Cancel

Open app

Search

Trof

4.1 (78 reviews)
ModerateBars, British, Music Venues
Open 9:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Trof Photos

TROF ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
DJ
Hipster
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Trof

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Mmmm roast beef with trimmings
Oonagh C.

My new favourite place for a Sunday roast. They cook the roast beef to taste (way too rare) and the cabbage, sweet potato Mash and broccoli were perfect. The big Yorkshire pudding was nice and crispy. Well done Trof. They also have a roast duck dinner which 2 of our party thoroughly enjoyed. Also roast pork and lamb Plus nut roast which also got good feedback. The roast beef was £12.50. The duck was the most expensive at £14.50. I also like the layout of Trof, especially the quirky room on the top floor.

Sarah-Jane B.

Trof is one of the few places that manages to successfully straddle being a cool cafe-bar in the daytime and an exciting bar / music venue in the evening. I know because I met a friend there for root beer in the afternoon and went back a few hours later for mojitos and cachacas! Occupying a whole building on the edge of the Northern Quarter, Trof is gorgeously decorated with old leather arm-chairs, comfy booths, wooden tables and strings of twinkling fairy lights. If you pop in and can't find a spare seat don't worry, there's two further floors and an open air terrace for smokers and exhibitionists. In the morning you can get a bacon or egg butty with coffee for £2.95 and at lunchtime and early evening, there's tasty meals and snacks for £5-£8. For me personally though, it's all about the great drinks - everything from fruit beer to slamming spirits and cocktails! - and fun atmosphere. There's regular gigs from local and emerging bands, special guest deejays most nights and cool music the rest of the time. When I was there the bar staff were obviously on a Pixies tip playing Surfer Rosa then Doolittle in their entirety. Suffice to say, I was over the moon!

vegan breakfast (2016)
Jessica H.

Looking for somewhere new to have brunch recently, something suddenly dawned on me - I'd seen a photo of an amazing looking vegan breakfast recently, which included breaded avocado. That place was Trof and it instantly went to the top of my 'need to eat' list. My friend and I sat upstairs so we could hear each other and have a proper catch up; although this was probably quite annoying to staff as we were the only ones up there, they didn't show it at all! I ordered a cup of tea and an orange juice, both of which were delivered promptly, followed by that all important vegan breakfast. My friend's chorizo home fries looked delicious, but I think I won on the food front... Roasted vegetables, granary toast, beans, mushroom, hash brown, tomato - and, yes, breaded avocado. This was a much more filling dish than I was expecting, and the addition of the hash brown helped it feel a little bit less holy. Why more people don't bread their avocado I don't know. The texture helped break up the creaminess and, when paired with the toast, it helped make it part of the meal rather than a bit of a gimmick. Overall it was £25 between the two of us, which I think is fair, especially for the quality of food and service we received. It was a very relaxing start to the morning and has definitely reminded me that, although it's been here for a while, Trof still has something new to offer.

Well tasty :)
Rachael O.

Trof is a old school veteran of the northern quarter and as with all the oldies it has had times of greatness and time of terror. The good thing is that trof has been riding the high for some time know. My fondness for this place is how you can mix it up, bottom floor is great for a quick drink / food after work and for the night when one drink leads to a bight out on the town. The keep thing busy upstair with events and the very hit and miss open mic night. Though my personal love is taking over the very top attic room and gaining control of the jukebox. This place is can know be rated out as well for that private party your all planning. The food itself is very must a bar menu - but tasty and well priced. The bar is well stocked and can both make a descent cocktail and stock a good mix of beers and spirits. So Trof - keep riding the high and I hope your keep kicking around for some time yet.

Chicken and pesto chibatta
Dave A.

We went here because the reviews were good, and although it was quiet (Sunday evening) the atmosphere was funky and relaxed. I ordered a chicken, pesto and mozzarella ciabatta but sadly it was more like a cheese sandwich - There was a bit of shredded chicken but no real meat here. Apart from the food, it's a nice place to go and the staff are polite. Everyone raves about Trof for the drink selection, so will have to head back here specifically for that.

Paulaner
Philip S.

Trof is a very cool, very stylish bar, with a bar and seating on several floors. I imagine it gets quite busy at the weekend, but on a weeknight, it is perfect for a quiet beer with friends. The choice of beers are very impressive; Trof has a great range, such as Paulaner, for all those German beer aficionados out there. They also do great Whiskey Sours, and I am sure many other classic cocktails. I will be returning soon.

"Website Photo"
Sarah-Anne M.

So I couldn't let the third of Manchester's Trof bars escape without it's very own Yelp review. Especially because in my opinion (I'm entitled to it so I'm having it) it's the best one! The second child of the kitschy ittle chain is kind of a middle ground in between the other two, it's not too un-ashamebly studenty as the Fallowfield branch and not as desperately arty as the Deaf Institute. It's simply a laid-back, unique little hideaway in the city centre. Set in the slightly bohemian Northern Quarter, Trof fits right in as a place you can hang out, day or night, in scruffs or done up to the nines and you'll still feel perfectly at home. The seating plan is far from organised, there are tables, booths, chairs and stools everywhere, head up a couple of floors and you'll find yourself wandering into a sitting room full of armchairs, head back out and you'll find yourself on the roof terrace. If you like your ale you'll be staggered at the range of beers on offer, if you're not a fan you may find yourself converted after you've sampled a couple of the fruit beers, I personally recommend Fruli Strawberry beer! Food is worth a mention too, breakfast is amazingly greasy and a perfect hangover cure, Sunday dinners are pricey but well worth it!

Chris T.

We decided to meet a mate after he had finished work on a Wednesday night for a few drinks at Trof Bar in the Northern Quarter, This is a really cool bar and serves some great drinks including the Trof Lager on tap which was pretty tasty and at only a few pound a pint you can't go wrong! Its a pretty small bar but very intimate and its set on 3 levels with different little lounges on each floor with its own bar, its very cozy and the staff all seemed pretty cheerful and friendly. can't wait to go back!

World famous enough Trof cheeseburger
Rana M.

This is one of my favourite venues for live music. I've been coming here for now for nearly 3 years, ever since the inception of 'Making Waves' live music night (check it out on facebook). Hosted periodically on a wednesday (dates do change from time to time) what started off as a once a month event has now expanded to a bi-monthly shindig due to popular demand. Not only does it offer an opportunity to see some of the best unsigned musicians Manchester has to offer, the night also offers a unique ambient and inviting atmosphere to enjoy a few cheeky midweek drinks. Whilst the downstairs area is bustling most nights of the week. It's upstairs that comes alive whenever there's live music on offer. Dimly lit and suprisingly spacious it's perfect venue to come relax with a bunch of friends. Every Mancunian knows what Trof NQ is all about. (Just read the plethora of reviews on offer) Just thought I throw in my two penneth regarding music.

Blueberry and vanilla cheesecake mmmm
Penny L.

I decided to come after work one night, as its somewhere that I always walk past going to and fro work. When we walked in the evening it was really busy, there are three floors to this place so by the time we got down to the bottom again looking for a table one had cleared. There is a nice comforting atmosphere here, low light, cushy leather sofas and wooden furniture. The drink menu was really nicely put together offering cheeky cocktails to universal beer. These were quite pricey, the only cider on tap was £4 but Alderstone cider is tasty! and the bar seemed to be always busy. Looking at the menu, its a little limited. I did not see any fish dishes, they had a lot of burgers, ribs and a couple of salads... so you either go in eating meat or veggie options.. After a while I settled on a halloumi cheese and mushroom burger and my friend got the Trof special burger. When they arrived I was shocked with amount of fries these came with! There were more fries than burger and were flavoured with rosemary and salt...I admit my burger did not look special but it was full of flavour and was probably the best veggie burgers I've had in a long time. I was quite full by this point but the lovely waitress tempted me into a blueberry and vanilla cheesecake... This reminded me more of one of those grenola fruit yoghurts you get, as it was not a set cheesecake like I am used to...but again this was really flavoursome! I will happily come back here again, as I felt relaxed at the waitress/bar lady was really nice.he

Crispy Roast Pork
Scott D.

We decided to give Trof a try because of the reviews we've read on yelp and elsewhere, and we really wanted to have a sunday roast. We wanted the Beef however they had run out which was a surprise as it was still early on in the day, in the end we decided to order the Pork Belly instead. The food had potential but the gravy was over powering and didn't have a traditional flavour, it was very sweet and syrupy. The Yorkshire Pudding was over cooked and hard to cut through or break apart. The staff were really friendly, however they were more interested in talking to each other than noticing and dealing with customers. When the waitress put down the plate (Which was piping hot) she half put it on the table meaning when I did the obvious thing and pushed the plate further onto the table I burnt my hand (we weren't informed the plate was hot) The bad point... the food actually made two of us ill, we both ordered the same meal... The meal cost us £12 per person.

Proper fry up!
Kate W.

This place is great - i've only ever been for a few drinks but the food always looked fab! Eventually I organised to meet friends there at 10am on Sunday morning - feeling slightly worse for wear I arrived first and bar two other diners I had the pick of the pace for myself... The waitress came over to ask what I would like and I opted for an apple juice whilst perusing the menu and waiting for the rest of my party to join! Even though both my friends arrived at different times the waiting staff were spot on coming over to take drink orders and eventually our food order when we'd eventually stopped talking long enough to choose something to eat! I opted for the eggs Benedict - given my slight hungover taste I also added some mushrooms and hash browns (at only 50p per serving!). All of our food arrived together and timely as we were all starving! I may have went overboard in my order but I just about managed to polish the plate off! The eggs were perfectly runny in the middle and the hollandaise sauce nice and creamy - and the hash browns were of course nice ad crispy! YUM. My friends opted for the full English which looked tasty and the other went for the avocado eggs which looked great too. Given the amount of cordial I drank alongside the earl gray tea and cordial juice (again only 50p a pop) I left feeling relaxed, full and back on my way to dehydration. This place was fab for a relaxed Sunday brunch and catch up with old friends. I'll be back for the Sunday lunch next!

Superfood salad with grilled chicken
Victoria B.

Came in here on a Tuesday afternoon when all was quiet in there Northern Quarter. It's on the Shudehill end of Thomas Street, quite a small bar downstairs but looks like there's an upstairs too which I didn't check out. I just wanted a spot of lunch and they seemed to have a pretty decent menu so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I was the only one in there, bartender was chatty and super helpful. Menu has a breakfast which runs till 4pm and American things like burgers, but also has a grill menu and some nice salads. Plenty of options for vegetarians too. Wanted something a bit more healthy so was torn between the superfood salad with grilled chicken as an extra or the grilled chicken with brown rice, pitta, mint, gherkins etc. Opted for the superfood salad in the end and wasn't disappointed. I find a lot of restaurants do really boring salads but this was great- rocket, almonds, quinoa, broccoli, tomatoes, grilled chicken with Harissa...really good. Also washed it down with a citrus chamomile tea. Nice vibe in this bar and would come back for food most definitely.

Tea

See all

2 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Uma P.
123
888
2128

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Sarah-Jane B.
280
1096
3360

16 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 8
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris T.
1158
333
2633

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Rana M.
408
693
1998

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jonny Q.
3527
901
3685

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of james b.
13
489
477

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Alfie B.
89
689
682

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Gemma R.
28
35
220

12 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Shrimoyee C.
579
210
603

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Trof Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Trof

Great bar, nice relaxed atmosphere and the home brew larger us very good.

Mentioned in 3 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

People searched for Bars 106 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

Verify this business

The Ruby Lounge

The Ruby Lounge

(23 reviews)

££

Northern Quarter

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.

Gullivers

Gullivers

(18 reviews)

£

Northern Quarter

So I've been wanting to check out Gullivers for a while, especially since it was taken over by the…read moreguys from the Castle a few months back. While on a recent Yelper night out, we popped in for a couple to see what the recent refurbishments have done to it and what sort of vibe it has. The good news is that it's still kept a lot of it's original Manchester pub charm without selling out to become too NQ, the clientele is a mix of Manchester old boys, hipsters and people just wanting a good night out. The decor is...how do I put this... Well it's the sort of place that Robert De Niro (in Casino) would call a "sawdust joint" - pretty rustic, rough around the edges but still some good character throughout. The beers were fairly cheap if not having a spectacular range but I'm thinking this may change if the Castle guys get their way. What I hear is the real USP of this place is the live music room at the back which has been made into a kind of alternative, rock theatre and I'd love to check out a gig there in the future. If I'm out for a beer then I probably will still go to the Castle across the road instead, but I'd have no probs popping into Gullivers for one.

Gullivers has had a revamp and now could not be described as threadbare, although Ian M. mourned…read morethe loss of atmosphere and I'd agree the new look is a bit, well, new. One advantage is the beautiful windows down the right side of the pub get full exposure, with nice booths set up. This was my first time experiencing the upstairs music hall and while Jo Mango was fantastic, the room was unbearably hot. She herself mentioned several times how sweaty she was (she's adorable) and I don't think it can be very pleasant for the performers to have to work like that, particularly considering the kind of delicate instruments she uses. So basically: get some AC, or open a window.

The Castle Hotel - Front of The Castle. (Don't think it's a Hotel though. Maybe historically.)

The Castle Hotel

(38 reviews)

££

Northern Quarter

I love this pub, in fact I've been coming here for years and never tire of it's old world charm…read more Saying that - it's a place that I also never have on my go to list - it can be 6-7 months in between visits which is surprising given the amount of beer quaffed by me in the NQ each week... Saying that I think the beer is maybe the answer. With this being a Robbies pub, I'm just not massively keen on their range - and while not offensive, their style is definitely more old man bitter - even the new beers they say are as hoppy as hell always come back to tasting the same... But for a few beers it isn't a bad choice as the pub is great, the vibe in the back and upstairs welcoming and the jukebox upstairs is one of the best around - really good tunes and 5 picks for a £1.

I get really intimidated walking into pubs and bars alone sometimes. If I know the place then its…read morefine but I just don't do it that often. From being at uni, I was just so used to arriving with a few other people - not so anymore, Sophie. Time to grow up. I'd been to a couple of artsy meetings with a group of basically strangers who'd answered an ad on the internet about starting up a new 'organic', venue focused paper in Manchester. Of course such meetings had to be conducted in suitably independent artsy places. The second such was scheduled to take place at the Castle Hotel on Oldham Street. The Castle does not need a surly bouncer or a velvet rope. This is all implied by the ways heads swivel as you walk in. God, I wished I'd been with someone else. Specifically an old man, or failing that a friend of mine who used to live round here and looks like so much of an outcast that she pretty much fits right into any environment. I am happy, proud even, for the Castle that it has stood the test of time as the area around it has morphed into trend-central. This pub has stuck to its guns. But trust me, there are pubs with just as interesting interiors (mosaics and tiled bar) and history (licensed since 1776) that actually want you to be there. This one probably does not. They have nine real ales, being attached to a Robinsons brewery but again why not try The Crown and Kettle or The Marble Arch instead for something similar? Various musicians like members of Elbow (and man, they're everywhere) and I am Kloot are supposed to drink here but did you ever think that maybe this is just to get more peace and quiet than they would in somewhere remotely cool..

Night & Day Café - Some great bands.. love MCR

Night & Day Café

(56 reviews)

££

Northern Quarter

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!

The Warehouse Project

The Warehouse Project

(13 reviews)

£££

Piccadilly

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.

The Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald

(18 reviews)

££

Northern Quarter

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!

Matt and Phreds - Kyla brooks singing some sexy jazz numbers!

Matt and Phreds

(69 reviews)

££

Northern Quarter

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...

The Crown and Kettle

The Crown and Kettle

(20 reviews)

£

Ancoats, Petersfield

So I'm here tonight to see Jason get North Manc CAMRA pub of the year - you can probably tell I…read moreagree. It's aesthetically unique, cosy and inviting. The beer is kept in superb condition, rotated every day and it has some of the best bottles in town. It's just one of the best pubs in Manchester for beer and atmosphere!

Reopened about four years ago now, this Grade Two listed pub is really intriguing in many ways. The…read moreCrown and Kettle used to be a courthouse in the 19th century and rumours still circulate that it is haunted; its that kind of place you see. An absolute must for real ale lovers, there is no brewery attached. Instead, they have up to eight pumps (a minimum of four) of both real ales and more mainstream beers like Fosters. Both these and drinks that I myself actually drink are very reasonably priced for a pub just on the outskirts of the Northern Quarter. If you're not familiar with the area just walk all the way down Oldham Street then cross over the main road- its right in front of you. It is very quiet during the day but that is what some people want after all. No, where the Crown and Kettle really could do with improvement is the food. I think it really lets itself down as it just isn't good pub food- maybe if they perked up the menu more people would straggle in during the day. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they don't want trade to be roaring at all hours - just a thought.

Trof - bars - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...