Grand Central, Manchester

Grand Central is located just south of Manchester city centre, close to Oxford Road Station.

It's open 7 days a week but has live music on Thursday nights, with the occasional 'special' on other days of the week. In its own words it is 'proud to be rock n metal to its foundations' - so expect it loud, especially at weekends. It is also the North West home of Bloodstock Festival's Metal To The Masses contest.

However, lunchtimes and early evening it is popular with the suits from Manchester's business community who call in one route to their daily commute who happily rub shoulders with the students and metal fans.

A long and thin building, the main bar is directly in front of you as you enter. The stage is to the right while to the length is a deceptively large seating area.