dark corners at the back if you are looking for a conversation. If you're going to Matt and Phreds to check out some music, entry is free during the week but it's worth checking their website in case a bigger act from out of town is playing and you need to get tickets. read more

Tony Wilson once cruelly suggested 'Jazz is the last refuge of the untalented.' Matt & Phreds Jazz Club is evidence that the Mancunian music legend sometimes got it wrong! An intimate club at the heart of the city's Northern Quarter, Matt and Phreds is like a more condensed Ronnie Scotts. They don't get the big names RS do but they do showcase an assortment of local, national and international jazz bands. Some play straight jazz, some play light jazz and some play gloriously wild, free jazz like Art Ensemble of Chicago. Just remembering my last night there makes me want to open the windows and play Theme De Yoyo at full volume... There's tables at the front - where you can order thin crust pizza and bar snacks - and standing room at the sides and back. They also have friendly and handsome bar staff and a tongue-tingling assortment of drinks - including an extensive wine list, lots of European beers, quality spirits and champagne. Oh and it's open til late every weekend so is a good place to go with friends. What more could you need for a great night out? read more

Matt & Phred's is the jazz club in Manchester. The only one. You might get some jazz elsewhere. Now, it's a fine old place. Nice. Clean. Not sure about the tablehood up front (good for chin-stroking nights, but on nights where people might want to, you know, dance, not so good, like when I was there). It's also blisteringly expensive. We paid a fiver to get in, then I think £3.40 for a pint of Boddington's. A generally decent crowd, though quite a few drunkens who thought that bum-patting of the ladies was OK. (boys, this is NOT OK. Seriously.) It's nice, and I'd be happy to go back, in general. (3 stars from me is a good, but not fab, review) read more

I can't sing enough praise for Matt & Phreds. Quite easily one of my favourite music venues in Manchester. Been going for the last 7 years or so, since I was 18, and yet to have a disappointing experience. I recently went this Monday (8th Feb) for their monthly jazz jam. Each week M&P host a 'jam' night featuring a different genre of music. Jazz, blues, New Orleans etc. The second Monday of the month is their jazz jam, which is by far my favourite. They have their house band and invite spectators to join them on stage for some seriously incredible improv music. As a musician, it's just simply amazing to witness. I went with a friend a while back who complained that the booze was a tad expensive, however when I pointed out that entry is free for what is probably the best jazz music you'll hear in the city, he changed his mind. The venue is ace. Stereotypical jazz club. Small round tables, low red lighting. All that's missing is a haze of smoke drifting through the room. The jams run from 9pm-12.30am every Monday, and I suggest getting there earlier to secure a table. Online reservation is available however. Really, really recommend going, something different to spice up your Monday nights. read more

Firstly, it's great that Matt & Phreds has live music on every night. That's in general something to be happy about. Also the bartender was super nice (because he was really impressed with my friend ordering dry Manhattans). However I was taken aback at the cost of the cocktails - two came to over £15. That's quite a lot of money for somewhere that otherwise does not have a luxury feel or, in my humble opinion, much of an atmosphere. The red walls and bog standard furniture reminded me more of a student bar than a jazz club, and although I liked the way they had stacked blown up photographs on one wall, some of the subjects were pretty out of sync for the feel of the place. To be fair though I'm probably comparing this place to iconic joints such as Blues Alley and there was no cover at all that night. And I can't complain about the taste of the cocktail although I think they would look more elegant in smaller glasses so the drink sits closer to the brim. I didn't think the band were very good although it was interesting to see jazz electric guitar and a hilariously enthusiastic drummer. I'd definitely go back to see more acts though. Bear in mind of course that as there's amplified live music this is not the place for a quiet chat, although there's also plenty of tables at the other end of the bar where you can talk audibly without disrespecting the musicians. read more

I love Matt & Phreds. I'm actually surprised anyone hasn't given it 5 stars, and for that reason I feel I need to add my opinions. I am not a big Jazz fan, though I do dabble in the odd Jazzy tune. However, as soon as I went here I knew it was a five star venue. Located in the Northern Quarter, this cool retro bar is free to enter. They have a resident Jazz band playing unbelievable music that would take years and years of practice and performing experience to replicate. Plus, its so nice to sit around a table with friends and listen to music. Its definitely the best way to do it. Forget moshing or seated areas, this should be the way all gigs are organized. Given that its free to enter, and they could easily get away with charging a bomb, I don't mind paying a little more for beers, which are still in line with prices in the area, at about three quid. They also do some amazing pizzas, which though quite small, are inexpensive, and provide the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer and some quality jazz. Amazing place to take visitors, especially parents. read more

A great LIVE music venue. I was there for a drink on a Thursday night and I loved the atmosphere. The band was also really good. read more

Matt and Phreds - Loved the atmosphere at Matt &Phreds - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

See all

I had a great Friday night here, really enjoyed myself. I came to see Frannie Eubanks sing and it was most definitely a 5 star experience. It was £5 to get in which isn't bad for a Friday night. I liked the dive bar look with a black curtained stage, lurid red walls and a chalked sign on the wall pointing to the ladies loos. Unlike a real dive the crowd were enjoying the night and music rather than starting fights! There was table service with the option of a tab or paying per drink. The staff were very attentive and pleasant. It was £4.50 for a large glass of house white. There was plenty of seating although I would recommend booking ahead. I've also been told the pizzas are good from a reliable source. A definite recommend from me! read more

Went here on Saturday night £5 cover on the door which for a great New Orleans style jazz band was pretty good. We had booked a table but as there was 9 of us we were right at the back near the main entrance so we couldn't see the band as the bar area which was in front of us got really busy. If you are a smaller group then I would advise seeing if you can get a table near the stage - you won't be able to chat as much but you will be able to see the band and be in the thick of it. We did get up and get involved so a fun night was had by all. read more

We had our first visit on Monday 9/6/14, sooooo sorry we had not been before . My wife ,Amanda Jane Heywood went to see if she could sing in the open mic session . We arrived to an empty ,two bar staff one reader, venue. Oh dear what to do, don't panic ask the bar staff. Problem solved by two really friendly people who put us at ease, relax. We drank orange juice, lime and soda and water , the second time I asked for a glass of water I was given a jug complete with ice, Brilliant. Amanda sang "Summertime" with the band who were brilliant helping her through her " maiden jazz flight" Thank you. So splendid place, great bar staff , brilliant music , atmosphere. Goin back minus car to add a responsible pint to the list of good stuff xxxxxxx read more

According to their website Matt and Phred's is the only club in the North dedicated to live jazz. I've been to a couple of live jazz nights here and like most of the other Yelpers I've always had a great time despite not being into jazz music. I'd recommend visiting during the week as entrance is free as opposed to £5 at the weekend. You're more likely to get a seat too. Jazz aside, my fave M&P experience was seeing Duke Special there, who, if you're not familiar with them, are pretty far from a jazz band. I went along with no expectations as my friend had a spare ticket. Thanks to this intimate little gig Duke Special became one of my favourite bands, who I have since seen in a theatre, at the Academy and the Deaf Institute. The Matt and Phred's gig is definitely one of my top 5 gigs ever, which really says something about the venue. Duke and his band finished the night by singing a song whilst standing on top of the bar, to the amusement of the bar staff, before jumping onto the crowd and (unintentionally) kicking my friend in the head. An amazing night. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a jazz musician then you can participate in free jazz and blues jam sessions with the resident band. Details can be found on the website. read more

Matt & Phreds is a jazz bar that (to my untrained eyes, at least) epitomizes what a jazz bar should be like. Dimly lit interiors, a collection of tables nestled around a small stage area and a general vibe of warmth that harks back to a time gone by. There's something incredibly romantic about sitting at one of those tables, watching a singer and backup musician do their thing. The alcohol is a nice touch too, we were lucky enough to stumble in on a Tuesday, so we partook of their very kind happy hours offer - a free pizza with two drinks. They were also doing 2 for 1 cocktails at £7.20 which seemed to be lower value, though. They've definitely nailed the mood then - let's spend a second discussing what doesn't work as well - it's quite small and definitely not private - every table is out in the open so there are no dark corners for canoodling. There is also a pretty jarring background CD that plays between acts (or when performers are taking a break.) Perhaps some thought might be given to making the background music fit the theme of the live performers. If those seem like very mediocre cribs, its because they are. There's very little wrong with Matt & Phreds and you should definitely not let these little things dissuade you from going there for a fun night of jazz music, alcohol and pizza. read more

We stopped by on a quiet Monday night for the happy hour free pizza when we bought two alcoholic drinks. The Cajun chicken pizza was ok but it was a weird deserted bar type of atmosphere. read more

Matt and Phreds - Good Blind Pig ciders - Dance Clubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I headed to Matt and Phreds on a recommendation that the place did really good pizza. I wasn't even aware that it was a jazz club until I walked in and saw some incredibly talented musicians up on stage at the other end of the room doing some incredibly talented noodling. You see, I've never really understood jazz. I know that all the musicians are technically gifted, but it just doesn't really do anything for me. Nevertheless, it was a nice surprise when I arrived to find that I would be eating pizza somewhere a bit different. Matt and Phreds has that classic jazz club feel - moody red lighting, lots of seats in front of the stage for fans to sit and enjoy the music and dark corners at the back if you fancy some conversation. If only the smoking ban hadn't happened then you could be in some club in Chicago. The atmosphere is still good though and I'm sure that if you had a cocktail or two from the bar's drinks menu you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. We ordered our pizza and drinks at the bar. 10 minutes later a Cajun chicken pizza had arrived for me and a 'Dave Walsh' pizza for my friend. The food was served really quickly, and was obviously freshly made. Both pizzas were super tasty and a good size. At about £6 a pop they were pretty good value for a trendy club in the Northern Quarter. If you're going to Matt and Phreds to check out some music, then entry is free on most nights but it's worth checking the listings in case a bigger act from out of town is playing and you need to get tickets. You can also book tables in advance to guarantee a good seat. If you're a jazz musician yourself, then there are jam nights on the first and third Monday of every month, why not get involved? read more

I'll first tell the tale of the pinhead, then about my actual visit. I don't remember how I met him, but I was supposed to meet an acquaintance for the second time at the jazz club. He had gotten out of a concert, and was wrapped in a long black coat. He was about 7 feet tall and had on a knit cap. I saw gleaming pin on his lapel. "What's that?" I asked, trying to make small talk. "Oh that's from Chicago. I love Chicago. My favorite musical ever." I think the movie had just come out. He then removed his knit cap. A tuft of hair only at the top of his head, and his buck teeth shone under the street lamp. An unfortunate pinhead. "So . . . you like the jazz club? Are you a musician?" "No, but I love jazz." "Okay, do you go with your friends?" "No, but I always have a laugh." "What do you mean?" I didn't know the expression at the time. "You know, I go in, and I may or may not have seen the others there before, and we have a laugh." I don't know why I felt frustrated. There was one time I attended a concert at the club myself, I think as the kick-off to a festival. The atmosphere was clean and quiet, and I really could focus on the music. I remember not feeling so nervous like I do at other music venues. read more

This atmospheric venue for live jazz is one of Manchester's most popular live music venues. Laid out in cabaret style with about 20 tables in front of the performance stage, it fills up quickly! Open until the early hours it is a great place to spend an evening, and to encourage you not to leave there are free pizzas with a multi drink round - and good ones too! The Greek with feta, sun dried tomatoes and olives being my favourite. It's reasonably priced for gigs, around £5, but if you plan to make an evening of it, call and book your table or your not likely to get a seat. It's been around a long time and it's eponymous owners are often present, welcoming and friendly. Great selection of well priced wines by the bottle to. read more

See all

In a dingy yet trendy part of town, where better to have this small, dark smokey jazz bar? It's got bigger in recent years though. It's still always busy and has a distinct, if not unique, character. I'm not a jazz expert but the live music has always been very pleasing. Indeed I've seen some fantastic performances here by some probably quite renowned musicians. The food is good quality - freshly made pizza, hoummous, olives, that sort of thing. Small portions though and the kitchen is tiny so you have to wait quite a long time, especially if it's busy and lots of people are ordering food. The cocktails are as sophisticated as the music and go for the sort of price you might expect at a trendy place like this. I don't think you're allowed to wear trainers in here... but then... who in their right mind would wear trainers to a jazz bar? Try wetherspoons... The bouncers will not, repeat NOT, let you take in bottles or drinks from outside... UNLESS you bribe them with a quid, as my friend did (After that though, they were just looking for any excuse to throw him out... when he came back from the toilets, drunkenly fumbled past the stage and then collapsed across a table, taking down several drinks and a pizza... they jumped at their chance and he was gone). read more

I really really wanted to love this place and I came away from it only liking it. But like it I did. I think we chose the wrong night and I just didn't like the music that night. It does attract a rather eclectic crowd, which I quite liked. We didn't try the food, although it looked LOVELY - I'd recently eaten - next time I'll make sure I go hungry. The drinks are great, some gorgeous cocktails - I particularly liked the lemon one, can't quite remember the name, but tasted like lemon bonbons! Will definitely be back and hopefully will be able to give it the full five stars and i really want to! read more

Matt and Phreds is a live jazz venue... yet, for some inexplicable reason, patrons have found cause to complain about the volume of the music. Astonishing. Maybe it's because of the size of the venue that makes people think it's a bar? Anyway, what is there is a wonderful gem for the music lovers of the North West. There's been a lot of great acts appear over the years and, speaking as someone who has only a cursory interest in jazz as a whole, I've found that every time I've taken a random punt on the place, the music has always been brilliant. Naturally, you get the odd idiot who wanders in because it's open late who makes the most boring jazz joke in history by saying "Nice!" a la The Fast Show, but by and large, you get a lot of people hanging around listening to the music and not once turning into a pretentious jazz snob moaning about the use of diminished fifths or whatever jazz snobs talk about. While the surroundings are great and the atmosphere is thick with music, the major drawback is the prices on the bar. If you want a big drink, it's probably better to stock your liver up elsewhere and then enjoy a couple in a stupor while the bands grace Matt and Phreds. In summary, it's a brilliant little venue and well worthy of the praise it gets. read more

Not been in Matt & Pred's for years apart from on the odd occassion. Used to be a regular under Matt's days and their predecessors, but since the current regime bought them out it's not been the same. And surprised the place has still got shady bouncer wanna bees on the back door demanding a quid or two of you for the pleasure of entering to spend £3 for a drink on a Tuesday night huh!!!! What's all that about? I can go up the road and drink in other bars for nowt. Get real! Same ole Jazz music that it's had for years. The place has lot it's magic along with it's jazz! I wonder if they still do 2 pizzas for the price of one, weekdays before 7pm? Anyone know? read more

Wow this is a fantastic night out even if you don't like Jazz (like me). Matt and Phreds doesn't really come to life until around 10pm when the music starts, but when it does the atmosphere is fantastic, very friendly and not at all threatening. There is a simple menu on offer and food is served till midnight, the drinks are also good and competitively priced. Depending on the night of the week and the act on stage you may have to pay on the door to get in, but it is well worth it. I have never considered myself a Jazz fan but the music was superb, more like Ska than Jazz, I couldn't get enough and will certainly be back for more! read more

Matt and Phreds is one of my favourite places in Manchester, the perfect place to sit back and relax with a bottle of red and listen to the live, extremely talented musicians. If you want a table make sure you book well in advance, you'll only be given one if you're eating a meal and even then you'll need to specify that you want one at the front, we once got given a table at the back which meant people stood in front of our table and we couldn't see. This place gets busier as the night goes on with people crwoding in to stand at the back and watch the acts so a table at the front is a really good place to be. The food in here is just average, pizzas and tapas sometimes, it's nothing to shout about and the service is slow but it's decently priced and the food isn't the reason anyone comes to Matt and Phreds. You'll find a mix of ages and people in here which adds to the quirkiness of the night. If you like Jazz music it's pretty hard to beat Matt & Phreds. read more

Being primarily a live jazz venue, it almost goes without saying that Matt & Phred's is a place that feels very cool. Thankfully, though, it's never intimidatingly so, instead finding its niche as a hangout that's welcoming and chic all at once. The building is pretty large, leaving room towards the door for some hushed chatter without interrupting anyone's enjoyment of the music. If you're more interested in soaking up the culture, getting towards the stage means you can enjoy some great acoustics that compliment some truly great live jazz acts. Worthy of taking a gamble on a strange name, the venue has always impressed me with the mood and talent on show on various nights of the week. The drinks here are good, as are the pizzas and other foody bits served, and prices are neither over the top nor particularly cheap. Really, the appeal of this place is all in the atmosphere, and it's one of those rare venues where you'll feel just as at home in your best threads as you do in your big jumper and jeans. read more

For a guaranteed top night out, with delicious food and drink, friendly service, a cool crowd and fantastic entertainment then look no further than here! It's a perfect jazz venue; dark, small and narrow and filled with an assortment of real characters. The drinks here include good spirits measurements, nice cocktails and a decent wine list. The food is also great for sharing with friends, delicious pizzas and tasty tapas perfect finger food to pick at as you drink and immerse yourself in the this slightly surreal world. The entertainment here is fantastic and varies so much that you never seem to see the same band or musician twice. They've even started experimenting with some non-jazz nights which are worth trying out too for something a little different. Check out their website for a comprehensive diary of what's coming up and any special events. One thing to note is that booking seems to be increasingly necessary, so make sure you call early to avoid disappointment. Oh and if i'm honest it could probably do with a bit of a refurbishment, especially in the toilets but if it was too polished then this place wouldn't be what it is! read more

This is a Jazz Club of the old kind. The anti-smoking laws have done away with the dingy smoky atmosphere and now we have live music in a dark and comfortable environment which attracts everyone from indie kids to mature Jazz fans. They premiere quite a few big acts and play a large part in the Jazz Festival that happens every year in Manchester. One secret that few people know about this place is the lush food! Head down early evening and you can choose between pasta, pizza and other offerings of the day which are pocket-friendly and TASTY too!! This is a perfect place to chill after hours, and I'd especially recommend the Wednesday evening Jam night for a chill-out with wine (better if you're attempting to feel a little cultured!) read more

A few people had told me about this place, speaking reverentially of it as the one place I really had to get to in the Northern Quarter. Maybe I was there on an off night but I wasn't overly impressed (or maybe I shouldn't listen to people who work in PR). Everything just felt slightly overpriced and the people in there seemed to be trying too hard. All I could think of was the jazz sketches from the Fast Show (nice). Might be a great venue for the music and I will give it a go, but for a port of call and a couple of drinks it really didn't do much for me. read more

Matt and Phreds is definitely one of my favourite venues in Manchester. Firstly it only costs £5 to watch a fantastic jazz band, the atmosphere is second to none and the bar has a great selection of beers and spirits. I went last night and watched an amazing band called the Dub Jazz Soundsystem. They played for 2 had a half hours which makes the entry fee a bargain. Matt and Phreds does get busy so I suggest you get there early if you want a table. You can also book a table if you want to eat food there. They do an excellent selection of homemade pizzas and also that way you get a seat near to the front so you have a good view of the band. Can't wait for my next visit. read more

I've been to Matt&Phred's a couple of times, admittedly always as part of a company and never for a gig. Still, the atmosphere is arty, you can easily imagine yourself in a French or American bar, dark and oozing cool. The bar is great, I enjoyed their house white, and our company shared a pizza (it was in 2009). The club is ideally located in Tib St, close to other hip places, like Simple, Common, and The Northern, not to mention the bar galore down Thomas St. And you can never miss it the red lights are always on in the window on Oldham Road. read more