From legends of the nightlife scene such as The Warehouse Project to spaces geared towards alternative music, here’s our rundown of the best Manchester clubs. Get ready to get your rave on.
Samuel Hopkins - Staff Writer•
It’s no surprise that as the UK’s second-largest city, Manchester has its fair share of excellent nightlife. From behemoths of the club scene to tiny basem*nt venues, here’s our rundown of the best Manchester nightclubs:
1.Hidden
A combined arts and music venue located on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, Hidden spans across multiple rooms in a five-floor warehouse building. Resident DJs Martin Loose Cuts and Anton Fitz regularly spin the decks, and there are four separate club areas here – The Basem*nt Room (The Den), Blue Room, Courtyard and Hangar Space, as well as exhibition spaces too. Keep your eyes peeled on their events page for what’s on, and make sure you remember your I.D.!
You’ll find Hidden at 16-18 Mary Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M3 1NH.
2. The Warehouse Project
Kicking off this roundup of the best Manchester nightclubs is a real legend of the nightlife scene. This series of club nights runs from October through to New Year’s Eve in Depot Mayfield – a 10,000 capacity venue taking place in the city’s former railway station. This year’s epic lineup includes Peggy Gou, Patrick Topping, The Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, and there’s some great support along the way across the whole site. For up-to-date event listings – which include the LGBTQ+-friendly hom*obloc and Hacienda 40 – head to their website here.
You’ll find The Warehouse Project at Mayfield Train Station, The Depot, Manchester, M1 2QF.
3. Factory 251
A student-friendly spot situated in the old Factory Records offices, Factory provides a forum for all types of band and club styles – whether that be traditional Indie, Electronica, Rock, Acoustic, D’n’B and more. It’s open every night until the wee hours and there are three different floors which all play different types of music throughout the night. They also do regular club nights here – including their F//CK Thursdays which are highly popular.
You’ll find Factory 251 at 112-118 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7EN.
4. China White
Set up as an Asian-inspired late night spot, from Chinese lamp-style lighting to huge stone warriors – China White is known to be a regular haunt for a bunch of celebrities including the likes of Kate Moss, Drake, Tom Cruise and Prince Harry. This is the spot for those looking to splash the cash, with a guestlist, table service and all that a premium club offers.
You’ll find China White at 244 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4BQ.
5. SOUP Kitchen
This great little spot in the Northern Quarter is a soup kitchen by day – hence the name – and a live music and club venue by night. With a capacity of just 150, the basem*nt is fairly snug and vibey, and there are regular events here covering everything from local talent to acts from further afield. If you’re looking for proper club nights, then come here on Fridays and Saturdays when the club is open until 4am.
You’ll find SOUP Kitchen at 31-33 Spear Street, Manchester, M1 1DF.
6. Ark
Right by the canal and one of the most popular venues on Deansgate Locks, Ark is the place to go if you’re looking for a bit of pzazz when you’re out on the town. Another of the best Manchester clubs, this is the place where you can enjoy top DJs, stilt walkers and even fire breathers all performing on a night out. There are three different rooms spread across two floors, and there’s an excellent selection of co*cktails, a pub-style menu, live music events and more too.
You’ll find Ark at 3A, 5 Whitworth Street, Manchester, M1 5LH.
7. Venue
Expect a combination of Indie and Electronic music, a laid-back atmosphere and ‘the cheapest drinks in Central Manchester’ at this popular nightclub, which is just a stone’s throw from Deansgate. They’re open on Thursdays through to Saturdays and have festival-grade C02 and confetti cannons, state-of-the-art-sound, epic lighting and even occasional rap battles here. What’s not to love?!
You’ll find Venue at 29 Jackson’s Row, Manchester, M2 5WD.
8. Mint Lounge
Found in the vibrant and popular Northern Quarter, the Mint Lounge is home to the city’s longest-running club night, Funkademia, which features Funk, Electric Disco and Soul. They host a whole host of excellent gigs and club nights at this Manchester club, which is open until around 4am on Fridays and Saturdays – expect to enjoy some killer tunes all night long.
You’ll find Mint Lounge at 46-50 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE.
9. The White Hotel
Further out of town and on the outskirts of Salford in some disused warehouse spaces lies The White Hotel – a slightly more underground club that combines all-night raves with Acid House and other more ‘out there’ gigs. With a capacity of just 250, it’s a cosy place in which to dance the night away – and the tagline is ‘for the dispossessed, and the possessed‘. Make of that what you will!
You’ll find The White Hotel at Dickinson Street, Salford, M3 7LW.
10. Satan’s Hollow
Manchester’s only club purely dedicated to rock music, Satan’s Hollow is the place to go if you’re wanting more of an alternative club night in town. A leading spot since it opened in 2000, they have a range of different club nights and events on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and there is everything from Emo to Punk to Rock music playing here. Even better yet, they sometimes host a free bar from 10-11pm on Saturdays – rock on!
You’ll find Satan’s Hollow at 101 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD.
11. Cruz 101
Rounding off this list of the best Manchester nightclubs is Cruz 101, another LGBTQ+-friendly spot in the Gay Village which is one of the most popular and longest-running gay clubs in the city. Open until 7am – yep, really – on the weekends, this is the place to go if you’re really looking for a fun night until the wee hours of the morning. DJ’s play a mix of Disco, Funky House, Pop, Trance, R&B and House, and the club has seen everyone here from Steps to Graham Norton and Lily Savage.
You’ll find Cruz 101 at 101 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD.
So there you have it – the Secret Manchester roundup of the best Manchester nightclubs. Get the drinks in and we’ll see you on the dancefloor!
Read more: 16 of the best Manchester pubs to get the pints in.
Tags:disco music, drum and bass, edm, hardcore electronic music, hard party, hip hop, house music, meet and dance, pop, rap, reggaeton, rnb, rock, techno, theme party, trap, uk garage
