10 Best Jazz Bars In Manchester, England

jazz bars in manchester
Anupama
Anupama 
Updated
| 4 min read

Surrounded by the Cheshire Plain to the south and the Pennines to the north and east, Manchester is a leading tourist destination with several tourist attractions. The vibrant city is synonymous with football and is also known for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and the co-operative movement. Capture a mesmerizing view of the city from the Cloud 23 Bar, or explore the little nuggets tucked away in nondescript corners. Families with children can head to the Museum of Science and Industry, where travelers will espy an extensive collection of vintage vehicles along with historical machinery. Head to the famous Old Trafford to catch a live football match, or click Instagram-worthy photos in front of the Manchester Cathedral. Book lovers can explore the Chetham’s Library, which boasts over 100,000 books. Unwind at Heaton Park after a hectic tour of the city or plan a picnic with family at Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden. Nightlife is an integral part of Manchester, and people often tend to enjoy their time in the bars amidst soulful music. Here is a list of the 10 best jazz bars in Manchester, UK.

1. Sandbar


Opened in 1996, this rocking place is an ideal hang out location for locals and students. With a quirky ambiance, Sandbar displays an array of bizarre objects and artworks, which is known to be the Cabinets of Curiosity. This bar, just off Oxford Road, offers a wide range of yummy delicacies and exotic drinks along with traditional and contemporary jazz music. From live music to drawing classes, this place hosts a lot of events.

Sandbar

Address: 120 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HL, UK

Website: Sandbar

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 12pm - 12am; Thu: 12pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2am

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2. The Living Room


Hang out with friends at this chic, colonial-style bar serving modern European dishes and cocktails and offering an excellent dining experience. Opened in 1999, this stylish bar hosts regular jazz and blues nights and live performances. Customers can choose from an exceptional drinks list, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail varieties and a premier assortment of food items. If you are interested in hosting a group party, a prior appointment will take care of that.

The Living Room

Address: 80 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2ER, UK

Website: The Living Room

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 12am; Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 3am

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3. Band on the Wall


This 200-year-old jazz bar is a historical landmark in Manchester. Band on the Wall has been a music venue since the 1930s. Previously known as the George and Dragon Pub, this venue consists of meeting rooms, a cafe bar, and breakout spaces. Showcasing international and local music to its guests, this place also offers an array of food and exquisite drinks that complement the live music entertainment scene.

Band on the Wall

Address: The, 25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ, UK

Website: Band on the Wall

Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)

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4. Soup Kitchen

jazz bars in manchester | soup kitchen
Source: instagram

Head to this nighttime hotspot in Manchester with your friends or family. Soup Kitchen is filled with casual eats, seasonal soups, sandwiches, salads, and mains. Catch a film or musical performances by jazz artists and DJs from the city amidst the dingy atmosphere. This award-winning canteen also hosts comedy events and art exhibitions, or live music events which can go on throughout the night. Have an enjoyable night in this city, if you are planning to visit this amazing venue.

Soup Kitchen

Address: 31-33 Spear St, Manchester M1 1DF, UK

Website: Soup Kitchen

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 12pm -11pm; Thu: 12pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 4am

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5. The Night and Day Cafe

The Night and Day Café
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phil King used under CC BY 2.0

Serving as a restaurant by day, visitors can relish typical breakfast and lunch platters like sandwiches and wraps at The Night and Day Cafe. But, if you are looking for a night club, head here once the sun goes down. With live music and prominent jazz musicians, this amazing place provides signature beers and ales. Listen to the music of the Manic Street Preachers and Jessie J or some local and upcoming musicians in this typical British pub as you sip on drinks.

The Night and Day Cafe

Address: 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN, UK

Website: The Night and Day Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 2am; Fri: 10am - 4am; Sat: 9am - 4am; Sun: 9am - 10:30pm

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6. The Hillary Step


An award-winning bar on the M16, The Hillary Step serves an extensive range of drinks, including a choice of 25 different malt whiskeys. People often prefer to come to this Cask Masque accredited bar and enjoy one of their excellent German or Czech lagers, or the regularly rotating cask ales. Live jazz performances being a regular event over here, the Hillary Step offers free entry for audience members and includes performances by artists like Dean Stockdale, Paul Farr, Adam Fairhall, and Franny Eubank.

The Hillary Step

Address: 199 Upper Chorlton Rd, Manchester M16 0BH, UK

Website: The Hillary Step

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12:30am

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7. Gorilla

The Membranes
Source: Photo by Flickr user Man Alive! used under CC BY 2.0

Located directly under a railroad arch, Gorilla is a jazz club featuring refurbished school furniture for seating purposes. Served on tin plates, customers can gorge on burgers and meat-free pot roast in this beloved venue. This place has a chilled out vibe. The Gorilla hosts jazz musicians, who perform regularly in the club space. Visitors can choose between a standard bar on the first floor or a gin parlor on the second to hang out with their friends.

Gorilla

Address: 54-56 Whitworth St, Manchester M1 5WW, UK

Website: Gorilla

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 12am; Fri: 10am - 2am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 12am

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8. Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club


An epicenter of Manchester’s jazz scene, Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club is the ultimate venue for all jazz lovers. Famous for live music performances that happen six days a week, this place also hosts swing, gypsy, and folk music apart from jazz music. Relish on a selection of pizzas and tapas-style dishes, beers, and cocktails, while listening to several contemporary music legends like Adele and Jamie Cullum, in a dimly lit interior.

Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club

Address: 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW, UK

Website: Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am (closed on Sun)

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9. La Gitane

Posted by La Gitane on Saturday, 17 October 2015

People, who are looking for a mixture of jazz, blues, soul and Latin music must visit this basement jazz club in Manchester. Being one of the luxurious and contemporary bars in the city, this place frequently entertains its guests with live music. Situated directly below its sister venue - Cafe Istanbul, this venue hosts performances by the notable band - Cuban Vida. They bring out a flavor of Latin funk and reggae in their jazz music and entertain the audience on a great level.

La Gitane

Address: 79-81 Bridge St, Manchester M3 2RH, UK

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10. Velvet Hotel & Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Head to this venue where you can meet all your jazz night expectations. Established in 2005, this place offers a wide variety of exquisite cocktails and an excellent new Mr. White’s English Chophouse menu for food. Refurbished recently to sport a modern look, Velvet Hotel & Bar hosts performances by the resident DJs like Jase Jeffery and Sandro Valentino every weekend. Enjoy the weekend with family over good food and good music.

Velvet Hotel & Bar

Address: 2 Canal St, Manchester M1 3HE, UK

Website: Velvet Hotel & Bar

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Enjoy jazz music in Manchester

Manchester at Night
Source: Photo by user Richard Heyes used under CC BY 2.0

Gateway to the North of England and home to the Roman city of Chester, Manchester attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. It is home to several amazing jazz bars and pubs where travelers can enjoy live music and drinks. When in Manchester make sure you experience its vibrant night life!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Anupama Passary has contributed to various online publications, showcasing a particular fondness for all things tech and travel-related. She is also a chocoholic, stargazer, and dreamer....Read more

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