Manchester Directory

Four musicians from Stockport built Strawberry Studios, wrote I’m Not in Love, and made pop music smarter than anyone expected. Stockport’s original musical export.

Rooftop dining 20 floors above Manchester. Spectacular views across the city.

Named after the Roland TR-808, 808 State were making acid house in Manchester before most of the country knew what acid house was. Pacific State is still untouchable.

Gerald Simpson made Voodoo Ray in his bedroom in Moss Side with a Roland 303 and changed the course of British dance music. One track. That’s all it took.

Manchester’s iconic independent emporium — four floors of vintage and culture since 1982.

Harrison Armstrong from New Moston went from YouTube freestyles to top 5 singles and became the first Manchester rapper to break into the genuine mainstream.

Home of Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils. Easy tram access from the city.

A converted Wesleyan chapel. The most spectacular venue in Manchester.

A Grade II listed Wesleyan chapel turned iconic live music venue.

Bavarian bierhaus on Peter Street — steins, live music, and the cookhaus until late.

Manchester’s original big arena. 21,000 capacity at Victoria station, still pulling massive tours despite the new competition down the road.

Community centre in Moss Side rooted in Caribbean heritage, hosting events, activities, and providing space for local organisations.

Underground speakeasy behind an unmarked door on Brazennose Street. Dark, intimate, superb cocktails.

Asha Bhosle’s upmarket Indian on Peter Street — proper fine dining with rich flavours and a cocktail bar to match.

Manchester’s massive new arts venue. £211 million, designed by OMA, still working out what it wants to be. The ambition is undeniable.

Damon Gough won the Mercury Prize with his debut album, soundtracked a Nick Hornby film, and became Manchester’s most unlikely star. Always wore the hat.

Manchester’s legendary live music venue for jazz, soul and world music since 1804.

Craft beer bar with arcade games on Dale Street. Big selection, retro games, reliable NQ hangout.