In this brilliant interview, Kate Mountain shares her incredible journey with Manchester’s legendary live venue, The Roadhouse — a basement club that played a major role in the city’s music scene throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Kate’s connection with The Roadhouse began in 1994, when she was a student at Salford University. She first entered Manchester’s music world bartending at PJ Bells, where she became friends with John Macbeath, the Roadhouse’s original owner. John and his wife Jean, both characters larger than life, had previously run The Castle pub before opening The Roadhouse on Newton Street in 1993.
Kate recounts the Roadhouse’s early atmosphere: a rustic blues venue with real ale, Harley Davidsons parked outside, and a diverse crowd. While it started with blues acts, the club soon expanded its bookings. Bands like The Fall helped open the doors to a wider range of music fans, and before long, The Roadhouse was hosting emerging bands like Coldplay, Muse, and Stereophonics as they toured the country’s “toilet circuit” of small but vital venues.
Kate also shares personal memories of the close relationship between The Roadhouse and the band Elbow. Several members, including Guy Garvey and Richard Jupp, worked behind the bar during their early years. Even after finding success, Elbow returned to play intimate shows and celebrate milestones with Roadhouse staff and fans — including a special party after their Mercury Prize win.
Throughout the interview, Kate reflects on the sense of community that defined Manchester’s grassroots music scene, connecting venues like The Boardwalk, Night & Day, and The Roadhouse itself. She fondly remembers the friendships made along the way, not only with musicians but with countless gig-goers who helped shape the club’s spirit.
Kate also discusses the rise of the Electric Chair night, curated by Luke Una and Justin, which helped bring DJ culture and dance nights into The Roadhouse. After a slow start, Electric Chair exploded in popularity, with monthly events packing the venue and creating unforgettable memories.
When John Macbeath decided to step away from running the club, Kate took over the business, ensuring that The Roadhouse continued to thrive as a space for new music and new experiences.
At the end of the interview, when asked to pick a track that captures her time at The Roadhouse, Kate chooses “Witness” by Roots Manuva — a track that sounded incredible through the club’s powerful sound system and remains tied to those nights of energy and community.
This is not just the story of a venue — it’s the story of a cultural heartbeat in Manchester’s musical history.
Credit to Peter Walsh for the famous Luke photo. Check out his website -
peterjwalsh.com
Friends and Family photos Al Baker - website
www.albakerphotography.com/
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