Latest reviews by niggle

The Manchester Academy

niggle — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:59:12 +0000

Rating: 4.5

Location: University Union, M13 9PR, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: live music, pop, indie, mature, young professionals, electronica, reasonably priced, young and fun, students, rock, hip-hop, house, underground, trendy, friendly, dance, cool

LIVE!Manchester Academy has 3 venues (only the main 1 of which I have visited). It is amongst the best I have been 2, but that is probably more to do with the bands I have seen there and how drunk I have or have not been (ranging from Blur and Carter USM back in the early 90's to Roots Manuva, AIM and Roni Size more recently). If one of your favourite bands are ever playing there then I suggest that you go! Mixed crowd (again depending on the gig), but it is in the heart of studentville so expect a few of them.

Grinch

niggle — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 10:31:09 +0000

Rating: 4.2

Location: Old Half Moon Chambers, M2 1HN, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0161 907 3210

Website: http://www.grinch.co.uk

Tags: jazz, top food, mature, cool & smart, young professionals, good brew, business, good value, mediterranean, crowded, friendly, romantic, lively

World famous special fried chicken!Grinch Wine Bar is a vibrant and lively place, however it maintains an intimate atmosphere in nature. Great for after work drinks, getting together with friends and pre-theatre meals, as well as special dinner for two. Renowned for its fried chicken, they also serve fantastic pizzas and a variety of salads. Happy Hour everyday between 5-7, deals on pizza, wine and cocktails. Outside seating. Live Soul and Jazz on Saturday nights upstairs.

Bar Fringe

niggle — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 09:59:15 +0000

Rating: 3.7

Location: 8 Swan Street, M4 5JN, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0161 835 3815

Website: http://www.marblebeers.co.uk

Tags: relaxed, pop, "beer garden", indie, "young professionals", mature, rock, friendly

Best Belgian BeersProbably the best Belgian Beer selection in Manchester, both on tap and in bottles. Other obscure lagers from around the world also that reach some serious alcohol percentages. Advised to check out how strong they are before u take a lucky dip! Situated on the 'fringe' of the Northern Quarter, very unassuming from the outside and not the greatest of decor. Has beer garden (nothing special). Duke box is not too bad, 8 selections for £1 cannot be sniffed at.

Mr. Thomas's Chop House

niggle — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 13:59:15 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: Cross Street, M2 7AR, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0161 832 2245

Website: http://tomsmanchester.thevictorianchophousecompany.com/

Tags: lively, beer garden (of sorts), traditional pub, independent pub, crowded, expensive

Traditional BritainThis Victorian grade-two listed building first opened as a public house and restaurant in 1867. The site was originally occupied by a Georgian town house, hence its long, slim shape. The architect Robert Walker was commissioned to rebuild and extend the original premises and this version of Mr Thomas's was completed in 1901. The interior remains almost completely in it's original state. A fantastic old fashioned pub which attracts all sorts of people (a favourite of suits at lunch and after work). Serves good old traditional British pub food. The appointment of new executive head chef, multi award-winner Simon Stanley, has brought with him new menus. Great place to sit outside in the summer. A must visit, if you can get to the bar!

www.tomschophouse.com

Manchester Apollo

niggle — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 12:00:38 +0000

Rating: 3.9

Location: Ardwick Green, M12 6AP, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: live music, pop, indie, mature, young professionals, electronica, reasonably priced, students, rock, hip-hop, trendy, friendly, dance

Concerts and ComedyAn old 1930's ABC Cinema, this is a great venue for concerts and comedy of all varieties. It has a tradition of bringing some of the biggest artistes of the day. A unique seating scheme was introduced to allow the venue to take out and put back all the chairs on a regular basis. Good view from most spots and the acoustics are spot on in this intimate venue. Approximately ¾ mile South of Piccadilly Railway / Metrolink Station.

Pevrill of the Peek

niggle — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 19:10:34 +0000

Rating: 3.7

Location: 127 Great Bridgewater Street, M1 5JQ, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: friendly, mature, young professionals, traditional pub, pool, busy

TilesCompletely out of place, the Pev is probably one of the best traditional pubs in Manchester. You can't miss it either, the outside walls are plastered with old green tiles (a bit like the inside of a toilet, but don't let that put you off). The public area surrounds the bar itself, which is right in the centre of the pub, creating an intimate and lively atmosphere. Draught lagers and bitters. Pool table and table football, but forget it if its busy.

Night and Day

niggle — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:40:35 +0000

Rating: 3.5

Location: 26 Oldham Street , M1 1JN, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0161 236 4597

Tags: trendy, ""live music"", ""independent pub"", ""excellent pub food"", indie, mature, ""reasonably priced"", ""young and fun"", students

Live MusicHome to some of the best live indie bands old and new in Manchester and with a cheap bar, it's definitely worth a visit. The price of entry to some gigs can be a little on the pricey side and the decor leaves something to be desired. However, the venue has a great feel and you can get so close to the acts that you can touch them (if you felt the urge). Also serves some decent food (all day veggie breakfast is spot on).

Kro Piccadilly

niggle — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:07:05 +0000

Rating: 3.5

Location: Piccadilly Gdns, M1 1RG, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0121 244 5522

Website: http://www.kro.co.uk

No.3This is the 3rd KRO bar to spring up in Manchester. It is bang in the heart of the City Centre and the perfect place to take a break from all that retail therapy. Serves a good selection of beers, spirits, coffee and food (including an all day veggie breakfast). Very busy on Saturdays from lunchtime onwards. No idea what it is like in the evenings.

The Music Box

niggle — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 17:10:48 +0000

Rating: 4.5

Location: 65 Oxford Road, M1 6FQ, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: cool, breakbeat, reggae, mature, ""reasonably priced"", Funk, ""young and fun"", electronica, students, hip-hop, house, underground, friendly, Soul, dance

Keep It Unreal!The first Saturday of every month, at the Music Box, hosts Manchesters very own 'Mr.scruff-keepin it unreal'. The best club night around. The venue not so great, getting very hot and sweaty. However, there is a chill out area where you can get an excellent cuppa (all proceeds of which go to charity). Other nights at the Music Box can be very different so get it right!

South

niggle — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 16:46:23 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 4A South King St, M2 6DQ, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: cool, indie, mature, "reasonably priced", "young and fun", students, rock, hip-hop, house, friendly

Rock & Roll BarIndie, rock, funk and soul played on a Friday night here at South. A top night out if you fancy a boogie. Quite a small venue hidden underground so get there earlyish. Different music on other nights. Friendly and cheap.
Open Thursday-Sunday, 10pm-2.30ish.

Philpotts

niggle — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:55:44 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 19 Brazennose Street, M2 5BS, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0161 832 1419

Website: http://www.philpotts.co.uk

Tags: busy, "healthy food", "friendly staff", business

Perfect Sarnies!Part of a small chain, there are 2 of these takeaway sandwich shops in Manchesters City Centre. Probably my favourite lunchtime haunt. With a daily cahanging 'specials board', they offer an excellent selection. Very busy 12.30-13.30. Not cheap, but worth it! (The other shop is 71 Mosley St, M2 3JB).

Shlurp

niggle — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:33:49 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: Brazennose House East, M2 5BP, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: crowded, top food, business, good value

Soup and SaladOn the opposite side of Manchester to the Soup Kitchen, this establishment also sells some great soup. The menue changes daily. Always busy at lunch time. Limited seats outside, so best to take away in the winter.

On The Eighth Day Co-Op

niggle — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 22:46:55 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 107-111 Oxford Road, M1 7DU, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: vegetarian, "proper food", "top food", "quick bite", "good value", "quiet & relaxed", crowded

Health HeavenManchesters best known vegetarian restaurant. Established 30 years ago, this co-op serves great healthy veggie/vegan food. Also contains a shop selling a huge variety of organic food and non-food stuffs. Unfortunately the cafe is only open in the daytime(9am-7.30pm), Monday to Saturday.

Dry Bar

niggle — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 22:31:17 +0000

Rating: 2.0

Location: 28-30 Oldham Street, M1 1JN, Manchester, United Kingdom

Phone: 0161 236 9840

Tags: cool, late license, cool & smart, live, hip-hop, house, pretentious, trendy, dance

The Original.Opened up in 1989, it was the original pre-club bar (to the Hacienda). Called Dry 201 it was the place to be seen. Unfortunately now, in a way, it has been taken over by a leisure chain. A few changes have been made. Certainly not what it used to be, but worth a visit for its place in Manchesters musical history. Apparently Fridays are the best night.

The Britons Protection

niggle — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 22:13:40 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 50 Great Bridgewater Street, M1 5LE, Manchester, United Kingdom

Tags: relaxed, ""traditional pub"", ""beer garden"", ""young professionals"", ""different pub food"", mature, friendly

Good Old PubAt over 200 years old this is a genuine English Public House. A warm and welcoming atmosphere. Busy bar area, snug rooms at the back and a beer garden completely hidden from view. This is the place if you like whisky (150+ to choose from). Traditional Old English lunches. Gets a musical crowd when The Bridgewater Hall has performances. They were going to move the place slightly to one side, brick by brick, to accommodate what Manchester really needs; more flats! Thankfully they have abandoned such crazy talk, because it would take forever. Visit soon, in case they change their minds again.