Black Dog Ballroom

Booze, food and pool is on the menu at Northern Quarter’s Black Dog Ballroom, a New York-style speakeasy hidden downstairs at the iconic Manchester institution that is Afflecks.

Food is provided by Chinese street food favourite, Salt & Pepper who specialise in all things deep-fried. Get your mitts on their signature chicken wings with garlic, chilli and salt and pepper seasoning or try the crispy beef smothered in Cantonese-style sauce. Pick between crinkle fries or rice as a side, and don’t forget to stock up on dipping sauces – there are seven to choose from.

From California to Washington, you can take a road trip through the cocktails, highballs and copas menu, while beers include Sierra Nevada Pale, Anchor Steam and Kona Big Wave, hailing from off-campus state Hawaii. Usually open until 4am (5am on Saturdays), happy hour runs 4-8pm and there’s free pool on a Wednesday. Did we mention there are pool tables? Don’t forget to shoot some, if you can still see straight.

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