The Freemount
The Freemount is a pub and live music venue on Oldham Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Bands play every night and DJs take over late at the weekend, in a building that was once Dry, the designer bar opened by Factory Records.
Photos
Jess A
Music every night
Live music is the reason to come. Bands play nightly, starting in the evening on weekdays and from mid-afternoon at weekends, and from Thursday to Sunday DJs keep things going into the small hours. It suits groups who want a lively, sing-along night rather than a quiet pint.
A Factory Records address
The building has a place in Manchester's music history: it was home to Dry, the bar opened by Factory Records, the label behind New Order and the Haçienda, and credited with starting the city's designer-bar scene. Today's pub is a more traditional affair, refurbished in early 2025, with memorabilia on the walls, Jameson-branded mirrors among them, and a mix of major lagers, local brewery beers, specialist imports and real ale on the bar.
In the Northern Quarter
Oldham Street is the spine of the Northern Quarter, lined with record shops, bars and cafés. Start with food at Evelyn's or Mala a few doors away, browse Classic Football Shirts, then settle in at The Freemount for the evening bands. Piccadilly Gardens and its tram stops are at the bottom of the street, which makes getting home easy.
Highlights
- Live bands every night
- Late DJ sets Thursday to Sunday
- Former site of Factory Records' Dry bar
- Refurbished in early 2025
Good to know
- Weekend sessions start in the afternoon; weekday bands start later in the evening.
- Expect it to be busy and loud on weekend nights.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: manchestersfinest.com