Sandbar

Sandbar in Manchester is the kind of place loved by students and academics alike - as well as anyone else looking for a laid-back, friendly pub this end of town. Tucked just off Oxford Road, opposite Deaf Institute, it has a treasure trove of events, including cabaret, drawing classes, art installations, DJs, jazz nights and jamming sessions - which often involve students from the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music) around the corner.

Sandbar has evolved out of a couple of rickety Georgian houses, complete with old fireplaces, so there are plenty of nooks and crannies in which to set up camp and settle in for the long-haul. Although it’s not huge, it can take a couple of visits to completely get your bearings - a great excuse for repeat visits!

During the day you can kick back on the reclaimed bus seats with a pint and the papers - but make no mistake, this place is hugely popular and you’d be hard-pressed to find a free table most evenings unless you get there early. The buzzing atmosphere is unparalleled, and the food (served until 9pm) is all sandwiches and mouth-watering stone-baked pizzas. And the beer? Real ale and scrumpy cider galore.