Indie Bars In Manchester

Remember those songs that became the sound of a generation; shouting and screaming the words at parties or the end of a night out. Manchester is packed with alternative music venues, determined to be different and take on the mainstream nightclub scene. From hidden dens to giant bars and clubs, get stuck in the middle of a jumping, fun loving crowd and enjoy your favourite indie anthems all over again. Check out our recommendations for some of the best indie bars in Manchester.

Last edited by Lauren Cole


Sorry, the places listed below don't have online bookings available, but we hope you still find this list useful for your night out!


The Venue

Hugely popular indie club The Venue is hidden down a sharp drop of stairs, tucked away in an alley just off Deansgate. In the heart of the premium nightclub haven, this slice of indie life is a refreshing little treasure. These guys specialise in knocking up a cheap double vodka + energy, grab two and work your way to the dance floor for a night of fun fueled singing and dancing.

The Ritz

Ever wanted to relive jumping up and down to your favourite album? Well now you can, as Ritz plays host to hundreds of bands that pass through on their tours. If you've ever regretted not seeing a certain band, this is definitely your best shot at finding them here in Manchester. A big two storey venue, The Ritz has enough room for everyone and well stocked bars to keep you going throughout the show.

Fab Cafe

One of the first established TV and movie themed bars, Fab Cafe is a unique, retro gem in the middle of Manchester. Packed with arcade games and memorabilia, this joint is a big kid's dream. Popular indie and 80s classics are played all night with cheap drinks aplenty, including draught ale and a variety of beers.