Manchester’s Alternative Freshers: Bars, Pubs and Nights Out

We all want to have a great freshers week, but there can come a time when the list of nights in Tiger Tiger and Fifth seem endless. We’ve put together a list of 10 nights out that are guaranteed to add some variation to your partying schedule and help you get closer to your new friends.

1. Roxy’s Ballroom in Deansgate is an American themed bar with games including pool, table tennis and beer pong. A great choice for groups for a fun pre-drinks that is a bit further out from Piccadilly.
2. Dog Bowl in the Northern Quarter is a late night bowling alley with a bar, food and student discount. Go after midnight for 50% off.
3. If live music is your thing, check out Jimmy’s, a laid-back bar with cool vibes and small bands often playing.
4. A little closer to Fallowfield, Indigo in Withington is a cosy late night bar with open mic jazz nights on Wednesdays.
5. For a great pint and a chat head to The Thirsty Scholar. Just underneath Oxford Road Train Station; this bar has great vegetarian and vegan pub food and a fantastic happy hour. You might even catch them serving gluten-free beer.
6. Hold Fast NQ has board games and retro Nintendo video games all set in a deep sea themed bar.
7. HOME cinema is the perfect venue for a night without the heavy drinking. Catch an independent film or play at a cheaper price with student discount.
8. The Frog and Bucket might be a little further out but it is definitely worth it. It is a cosy comedy club with an amateur hour on Mondays. There is even free entry for students.
9. If you’re looking to spend a little more of your student loan on something a bit more decadent, Albert’s Schloss in Spinningfields is a bit more up-market. It has a list of delicious cocktails and often features cabaret and circus acts. Be sure to book a table though – it gets busy pretty quickly.
10. Finally, seek out one of Manchester’s most hidden gems. Using a buzzer is the only way to get into ‘Behind Closed Doors’ a retro and intimate bar in the Northern Quarter. Take your friends and have a giggle over the drinks menu full of innuendos.