Hometown Guide: TCTS on Northern Quarter, Manchester

Sam O'Neill aka TCTS has made a name for himself as a fresh UK producer leaning towards garage and house vibes. Most recently O'Neill's 'Games' featuring K STEWART served up a whole new round of bold energy, with the single taken from his latest EP of the same name.

Whilst the Manchurian beat-smith knows a thing or two about crafting wonderful soft house melodies, he also knows his way around Manchester's Northern Quarter. Listing up from five to his number one pick, this is TCTS's guide to drinking holes in his hometown:

'Just because sometimes you want a bar and not a club, I have listed my favourite places to drink in Manchester’s ‘hip’ Northern Quarter. Before moving to London I lived around NQ, so this is a nostalgic guide to the best places to have a few chilled ones or warm up before the club. '

5. KEKO MOKU

'This is my favourite Tiki bar in Manchester. Its tiny and the atmosphere is great when a few bodies are in there. Its kitsch and over the top but thats cool - also they seem to set fire to most of the cocktails on the menu, somehow the novelty doesn't wear off.

I’d recommend ordering a Zombie. Also, if you’re in need of a hangover fix the day after, then above the bar is Almost Famous, an incredible burger joint that completely overshadows the hype-y burger places that saturate east London.'

4. THE WHISKEY JAR 

'Probably the prettiest bar on the list, this place is how I’d like my apartment to look. As a converted textiles mill on Tariff Street, it’s all exposed brickwork and chesterfield sofas. I’m not usually the biggest whiskey fan, but in here I am - they have a ridiculous range of whiskeys on offer and if you’re unsure (like me), they’ll rustle you something unique up to suit.

I like this place on a sunday evening when you just want a couple of chilled drinks before facing the reality of monday the next day.'

3. COMMON

'This place was one of mine and my friends’ regular haunts - just a really good atmosphere and good beer selection, with craft kegs on offer. They have Djs a couple nights a week, and theres a working mens club style room in the back.

They have artists on rotation who repaint the inside walls every couple of months or so, so the interior seems to constantly change. Totally hip but really endearing.'

2. KOSMONAUT

'Just down the road from The Whiskey Jar is Kosmonaut. Another relatively new bar it quickly became the place we’d go to before most nights out. It’s got a similar feel to it’s neighbour, but with DJs (often local crews such as Murkage), and a more lively vibe. The best part is the downstairs bar where there are loads of booths and a central ping pong table. It would usually descend into wavy games of table tennis and trips to the bar asking for more balls after they get lost/trod on.

Theres a massive outdoor smoking area which you usually ending up spending just as much of your night in as you do indoors. They have crafty beers and decent cocktails - my only regret with that place is spending a small fortune on Bloody Marys in an attempt to look sophisticated in front of a girl, when I hate tomatoes.'

1. 57 THOMAS STREET

'Definitely my favourite - this place is the home of the Manchester microbrewery Marble, so the beers are amazing and really varied - Chocolate IPA etc, alongside an extensive range of imported beers and ciders. A super intimate bar with friendly staff, theres just one long table and a few stools, then a bunch of chessboards.

This place is great for hanging out, ordering a few cheese/meat boards and making your way through the drinks menu. Their Lagonda IPA is the one. '

Words by Alean Penaflor

CHECK OUT MORE HOMETOWN GUIDES HERE

SEE ALSO:

LISTEN: TCTS 'YOU' FT. SAM SURE

WATCH: TCTS 'THESE HEIGHTS' (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

LISTEN: TCTS 'THESE HEIGHTS'