richardfrosty – Richard Frost – Manchester

Original publication date: March 2009
Outlet: Backpax Magazine

There’s no city in Britain that loves its music more than Manchester.

Having already given the world Oasis, The Stone Roses, New Order, The Smiths and The Hollies, there’s simply no better way of understanding Manchester than through its music scene. Intimate venues such as Night & Day, The Roadhouse and The Star & Garter all host band and DJ nights most nights of the week, and are well worth a visit.

But while Manchester comes alive at night, there’s plenty to do in the daytime as well. Manchester is the shopping capital of the north-west with something for everyone in the Arndale. Or if you want to avoid the chains, seek out the Northern Quarter, which is jam-packed full of independent curio shops and uber-cool record stores.

Of course, you’ll want to take time out to relax too. And where better to do that than at The Old Grapes pub? It’s part-owned by Liz Dawn (better known as Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street), and is a popular haunt with actors, footballers and Manchester’s legendary musicians.

Did you know?
Dry Bar in the Northern Quarter was the first European-style bar in Manchester – both Shaun Ryder and Liam Gallagher are barred!