Make it a Manchester night to remember

What’s so great about Manchester? Where do we start?

What’s so great about Manchester? Where do we start?

Well, first of all it’s a prime example of how a city can go on to not just survive, but thrive in a post-industrial age.

It’s somewhere that is as famous for its creativity and innovation as it is for its amazing sports teams. It’s also a city that has produced bands as different as Oasis, The Smiths and Happy Mondays and has become known the world-over for its amazing nightlife.

That most famous of all its club venues, The Hacienda Club, may now have been replaced by a block of flats and its co-founder Tony Wilson honoured by a square in his name, but it’s also a city that looks to the future, not the past.

You only have to take a look at the city to see this in action. There’s the huge investment being made in renovating and repairing the Town Hall, and building’s going on all around.

Plus, on top of the Government’s promise to continue developing the Northern Powerhouse, the City Council is committed to investing millions each year to fuel growth.

But in the here and now there are literally hundreds of ways to enjoy a night out in Manchester, whatever you’re into.

The sporting life

Whether you’re a City or United fan, there’s nothing that quite matches the excitement of seeing your team play under lights in an evening game. Yes, tickets can be hard to come by and expensive but it’s well worth making the effort to get hold of some for the experience.

Cricket’s also a big draw for many Mancunians and throughout the summer games are also played under floodlights at Old Trafford. Whether you decide to check out Lancashire Lightning in the 20-over Vitality Blast or the Manchester Originals in The Hundred it’s sure to knock you for six.

Place your bets

Perhaps you’d prefer to a different kind of sporting action in one of the city’s several casinos. You’ll find that they’re a welcoming and exciting alternative to the usual night out, even if they’re just a stop-off in the evening.

You don’t have to be a member and the dress code is sensible. Think the sort of smart casual that you’d wear to go to a bar or restaurant and that’s going to be perfect.

As to what games you can play – the world’s your oyster. For many, roulette is the quintessential casino game but there’s also blackjack, baccarat and the very popular slots.

If you fancy your skills at poker there are also sure to be plenty of games to join. So maybe get yourself into the zone by playing a few hands of live Texas Hold’em in an online casino before you head out.

Fuel for the night

Eating and drinking are certain to be the cornerstones of most people’s nights out. So it’s lucky that the city has a world-class selection of bars and restaurants to choose from.

If food’s your priority then why not go high-end and head for the Michelin-starred Mana in Ancoats? Chef Simon Martin serves the best British produce of the season with a passion not found in many other restaurants. But it’s very popular, so book well in advance.

Of course there are countless other eating options covering the cuisines of the world from the legendary Yang Sing to a favourite celebrity hangout, Australasia, in the buzzing Spinningfields.

As for bars, head for the hipster cool of the Northern Quarter or the more flamboyant atmosphere of Canal Street. For the best cocktails this side of Manhattan there’s The Alchemist, coincidentally located at 1 New York Street, just near Manchester Art Gallery.

Nights with a difference

If you’re out with a group and want an experience with a difference, you’re in luck here too.

There are many, many escape room experiences waiting to be cracked. But if you’ve had your fill of trying to crack the code then it’s time to find an alternative.

You could start with the Electric Gamebox in the Arndale Centre. It’s a fun interactive games centre where you and up to 23 friends can take on challenges like battling aliens or trying to track down James Bunny’s arch enemy Salamander in a fun 007-style game.

It’s open till 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays so it’s a great way to get the party started before heading off for the main part of your night out.

Another pretty off-the-wall idea is one that could appeal to you if you find nights at the bowling alley just a little pedestrian. At Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing you can perfect the art of hurling a hatchet at a target.

The 70 minute sessions include full training from an axe-throwing expert with safety very much to the fore. There’s also a bar and a pizza restaurant – because it can be hungry and thirsty work hitting those targets.

You’ll find the Whistle Punks in the great Northern Warehouse on Deansgate, and it’s open till 11pm at weekends.

Then there are nights at the Comedy Store in the arches round Deansgate Locks to enjoy or, for a little culture, The Royal Exchange always has an interesting programme of plays around the year.

And don’t forget to keep tabs on what’s showing at the huge Home entertainment complex just up from Oxford Road station.

It all adds up to a nightlife culture that’s as exciting and varied as anywhere else not just in Britain, but across the whole world.