For years, Ampersand was the home to some of Manchester’s most successful house music events and the club had a reputation for all things glam and a tight-as-cramp door policy. But now, the club is known as Mansion Club, and they’ve swapped the house music for an R&B soundtrack. The tight door policy remains, as does the club’s popularity amongst those looking to dress up and party.

The Venue
Located just off Deansgate on Longworth Street, Mansion Club is ideal for heading to after pre-party drinks at Deansgate’s many bars. Mansion is exquisitely designed and decorated with elegant decor creating a luxurious nightlife experience. Saturday night is the big night at Mansion. The event is called Swagger and it is a night of audio-visual DJing (of sorts), which mixes MTV and Kiss music videos together for the heaving crowds. During the week, Mansion attracts the student crowds with nights such as 4 Play (Wednesdays), where bunny girls bound around the club and you can take advantage of discounted entry. This club definitely knows how to dress itself up, with large 4-poster beds, huge video screens and lavish decor, it’s certainly pimped-out to impress the punters, although it does come across on the seedy side.

The People
With its smart dress code and urban playlists, Mansion attracts a crowd made up of the over-dressed and overly-styled, with dancers who certainly know their thing. It is obvious to see that the Mansion-ers are really into their commercial hip hop and R&B, with the dance floor permanently busy with lads and ladies bumping and grinding to the beats. This place attracts aspirational clubbers who like to pop on their trilbies and order Moet. Security is tight, and guest list is usually advised for Saturday night entrance. If you’re a single lady, heading down to Mansion may not be such a bad idea as herds of guys are out in force with their dance moves at the ready, sipping on their champers.

The Music
In general, an urban mix of R&B, rap and hip hop with a little bit of Pussycat Doll pop and Beyonce-style soul thrown in. Saturday night’s R&B video mix gets the crowds going crazy. Week nights are a bit more chilled, with the odd bit of indie, funky house and electro. You can get in midweek for around £5, whilst weekends will set you back at least £10.

If you’re not into dancing – sorry, grinding- with your hips and dropping it like its hot then you’re probably not going to feel like this is your place to party. Bunny girls trot around the VIP area and dance floor shakin’ their booties and hopping about for the male crowds, whilst the female dancers shout loudly and throw their hands up to being part of all the single ladies.

The Drink
Week nights provide reasonably-priced drinks, which makes it very popular on the student scene. Crowds of younger drinkers grab the £1 shots, whilst others opt for bargain £1.50 spirit and mixer offers and bottled beers. However, Mansion on a Saturday night boasts extortionate prices: expect to pay up to £7 for a double spirit and mixer.

The Last Word
Mansion caters for crowds who dress-to-impress and like to get down to the slick sounds of R&B.

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