Kro Bar
Susie StubbsThis independent pub is housed, somewhat ironically, in the former Temperance Society, a Grade II-listed building on Oxford Road restored by local architects, Stephenson Bell – its original features merging sympathetically with newer ones. Kro serves up cask ales and Danish-inspired grub, while its upstairs room is frequently transformed into one of the quaintest live music venues in Manchester, which often makes for an unforgettable show. Akin to having your favourite acts play in your living room, this is a venue that is intimate and intense, near perfect for DIY shows and ramshackle club nights. The bar itself is youthful yet manages to steer clear of the student rabble – which is nothing short of a miracle given that the Academy (and Student Union) is only across the road.