The Abbey

The Abbey – formerly The Old Abbey Taphouse – is back open in Hulme. And it’s in the capable hands of the team behind Yes and Now Wave, making it a top spot for live music as well as pint and a pie.

With two beer gardens, a beautiful original dark wood bar and lots of cosy, low-lit corners for catching up with friends, it’s got all the best bits of an old-fashioned pub. It’s not cosplaying heritage either – this building has been a pub, on and off, since the 1890s, and has a place in Manchester’s history as the site where boxer Len Johnson challenged and overturned the racist ‘colour bar’ policy in the 1940s.

Joined onto the pub is a 100-capacity gig room where music promoters Now Wave are curating a line-up of up-and-coming bands and more established names who want the intimacy offered by a smaller venue. A handy serving hatch means you can get a drink without missing any of the music.

The Abbey is a little bit off-the-beaten track – it’s in the middle of the Bruntwood SciTech Park, behind Manchester University’s main campus – but it’s a lot easier to find than it used to be. This area has been regenerated to the max in recent years with shiny new buildings and lovely landscaped paths that’ll lead you pretty much to The Abbey’s door.

With pints from Manchester’s Blackjack Brew Co, pies from Pieminister, and a busy calendar of grassroots live music, it’s well worth seeking out.