Manchester

BrewDog is a large chain of pubs with plenty of character. They describe their beers as 'uncompromising, bold and irreverent', a playful rebellion against bland industrial brews. With that sales pitch, you know you're in for something special at BrewDog.

The Deaf Institute is an independent bar, music venue and club spread across three floors just off Oxford Road. Housed in a beautiful Victorian building dating back to 1878, it mixes a relaxed daytime bar with busy gig nights, club evenings and late sessions that stretch into the early hours. Downstairs, the basement bar has a slightly decadent feel and is often used for club nights, while the main bar upstairs centres around long tables, booth seating and a drinks list that includes cocktails, local beers and frozen mixes. The first-floor music hall is the real draw here, a ballroom-style space with a domed ceiling, velvet curtains and a large mirror ball, known for hosting live acts, comedy and club nights. Many well-known artists passed through early in their careers, and it remains a strong stop on Manchester’s live music circuit.

Flight Club is a darts bar that puts a twist on the traditional game, using technology-led scoring and fast-paced multiplayer formats designed for groups. You don’t need to be good at darts to enjoy it, which is part of the appeal. Alongside the boards, there’s a long bar serving cocktails and beers, plus a menu of sharing plates and pizza paddles.

Set beneath the railway arches on Whitworth Street West, Gorilla is a bar, kitchen, live music venue, and late-night club all in one. By day, it’s known for breakfasts, burgers and hearty plates, while evenings shift the focus to drinks, gigs and DJs. The industrial setting works in its favour, with a main bar downstairs and a mezzanine Gin Parlour above for something a bit calmer. It’s a regular stop for live shows and club nights, attracting a mixed crowd that keeps the place busy long after dinner service ends.