Matt & Phreds is Manchester’s longest-running dedicated jazz club, tucked away on Tib Street in the Northern Quarter. Started by two musicians — Matt and Phred — and now run by the Turner family since 2010, it has a capacity of around 200 across candlelit tables, bar seating and standing space, with a proper stage and PA at one end of the room.
There’s live music six nights a week (Monday-Saturday), with entry free on weeknights and ticketed on Fridays and Saturdays. While jazz is the spiritual home of the programme, you’ll also find funk, soul, swing, gypsy, folk, salsa, world and occasional ska. Adele, Jamie Cullum, Kit Downes and Marius Neset have all played here.
The kitchen runs from 6pm, with a pizza menu and bar food alongside cocktails, craft beer and an extensive wine list. The “happy hour” — two drinks plus a free pizza — has become local legend.