Gullivers

You'll smell the stale beer and hear the soundcheck before you even push through the doors of this Oldham Street institution. Downstairs feels like your mate's front room if your mate had impeccable taste in post-punk and indie bands – sticky floors, dim lighting, and a bar staff who know their way around a decent pint. The real magic happens in the upstairs venues where Manchester's music scene cuts its teeth. You've probably seen half the bands playing here on later lineups at Parklife. The sound system hits hard, the crowd knows every word, and you'll leave with your ears ringing and someone else's sweat on your t-shirt. It's gritty, unpretentious, and exactly what live music should be.