The Blues Kitchen Manchester

Music first

Local and touring musicians play every night of the week, and at weekends DJs spin soul, funk, rock and roll and roots into the early hours. With capacity for around 600, it can feel more like a gig than a restaurant on busy nights, which is exactly the appeal. Check the listings before you go if you want a particular style of band.

Food and bourbon

The kitchen does Southern, pit-style slow-smoked barbecue, burgers and chicken wings, and weekend bottomless brunches add American fry-ups, buttermilk pancakes and crab Benedict. Behind the bar, the group specialises in rare bourbon, so this is the place to try something you will not find elsewhere. Order a mix of smoked meats and sides for the table if you are in a group.

The building and nearby

The venue fills the former Walkabout site near the Deansgate end of Quay Street, in a building that has served as a hospital and a post office. Spinningfields is on the doorstep: 20 Stories is close for a rooftop drink first, and Flat Iron is nearby for a simple steak. Moxy Manchester City Centre is a short walk if you want to stay over.

Highlights

• Live music seven nights a week
• Slow-smoked Southern barbecue
• Rare bourbon list
• Weekend bottomless brunch
• Late DJ nights at weekends

Good to know

• Expect it to be loud and busy on weekend nights.
• Book ahead for bottomless brunch.

Frequently asked questions