Although the title is ambiguous, this post is a poor students guide to the nightlife in Manchester. I have to point out I will always be slightly biased towards clubs that play The Smiths and/or S Club, however I am also aware that most people wouldn't consider this 'good' music.
I admit I haven't been to every club in Manch, but I have ventured out to a few venues as my friendship group has a varied music taste. I hope this provides me with enough expertise to point you in the right direction based on the day, budget and whatever mood you're in.
My Number 1 : Fifth
So.... I'm sorry. I unashamedly love Fifth. Yes it's the 'worst' club in Manchester, and yes the floors sticky and YES they play some of the worst music from the 00's. But that's what makes it brilliant. Also, 99p jagerbombs. Warning: if you don't like chart, indie or throwbacks, then avoid fifth like the plague because I don't think they will ever play house or grime. But if you're drunk and don't mind Beyonce, it's a great night. Its the only place open pretty much all week, Tuesday-Saturday. Perfect for after a 9-5 day at uni.
Budget: Probably the cheapest night out in Manchester. £1 drinks most weekdays, and either free or reduced entry (£1/2) if you can find a rep hanging about on Princess St. Also, very close to the £1 bus that goes up Oxford Rd and runs all night.
Dress Code: Jeans, trainers, t-shirt, no t-shirt. No one really cares what you wear and you'll probably have a vodka Redbull spilt down it anyway. Extremely casual.
Music: The music varies depending on the day, Tuesdays are 90's, the rest of the days tend to be chart mixed with indie mixed with a few 00's throwbacks. The weekends tend to be more commercial.
2 The choice if we can't decide : Factory
Just down the road from fifth this is probably a less embarrassing club to be seen at. Because it has 3 floors with totally different music on each, it's the best place to go if the music taste in your group is varied. The ground floor tends to be commercial with a few remixes, the first floor is indie, and the top floor is a mix of DnB, grime and occasional house. Although Factory probably has the best mix of music, it only opens on a Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Budget: Heavily depends on the day, Mondays and Thursdays are £1 entry and £1 drinks. However the weekends can get a bit more expensive with £3 entry for students and £2.50 for a single vodka lemonade. If you pre-drink hard it shouldn't hurt your bank balance too much.
Dress Code: Again, jeans and trainers but you could probably get away with a 'nice top'.
Music: Chart, Indie, Grime, DnB, House.
3 Only if it's a decent event : Antwerp Mansion
This was a surprise to myself, especially when my favourite club is Fifth. I pictured Antwerp as a cold, dark, and creepy abandoned house, which it is. However for the event it was done up really well, with fairy lights all over the ceilings and themed decorations in every room. It was more than bearable. Although it's only open when there are events on tickets can be quite pricey so it's one you'll have to plan in advance. Again, it's close to the £1 bus so travel costs are kept to a minimum. The music is interesting. It changes depending on the event but is usually house/trance/DnB/garage. It's not my favourite genre of music but it was bearable after a few drinks.
Budget: If you get first release tickets it can be ok, but prices can get expensive, especially if its a popular event (£8-£15). Drinks aren't cheap either, although most people who are there don't tend to go for the alcohol.......... Again, pre-drink, or pre-whatever you want I'm not here to judge.
Dress Code: Whatever you want, theres no rules. Except trainers, wear trainers, its muddy and you want your feet to be comfy walking up and down the stairs to the toilets.
Music: It entirely depends on the event. I'm sure there's something to suit everyone.
Worth a Mention: Deansgate
Most of the previously mentioned clubs are casual nights out. Deansgate offers a more glammed up evening. You can fully embrace the LBD, heels and false eyelashes. This does come at a cost though, the clubs always have an entry fee and the drinks are pretty expensive. Hot Mess on a Wednesday for example was £6 entry. It depends what kind of night out you're after. It's alright to splash the cash once in a while.
Budget: Varies by club and night, usually around the £5 mark for entry, and drinks tend to vary around £2.50 for a single.
Dress Code: You can finally wear that one pair of heels you brought to uni. Pretty smart.
Music: The usual, commercial with some remixes.
DISCLAIMER
This is only my opinion, I am only one person with one specific music taste. I'm sure Manchester has a place for everyone and everybodys music preferences. Hopefully I'll discover more of the nightlife in second year and update you then.
