Step inside Manchester’s nightlife history with Leroy and Vera — two people who lived through the city’s most influential venues, from the Reno to Dry Bar.
In this conversation, we hear first-hand about the birth of Dry Bar in 1989 — a venue that changed the way Manchester went out. Leroy recalls the early days when everyone, from musicians to club regulars, treated it like their second living room. Vera shares her memories of the atmosphere, the music, and the community that made Dry Bar such a unique part of the city.
The stories stretch further back into Manchester’s underground. Leroy talks about the Reno and the Russell Club, both legendary in their own right — multiracial spaces where Black culture, gay culture, and music collided in ways the mainstream often overlooked. He recalls how the Reno wasn’t just a shebeen — it was a place for families, for food, for community, and yes, sometimes for trouble. The Picador, the Russell, and Rafters all thread into the same story: Manchester’s nightlife has always thrived on inclusivity, creativity, and a bit of chaos.
We also hear about warehouse parties in Scotland, complete with Adamski and Seal, where the police turned up not to shut things down but to help keep them running smoothly. Leroy and Vera laugh about road trips, afterparties, karaoke in the Hacienda, and the characters who made Manchester what it was.
It’s a reminder that behind the big names and iconic venues, the city’s nightlife was built on people — bartenders, DJs, comedians, chefs, and regulars who turned up night after night. From Holston Brewery competitions that sent staff to Vegas, to the Sunday brunch scams at Dry Bar, the details here show how nightlife was as much about humour and resilience as it was about music.
Today, Leroy reflects on younger collectives keeping that spirit alive, working outside the corporate structures and returning to the DIY ethos that has always fuelled Manchester culture. Just as punk once showed that you didn’t need classical training to form a band, these new movements show you don’t need big budgets to make something meaningful.
This conversation captures the true fabric of Manchester nightlife — from sweaty basements to city-changing venues, from reggae and soul to rave and house. It is the story of a city constantly reinventing itself through music, culture, and community spirit.
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