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Anyone who has lived in Manchester or has stayed for more than a passing visit knows that it is a city of constant evolution, change and bustling life.
There is something new to see almost every day, with food venues, breweries, unique boutique shops and countless other landmarks to explore either by yourself or with the help of structured walking tours.
As is often the case with major cultural hubs, these new venues are often guided by the ghosts of the past, with venues, icons and celebrities often guiding the shape of the city today.
In particular, there are clubs, bars and unusual restaurants that continue to shape the city to this day, and in the spirit of exploration, here are some of the biggest and most impactful.
It is perhaps best to start with the biggest and most self-evident. The Hacienda club casts an enormous shadow, to the point that the estate agent and flats which now take residence in the former yacht builder’s shop, which housed the club, still use the caution tape motif.
The home of the Madchester movement, it became the home of house music, rave culture and the origin point of countless unique bands and musical movements.
The story of the Hacienda has been told and retold countless times, most famously in the book and film 24 Hour Party People, but its legacy bleeds into every pore of the city, not only through tribute nights and clubs inspired by its iconic status, but also in its ideology.
If the Hacienda laid the groundwork for the future of dance music, rave culture and the mix of rock and dance that still shapes Manchester’s music scene today, Jilly’s Rockworld is just as influential to the rock and metal scene in the city.
Initially known as Rafters, later Fagins, Jilly’s Rockworld on Oxford Road was an institution that became a sanctuary for alternative music genres and the goths and metalheads who needed a place in the city away from the constant raves.
Unlike the Hacienda and Thunderdome, which could be particularly intense at times, Jillys was famous for being more of a community, with three rooms of music, welcoming orange bathrooms, a gift shop selling tarot cards and even pot noodles.
Unfortunately, the smoking ban, the Great Recession and the rise in competition from smaller rock clubs caused it to close in 2010. It was replaced by a Tesco Express.
However, its spirit can be felt in the likes of Rebellion near Deansgate and especially Satan’s Hollow on Princess Street, which both have provided the same type of solace. Other rock pubs and clubs, such as Grand Central, have also helped to fill the void and revive the spirit of Jilly’s/
The influence of Twisted Wheel, not only on Manchester but on club culture in general, cannot possibly be understated. Twisted Wheel not only arguably invented an entire genre, but it also popularised the idea of genre clubs as a concept.
Founded in 1963, Twisted Wheel set itself apart from other clubs of the era by focusing not on the popular music of the day, but instead on blues and soul.
Whilst initially focusing on blues all-dayers with live artists, the focus would quickly turn to playing relatively obscure and rare soul music from years previous that would become known as Northern Soul.
Initially located on Brazennose Street between Albert Square and Deansgate, it would move to Whitworth Street before closing in 1971 due to a byelaw which prevented its popular all-nighter events.
It would change names and locations a few times, moving to Princess Street and becoming Placemate 7, Follies and finally Legend. However, its legacy lives on thanks to the legendary Band on the Wall club in the Northern Quarter.
Perhaps most famous for hosting the second ever gig by Oasis, The Boardwalk was a vital artery of Manchester’s nightlife in the 1980s and 1990s, serving as a club night, live music venue and rehearsal space.
This was the venue where, legend has it, Noel Gallagher saw his brother playing and offered to join the band and play his now-legendary lineup of songs.
A vital spot for not only Oasis but also bands such as Simply Red and James, The Boardwalk was also the home of Manchester’s longest-running club night, Funkademia.
Whilst it was unfortunately closed in 1999 and turned into offices around the same time The Hacienda suffered a similar fate, its legacy was also just and long-lasting.
