Big Hands Manchester
I know you’re the one
Denise from Manchester
Now for something truly special. Big Hands is an unpolished, bustling, vibrant dive that has been my drinking buddy these last 22 years and is the best bar in Manchester, (big) hands down. Sorry.
Looking like a living room in a time warp from the street, Big Hands is almost invisible in daylight. Its purgatory location between the city centre and studentville Fallowfield often means planning a diversion to visit.
Countless bands and musicians who’ve played next door at Manchester Academy down the years have popped in for a post-gig drink.
These include the likes of homegrown artists such as Guy Garvey and, legend has it, Frank Black of Pixies. He apparently played an impromptu set on the street outside during a tour with the Catholics in the early noughties.
Big Hands has survived down the years because it does several things well. Great beer, excellent music and vinyl DJ slots, the occasional live band and an uncompromisingly gritty spirit that scrubs up for nobody.
Throw in its roof terrace, packed with plants and flowers, and it's a watering hole for all seasons.
It's also hosts Rizzo's Sicilian Food from a hatch on the rooftop at the weekend for fat pizza slices or crunchy arancini.
Visit if you like, it doesn’t really care. This place dances to its own beat, no matter what's going on in the world around it.
But take the time to pop by and it will always welcome you with open hands.
Manchester Spotter Denise
About this spot
308-310 Oxford Rd
- Mon - Thu 12:00 - 02:00, Fri & Sat 12:00 - 03:00, Sun 15:00 - 03:00
Per pint approx:
£
5.20
1612727309
Our Manchester City Guide
Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester
ManCoCo
Manchester's best coffee, full stop
With a modest social media presence and a reputation built on hard work and word-of-mouth, "ManCoCo" has taken the title of Manchester’s best coffee.
by
Denise
Tench
Kim's Kitchen
Local hangout with heart and soul
"Kim's Kitchen" in Manchester has once again earned a great reputation for its freshly made, creative dishes, lively atmosphere and down-to-Earth crowd.
by
Denise
Tench
Hulme Garden Centre
Soothing green haven
"Hulme Garden Centre" in Manchester is a green haven, a remedy to all the concrete - a community-led project that's designed to promote well-being...
by
Denise
Tench
Kro Bar
An unbeatable breakfast game
Denmark-inspired "Kro Bar" presents one of the best slow breakfasts in Manchester. The only problem is knowing where to start - eggs are always a good bet!
by
Denise
Tench
Islington Mill
Creative arts hub
"Islington Mill" in Salford, close to Manchester, it's one of my favorite industrial hubs-turned-creative spaces. Its events deserve a special mention!
by
Denise
Tench
Vinyl Fiction
A rock n roll nerd's paradise
"Vinyl Fiction" in Manchester has a simple concept: they sell vinyl and books. I love how it's not stuffed to the gills and doesn't feel claustrophobic...
by
Lauren
Rochford
Whitworth Park and Gallery
Art in the park
"Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Heaton Park
Grade II listed park
"Heaton Park" in Manchester is a historical park that's much bigger than it seems at first. My favorite part is the animal centre, but there's tons to do!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Highfield Country Park
A wonderful picnic getaway
"Highfield Country Park" in Manchester is a nature reserve I've been going to for as long as I can remember. It makes me feel like I'm outside the city.
by
Lauren
Rochford
Longford Park
A bit of everything
"Longford Park" in Manchester simply has everything! Playparks, a cafe, sports courts... One of my favourite details is the stone mounting block.
by
Lauren
Rochford
Frog and Bucket Comedy Club
Comedy up North
"Frog and Bucket Comedy Club" in Manchester is great, whether you want to see recognised comedians or new up-and-comers. I love 'Beat the Frog' events!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Heading to Manchester?
63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Manchester?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 63 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Manchester
Get to know our other Spotters from Manchester
As featured on:
