Matt & Phreds Jazz Club

vbt

Great laid-back vibe 5th September 2008

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The best place for live jazz in Manchester by far. The staff are friendly enough and the music is great, and they do different memberships so you get discounted or free entry when they have a band on.
It's got a really nice vibe – quite dark (but not in a dingy way), with red ambient lighting and little wooden tables. It doesn’t get hideously crowded either, I think the fact it has ‘jazz club’ in the title puts a lot of people off, but you can just pop in for a drink. It’s not open on Sundays though which is a shame.
The food offering has changed over the years - they used to do tapas but now its mainly pizzas, which are great. The Dave Walsh pizza is the best.
The only bad thing is that the drinks are quite overpriced, so best to go straight after payday!

mattphred at 14/09/08

Hi vbt

My name is Dean and I own Matt and Phred's. Thanks for your, largely, positive review of the club - I'm pleased you enjoyed your visit. You should check our listings as we are now open 7 days a week [at least most of the time]. In terms of our 'overpriced' drinks I would respond by suggesting that if you check most of the bars in the Northern Quarter they will be charging similar prices for drinks BUT without having to cover approximately £2000 per week to pay the hugely talented musicians that perform at the club. Additionally, most of the time you can see these amazing musicians for free which I reckon makes the price of our drinks pretty good value! That aside, thanks again for visiting and I hope you return soon.

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Marmalady

As cool as jazz itself 3rd September 2008

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Matt and Phreds is Manchester's premier jazz club. On each visit to this place I have heard some truly top-notch musicians playing some really amazing music. The stage is at the back of the venue with an area of tables and chairs to allow you to sit back and let the jazz envelope you like warm velvet. On weekends these tables usually seem very busy with many reserved, so you may need to call ahead to ensure that you're not left standing. The bar area seems to sit respectfully back from the music area, and the staff always seem friendly and helpful.

liuzzif

Matt and Phreds Jazz 21st August 2008

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The vibe here is just something else - relaxed yet sophisticated, and the crowd are all easy-going - a welcome quality in the hustle and bustle of Manchester. My main complaint is that the drinks are HIDEOUSLY expensive (I am a student though so maybe my views are distorted), so you have to watch your wallet. The cocktails are particularly scrummy though. The food is simple but tasty and means you can settle in for the night. Some nights it is pay for entry, others not, so its up to you if you want to save cash or hear a quality band. The staff are all casually dressed (often the crowd are quite smart - jeans, even with heels were my first mistake!!) and really friendly. Its a little difficult to find your way back to Piccadilly gardens if you've had a few as its not on the main drag but still a fabulous night.

mattphred at 14/09/08

Hi Liuziff
Thanks for your mainly positive comments about my club, much appreciated. I note your comments concerning the price of drinks and would like to say [first] that if you check most of the bars in the Northern Quarter they will be charging similar prices for drinks BUT without having to cover approximately £2000 per week to pay the hugely talented musicians that perform at the club. Additionally, most of the time you can see these amazing musicians for free which I reckon makes the price of our drinks pretty good value! Second, as a student you might like to consider becoming a member of the club which offers a number of substantial discounts on the normal prices.

Thanks again for coming to Matt and Phred's and I hope you visit the club again soon.

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qwghlm

Had a brilliant night here 5th April 2008

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Jazz was excellent (and I don't normally like jazz), they laid on enough food for twice the size of our party, and the staff were really friendly and efficient.

niggle

Jazz! Nice! 2nd October 2006

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Best Live Jazz night in Manchester, situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Dark and seedy like it should be. Great pizzas! Good crowds.