Nightlife & music in Manchester

The Creative Tourist guide to Manchester nightlife and pick of Manchester music

Band on the Wall: jazz and music aficionados get their rocks off at this legendary live music venue, which recently re-opened after a £4m refit. Expect everything from jazz and dub to funk punk and soul.

Matt & Phreds: one of the city’s original jazz venues and always worth a punt for independent music and live jazz. Good pizzas, too.

Common: a small, fiercely independent bar in the Northern Quarter that’s big on ambition: great for both DJs and cocktails of a weekend, plus a regularly changing selection of street art covers the walls.

Briton’s Protection: where music-makers from the nearby Bridgewater Hall hang out – it’s traditional ambience enhanced by a 150-variety whisky menu.

Night & Day: one of the most popular gig venues in the city, its dark, scruffy (but edgy with it) interior playing host to live music throughout the year.

The Deaf Institute: new-ish kid on the block that is one of the top small music venues in the city. Ace café by day, pub, club and gig venue by night.

Image: The Deaf Institute

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