14 Best Bars in Manchester, Liverpool, and the Peak District, England

A former Wesleyan chapel that was abandoned for more than four decades now houses one of the city's most exciting venues—a superb indie music hall and clubbing venue that retains such original features as an organ and stained glass windows.

Music, art, and science events are all in the mix at this long-standing venue reinvented as a creative space and bar.

This famous venue has a reputation for hosting both established and pioneering acts.

This huge venue in a former Edwardian foundry and blade-making factory retains a suitably industrial vibe for its club nights, live music, food festivals, exhibitions, and art installations.

While not the original venue—that was demolished years ago—this is still a popular music spot, drawing in rock-and-roll fans with its live acts including Beatles tribute bands.

Nestled under old railway arches, Gorilla is a live-music venue, restaurant, and gin parlor with an intimate vibe.

This quirky entertainment complex in a former warehouse near the river just north of the city center bills itself as a cultural theme park of the future. Expect live music and makers' workshops, as well as on-site artists' studios and a garden. There's now a Rollerdome with skating sessions and classes.

Owned by the Invisible Wind Factory, this eccentric outdoor venue (with heaters) hosts live music accompanied by food from its barbecue. It also has a vintage boutique and an art gallery.

Europe's largest indoor arena by capacity hosts shows by major rock and pop stars, as well as large-scale sporting events.

Once host to the likes of Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones, this iconic 1960s venue has reopened but retains many of its original features, including vintage wooden paneling and a sprung dance floor, which contrast with newer additions such as a disco ceiling lighting installation. In addition to live music and a full bar, it hosts a street food hall and a creative college in music, games, and computing.

Housed in an Art Deco venue, the 3,500-seat venue (known by locals as just "the Apollo") showcases live rock and comedy acts before a mixed-age crowd.

Big-name acts mean this intimate venue often gets packed to the rafters, but that only adds to the clubby vibe. There are also club nights that range from hip-hop to indie, vintage fairs, plus a menu of well-executed comfort food.