Last
night I checked out Manchester's “newest” nightclub / concert
venue. The Albert Hall, the
building on Peter St that formerly housed Brannigans, has now
reverted back to its original name and reopened as one of the most
unique entertainment venues in the city.
I
went to see Italian techno DJ Marco Carola
and to see how the building's restoration has been pulled off.
The main
room of the venue is the adapted church on the upper level of the
building, above where Brannigans bar used to be. It's an incredible
transformation from an old, dilapidated worship hall to a
sophisticated blend of classic-build communal venue and hi-tech club,
complete with laser shows and an immense DJ booth positioned right on
the alter. The stained-glass windows remain intact, along with the
giant organ and upper-level seating area. No pews, which would have
been a good touch, but hey, you can't have everything.
The
queue to get in was horrendous and security was rigorous, but it was
worth it once inside. The venue must have sold out as it was heaving
with a good-looking, young crowd but it was gracefully air-conned.
The music was a little heavy/repetitive for a house fan but I still
got into it.
The chillout room- a quiet area with exhausted clubbers lounging on seats and the floor- is back downstairs, in what was the cocktail bar of Brannigans. A nice touch!
Side
note: Manchester is getting RIDICULOUSLY busy at the weekend. If
you're a designated driver you must get out to the city EARLY or
you'll be parking right on the outskirts of the city. On-street
parking fills up fast. Cooperation St on the edge of the Northern
Quarter is free at night and always has spaces, but it's a mission to
walk to from most bars and clubs. Particularly, I believe, if you're
in stilettos.
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