Whenever I venture through the Roadhouse’s doors I always seem to get a twinge of excitement, similar to that feeling you get before meeting a first date. A bit over the top some might say, but there’s something about the place that just works perfectly with me.
As soon as you step through its enclosed corner side entrance, it’s like the world takes a step down in size. Down the flight of stairs and past the till booth, through its double doors and you’re in the basement world of the Roadhouse.
Although one space, the dance floor and bar are cleverly split into two with black curtaining This works great with the size of the venue, making the bar area more personal and cozy. And what a bar it is! With a great selection of foreign beers and spirits, reasonable prices, quick service and friendly staff it turns the sometimes nightmarish job of getting the round in, into an all round enjoyable experience.
The dance floor is well set. Clear from the front of the stage back to the sound desk it offers ample space to showcase your moves, and the side enclaves offer a chance to grab a seat and kick back whilst still enjoying the show – an angle most overlooked by other live venues.
Be it Live Acts or DJ’s & MCs the Roadhouse stage plays host to them both perfectly. From the darkest metal bands to the bounciest four by four beats I’ve seen it all in the Roadhouse, and it never fails to entertain. With its low ceiling and raised stage, it’s hard not to see what you’re hearing, and Roadhouse’s sound system is one of the few that does Manchester’s club life any justice.
Throughout its time, The Roadhouse has given many of today’s recognizable artists a helping hand on the live front, and it’s worth keeping an eye on its listings for a chance to see the next big thing. To name a few previous guest include; Alabama 3, Alexisonfire, Aphex Twin, Asian Dub Foundation, Astrid, at the Drive-In, Autechre, Biffy Clyro, Blink 182, Breakestra, Brigade, British Sea Power, Bromheads Jacket Catatonia, Cave in, the Chemical Brothers Coldplay, the Cribs, the Crimea, C.S.S., Dark Star, Death in Vegas, Dj Format, Elbow, Enter Shikari, Gay Dad, Gym Class Heroes, Ian Brown, Idlewild, Kasabian , Kula Shaker, Lady Sovereign, Maximo Park, Money Mark, Muse, Pharoahe Monche, Plan B, , Propellerheads, Roots Manuva, Scissor Sisters, Space, Spacehog, Spank Rock, Stereophonics, Super Furry Animals, Ty, the Verve, the Whip, the White Stripes & the mighty Wolfmother…..
With a capacity of 250, the Roadhouse isn’t one for the claustrophobic, but be it full to the rafters or just a handful of people, I’ve yet to walk up the stairs and back into reality a dissatisfied customer.
http://www.theroadhouselive.co.uk/
Work in Progress.......no literally, am a work in progress....
