Sheltered away on a quiet street in the city’s fashionable Northern Quarter - and mere metres from the bustling Market Street shopping district – lies this delightful little jazz club, bar and restaurant. Despite its size, the club will undoubtedly exceed expectations.

The Venue
For those lucky enough to have sampled the charms of Matt and Phreds you will know that it provides everything needed for the perfect alternative night out in Manchester city centre. Even if you are not a massive fan of jazz you will still have a totally enjoyable time. Primarily, it’s the atmosphere that has given Matt and Phreds its reputation as being a choice bar and club. It is lit to perfection, and remains dark enough to still retain a certain, all-important mystique.

Once you're inside the club for a while you will feel as though you've been transported from Manchester and ended up in downtown New York, Chicago or San Francisco. This is a proper jazz club minus the smoke, obviously.

With a main, yet small stage occupying the far end of the single roomed venue, the large bar and surrounding drinking area (with plenty of standing room) is what greets you. The seating area directly in front of the stage is limited so it may be wise to pre-book a table if you wish to eat whilst enjoying the night's act.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a total mixture but it works well – from the bar area, reserved for those out for a few drinks and chatter, to the seating area, for the more musically minded. Few people pay close attention to the performer unless they’re on the tables right in front of the stage, but it adds an interesting dimension and makes a nice change from the usual run of the mill music you find in most small clubs. With different acts every day of the week it means that no two trips to Matt and Phreds are the same, so it’s worth returning to experience different music and atmospheres throughout the week.

You can expect Matt and Phreds to be pumping at weekends as the limited number of tables and the standing area fills to bursting. The bustling nature of the club can mean that getting served may take a while but you won’t mind as the entertainment level is so high. Sit back, relax and breathe.

The Food
The food is good quality - freshly made pizza, hoummus, olives, and a tasty selection of tapas dishes. Although the kitchen is very small by serving uncomplicated and well prepared dishes you are quickly provided with a perfect accompaniment to enjoy whilst absorbed in the ambience of the live bands. A clever solution to what could otherwise have been quite a drawback.

The Drink
The staff at Matt and Phreds are exceptional too - really attentive and friendly, sharing personal recommendations on the food and cocktail menu. Whilst cocktails can take some time to be mixed they are definitely worth the wait and the time is indicative of the care taken over them – especially the traditional rum Mojito. You can also order from a large selection of wines and even get a strawberry beer! With plenty of change from a tenner, you can happily drink your way across the menu and still not break the bank.

The Last Word
If you’re bored of the usual late bars then this jazz and live music club is for you. Offering a little taste of everything – and doing it well – you can’t help but be impressed by the elegantly understated Matt and Phreds.