Everyone - from Sir Matt Busby to Badly Drawn Boy - has heard of the Irish Club in Chorlton, but its heyday seems like a distant memory.

The Venue
The Irish, as it's known, is easily identified by the neon shamrock buzzing away on the facade. A large red-brick building set back off High Lane, next to the Manchester Centre for Buddhist Meditation, the venue is accessed through the car park off Cross Road (from High Lane, make your way to the back via the ginnel). The Irish is an oldskool private social club in the same vein as the Carlton in Whalley Range and the newly revamped Albert in Didsbury. Opening hours tend, therefore, to be a bit random and public access depends on the events that are taking place on the night you go. Blowout on Fridays, for example, is open to the general public but other nights may be invite or members only.

The two main rooms (one upstairs, one downstairs; both replete with dancefloors, stages and bars) are often booked for private parties or charity bashes, so be prepared to pay a small charge on the door or even to be turned away. Even with closed shindigs, however, you can usually get into the snug bar, which is to the left of the stairs. This small watering hole was once resplendent in flock wallpaper with fabulous sociable seating in the form of velvet-covered curved booths, and it was famed for its late license that saw the punters crammed in after the pubs shut. Now - possibly due to the relaxing of licensing hours in Chorlton - it's generally quieter and the old interior has been ripped out and replaced with loads of wipe-clean hard surfaces giving it a cold and clinical, clattery cafeteria feel.

The People
The crowd depends on what event happens to be on – these range from weddings and wakes, through large Irish get-togethers and the occasional ceilidh, to band nights and secret gigs. There are also lots of fundraisers for various charitable causes and this gives the Irish Club something of a community centre atmosphere. Whatever they're here for, though, the customers always seem to be out to have fun and you will never receive anything less than a warm welcome, even if the bouncer comes across as somewhat scary at first (he's perfectly docile – just remember, however, that drunkenness may see you refused entry). The bar staff are very chirpy and cheerful, and love a good chat. Usually being in plentiful supply, they're also quick to serve.

The Music
The Chorlton Irish Club is one of the few venues for live music in the suburbs, leading to the ongoing rumour that members of Manchester's glitterati (or local celeb Badly Drawn Boy, at least) often rock up here for an impromptu jamming session. Aside from any secret gigs you happen to be privy to over your quiet glass of Jameson, there is also a regular live music night. After relocating out of the city centre, Blowout now takes place at the club every Friday between 9pm and 1am, and has garnered quite a name for itself by booking the best new acts before anyone else has heard of them. Past turns have included Hot Chip, Rumblestrips, Bloc Party and Kaiser Chiefs. Tickets are £5, and the Friday-night line-up usually features at least four sets.

The Drink
Not surprisingly, the black stuff is present in various forms: cold Guinness or normal Guinness is £2.90 a pint. There are various lagers on offer, including the increasingly ubiquitous and very gassy Tuborg (£2.90 a pint). They also have Carlsberg (£2.60) and Export (£2.90), along with San Miguel (£2.90). There are no hand pumps and the only bitter is Tetley (£2.40). They don’t do food, but if you're feeling peckish, you can tuck into a packet of Tayto crisps, straight from the old country.

The Last Word
Once a firm favourite for late night drinking in Chorlton, the Irish Club’s star has recently waned after a miscalculated facelift, an extension in opening hours for neighboring bars, and an increase in local competition. However, it's still good for a birthday bash or to hear live music at Blowout.

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