The Snug

The Snug Coffee House in Atherton is a stellar example of how north-west Manchester has changed in recent years. Thanks to improved transport links, places such as Leigh, Wigan, Tyldsley, and the like are becoming housing hotspots, bringing in people who want the kind of night out they’re used to in thriving city centres like Manchester and Liverpool. 

The result is a wealth of vibrant bars, restaurants and gig venues. (Take it from me, it was very much not like this in the 1990s.) Socioeconomics aside, The Snug is just a great place to hang out, grab a drink and bite to eat and watch a band. 

You’ll find it tucked down a cobbled street off the main strip in Atherton town centre. It’s a 100-capacity venue which serves as a friendly coffee house during the day and a bar-slash-gig venue in the evening, headed up by firm but fair landlady Rachael Flaszczak.

It’s more than just a nice place to grab a drink, though. It’s a venue with roots throughout the community. As well as support from government grants, it’s the first gig venue to benefit from the Music Venue Trust’s “Own Our Properties” plan. This is a scheme launched in 2022 that allows fans to invest in venues by buying ‘community shares’. So not only can you help support a vital grassroots venue, but you can cosplay as Gordon Gekko while sipping a pint. 

It’s got that all-important northern charm, from the friendly staff and punters, to walls plastered with stickers and posters, just like every good gig venue. (David Hunter’s photos of bands like Joy Division, The Specials and The Buzzcocks adorn the walls.) 

If you’re a fan of watching live music in a classic sweaty venue, you’ll love The Snug. Plus, all gigs are recorded from multiple angles by resident videographer David Hunter and hosted on The Snug’s Youtube channel. 

And it’s not all noisy bands, they have comedy shows, arts and craft event and DJs. It’s a one-stop local hub for all things fun and frolicky. 

Outside, there’s a sun-trapping courtyard with open-air benches and booths to protect from the elements. Inside, there’s a good array of fresh coffee, craft ale and various vegetarian and vegan dishes. 

At heart, The Snug is a great independent venue, run by passionate music lovers proud to serve great quality food and drink. It’s a fresh, welcome addition to those satellite towns of north-west Manchester.