Have been coming to this bar for a few years now and never had a bad experience, however me and my group of friends went in today to celebrate a birthday and had a horrendous experience. At first we were rushed to order when the bar was not busy with a snide remark from the woman behind the bar telling us to look at the board when my friends were unsure what to order. Two of us decided just to drink water as it was 1pm and did not want to drink, with the woman then saying 'or buy a non alcoholic drink were an independent business our staff need paying' with a disgusting attitude. 5 of the group did however buy a drink so uncomfortably we went upstairs to drink these. When we walked out of the establishment the woman behind the bar was giving us the finger behind our backs and then shouted thank you, which we should've realised we needed to do since she made our time there so horrible :) read more

Stood at the bar for 10min and was just ignored. Shame really nice bar but service was non existent

Big Hands is an essential watering hole before a Gig or even if you just happen to be in the vicinity. It has a really nice relaxed atmosphere even when it is crammed full of sweaty Metal Heads (as it usually is for the type of Gigs I go to). If I lived near by then it would be my local so that I could go in and play a game of guess who is playing a gig by the punters attire and general appearance. If you happen to pop in to play this game (Soon to be screened on BBC1). and see me in there, then be assurred that there is about to be Metal of the highest quality going down \m/ read more

I have a confession to make in that I've been living in Manchester for 7 years now and had never actually been to Big Hands until last Friday. Basically it was one of those places where people would say "yeah big hands is great" "oh you know what it's like" - and I'd just nod and smile thinking damn I'll get there one day! Ok so it is pretty out on a limb being up by MRI hospital and surprisingly close to the Manchester Academy music venues, making it pretty popular I guess before gigs. Again I'm not really sure why it wasn't on my horizon before this but basically I would always go to Kro across the road before gigs at the Academy. The bar looks tiny from outside but is surprisingly spacious throughout and has a lot more room in the back. It has a real 'neighbourhood bar' feel about it and the staff were pretty friendly, plus they were playing great music at a volume that you could actually chat over even though it was about 12.30am. A good selection of craft beer and some good beers on tap, it was great to also see the Okells beer from the Isle of Man represented in the bottle fridges. read more

Hidden away in the student hub of Oxford Road, Big Hands is a nice escape from the insanity of the road outside. It somehow manages to hide itself away just enough that it isn't too crowded but those in the know are still able to find it. The drinks selection is what you would expect from a small bar and the staff are friendly and relaxed. There are plenty of very squishy couches to sit on (or collapse into after a long day at uni/work). A good place just to chill. read more

Big Hands - Beer. - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

This is one of the dive-iest dive bars I've ever been to. We were walking from Manchester city centre to the Whitworth and decided we needed a drinks stop along the way, so we made our way here (it was actually on the way to the gallery, which was extra handy). Inside it's dark and gloomy, but I know from Yelp (thanks!) that there was a beer garden up the stairs, so we got our very-reasonably-priced-drinks and headed up. During the day on a Friday it wasn't too busy and we easily got a table for two. The bear garden is comfortable, lots of plants and a nice view over the surrounding areas. It was so nice to be able to sit and have a drink in the sun - something that doesn't happen very often in Glasgow. read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Great little bar between Oxfam and the flower shop, this place is one of the watering holes of Guy Garvey of Elbow who works at the BBC centre up the road (bit stalkerish of me). You can see why cool and quirky Big Hands has cosy sofas, reasonably priced pitchers and a loyal fan base. Its quirkiness marks it out from the rest of the crowd and the place is packed a few evenings a week making trying to find a seat hard work. During the day coffee and people watching through the front window are the norm and most things of the menu stand to enhance it. If you've been to a gig at the academy go to this place afterwards chances are the band decides to go to this exclusive hot spot, definitely worth finding. read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

My first attempt to go to Big Hands was a spur of the moment thing in my first year when my friend and I noticed that the chalkboard outside was advertising a 'whiskey night'. When we were told it would cost us £3 to get in we were a bit puzzled - the bouncers informed us that the DJ was called DJ Whiskey and there were no offers on whiskey. £3 was a lot to me in those days (and I would've been too stingy to splash out £3 on a pint of Krombacher in those days too) so we moved on. Countless visits to Big Hands later and I've just about forgiven them for their false-ish advertising. It's a cosy little place perfect for a pre- or post-gig drink or even for spending a whole evening. Recently I've been to VooVeeAhVee* there, which (shameless plug coming up as this is my friend's night) is a really good night if you're in to Rockabilly, Funk, Motown, Anti-Folk and the like. I have no idea what Anti-Folk is, but basically the music is good. Unfortunately I am unable to stay up 'til 2am on a school night, but he has assured me that later in the night he's had people dancing on the tables to the Beach Boys. Big Hands is the kind of place where you won't be told to get down due to health and safety reasons. It's a place where you can be yourself and if you happen to be a table dancer then that's just fine with them. * You can join the group for notification of when the next VooVeeAhVee will be http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=193020501921&ref=ts read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I've got me some real love for Big Hands. It's a down and dirty drinking den with a jolly good selection of spirits and whatnot, and they do a might good espresso for when you've had a weeee bit too much whisky. The music here is always good, no matter when you come in. I don't know what night is what, but be assured you'll hear the best motown, rockabilly, indie (proper indie, no less), post-punk, shoe-gaze, riot grrrl (if yer lucky) and all that sort of lovely stuff. If there's nobody spinning tunes, you can have a go on the jukebox. Though, last time I went it, I put £2 worth of songs on, and none of them came up the whole time we were there. A bit disappointing, but not the end of the world, as I'd found the £2 on the bus. Hmmm, but for those who don't find money in random places (one day I'll tell you about the time I found £100 at London Victoria...), this might have been more upsetting. The staff here are great (but maybe I am biased because I worked here for a short time...) and they will serve you super fast, even if it's busy. They're allowed to drink on't job, too, so next time you're there, buy your barmaid a drink, won'tcha. They work darn hard. During the day, Big Hands do ace sandwiches (noon-3pm, I think...) for £3. Basically, it's half a baguette and a hellll of a lot of filling. Tip, go for roast beef, mustard and cheddar with all the salad, and avoid the stilton and bacon mayo mix; it's gross. I love Big Hands, and I hope they never get new tables, or clean the floor, or sort out the weird bumpy floor. It's flawed, and I love those flaws. read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

This little bar, Big Hands, on Oxford Road is a cool place is you want to have some drinks after a gig at the Academy and don't fancy the SU bar. Once you've found the entrance, it is so worth it. The inside is all red walls and cool posters - kooky to the max, they have import beer and the music playing is always exactly what you want to listen to. It has the character and charm that is so lacking in many of the capital's lousy bars. They do some food here (snacks, lunches) but I've never tried it - I've mainly been in the evenings when you have to fight for a seat but I'm sure its a bit quieter during the day. Apparently people like Elbow and Badly Drawn Boy drink here, or Elbow actually own the bar something like that - I've never seen any music celebs but no harm in going to have a look. Anyway, you can't fail to have a good time in Big Hands, I dare you to try. read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I've been to Big Hands a handful of times, (see what I did there?), and have always been surprised by just how much space there is tucked away behind that tiny façade. Its dimensions must be something along the lines of three metres by thirty, it's basically a path. However, great use is made of the available space and the vintage sofas, chairs and tables are positioned into intimate booths, perfect for small groups. I'm not going to lie, it's not my favourite place in the whole world. The music, although generally unquestionable, is too loud for real conversation, the bar is pretty expensive and the clientele is primarily drawn from the hipster elite. I got into a rather awkward conversation with a member of Friendly Fires here once after convincing myself he was a session musician. I guess if that's your sort of thing then this is very much your scene. Oh, and the upstairs toilets are really quite terrifying - think along the lines of deserted bus station. read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

"And the bar stools are on fire and the newspapers were fooling and the ash-trays have retired and the piano has been drinking the piano has been drinking the piano has been drinking not me, not me, not me, not me, not me." - Tom Waits A stone's throw from the three Manchester Academy music venues, Big Hands is an awesome dive bar that doubles as a perfect pre and post-gig venue. The seats are comfy and worn, the lights are dimmed and the atmosphere is usually laidback and friendly. I once deejayed at an electro and punk-funk night here and have been for countless, spontaneous after-shows with visiting bands. Speaking of which, the music is usually a cool mix of punk rock, indie, no wave and psyche-rock. When heavy metal bands are playing the Academy, the place can be filled with hardcore fans dressed head to toe in black. The rest of the time, it's packed with locals, up and coming musicians and students sipping quality beers, ales and spirits. The catch? The toilets are terrible and the whole place probably looks appalling in daylight but after five Jack Daniels and coke, who gives a damn? Everybody is usually having such a good time they let the grunge slide. Make mine a large Havana Club rum and coke! read more

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Another Mancunian legend, Big Hands is the muso's choice. And by muso I don't mean the aspiring ones, although they're to be found in plentiful quantities here too. No, Big Hands is in fact something of a celebrity hotspot, in the scruffiest and loveliest possible way. This ain't no Panacea or Sugar Lounge. This is a place where gig-goers and bands alike psyche themselves up before a show or kick back and wind down afterwards. Its proximity to the Academy venues is its selling point, but don't just come here when you're at gigs as it's good enough to warrant a trip for the sake of it. Its location attracts Manchester's redbrick students as well as those from the Met, and its decor is equally cosy, studenty and comforting. Big, chunky sofas that practically swallow you accompany lush red walls. There are cool pictures adorning the walls, and the florist next door makes the bar even more inviting as it's surrounded by pretty flowers and plants. What's not to like? A fine and varied selection of beers, the chance of bumping into Mr Scruff, comfort, warmth and a buzzing aura. And good coffee. And free wi-fi. And floral displays! Big hands, big heart, big music, big fun. Get involved. read more

Big Hands is a cool divey/hipsterish place with a fine selection of ciders from which I selected Magners (classy!). Meanwhile, it's all very red and there's writing on the walls in the toilets of which I approve. Definitely a good stop off before a gig at the Manchester Academy. read more

I hadn't been to this place in ages but was recently invited by a few friends who live close by for a few cheeky ones. I absolutely loved it. On a hot summer's day there's quite a few options for people wanted to relax outside for a few. The terrace at Big hands is probably not on most people's radars. The location is a bit odd and more accessible to students with it being half way between Rusholme and the city centre. The terrace here though is arguably one fo the best spots in Manchester. Spacious and with a feel of a Spanish rooftop bar it has a really nice, relaxed vibe. My visit was short lived but I will definitely be returning with a more detailed review to follow. read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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Despite having a weather pattern akin to the mythical city in which David Fincher's Se7en was set, Manchester is a place were myrth and merriment can be found on tap. Nowhere is this more literal than in hidden gem Big Hands which serves a fantastic mix of locally sourced brews alongside a mix of less common Belgian beers. The bar is located on the popular Oxford road but blink and you'll miss it as from the outside it is virtually invisible to the untrained eye. Hidden amongst the urban camouflage of a run down Oxfam and a ramshackle florist (which I've mistakenly ordered a pint in on more than one occasion), complete with its own graffiti doused walls, locating the front door is similar to trying to see the invisible picture in one of those 'magic eye' scenes they used to give away with the sunday papers- you just have to stand very still and squint. If you do find it you will be rewarded with a gloriously murky little hang out where the dust and battered old furniture is actually reasuring as, like your favourite old shoes that you've just rediscovered under the couch, you know your find fits straight away. You can probably tell this bar is one of my favourites but I make no appologies as it is destined to be one of yours too. The music has been deloused of the bubblegum pop and over-produced R&B found in your generic bars, prefered are classic tunes from the likes of Neil Young, The Stones and Richard Hawley that will have you tapping your toes without interrupting your alchohol smelling sage....ism(?). Big Hands gains extra cool points for the fact that it is rumoured to be owned by the members of Mercury Prize winners Elbow, but as yet the lesser spotted Guy Garvey has remained Seldom Seen Kid (pun intended!) - but I'm nothing if not committed, I will return! read more

Big Hands - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

Everyone knows Big Hands as a bar, but for me its primarily a place to go for lunch. Big Hands is one of my most visited lunchtime destinations. A few minutes walk from The University of Manchester, this cool bar is the ideal place to grab a beer and a sandwich with a spare hour. The sandwiches are amazing. You choose one meat (salami, ham, chorizo, beef etc) and one cheese (feta, brie, cheddar, goats cheese etc) and you get both of these! In a big white baguette full of salad and olives. You can also have mayo, mustard, pickle, or like me, all three. These are a mere £3 or £4 with a coffee. The beers are many and all European, with the best on tap being Tuborg or Krombacher. These are nice and crisp. They also have lots of gigs and music nights in this little place, and its very popular. It also serves as a place to go for a drink after a gig at the Manchester Academy if you want to continue the fun. Rumour has it you' read more

Big Hands. Fond Memories. I remember, on my first day as a student, walking past Big Hands (next door to my halls) and thinking "I'll like that in 3rd year". I did. Or, at least, I like - nay, love - the beer here. It's where I properly fell in love with Delirium, and for that I'll always be grateful. There's a pretty good selection of craft beer that's not mind-blowing, but then neither is the price. It's entirely reasonable. But, Big Hands most certainly caters to a certain type of clientèle. Namely, indie/rock people who like (very) loud indie/rock music. From a jukebox (or not). That just isn't me, and so Big Hands fails my test of any bar/pub that I visit: is it conducive to actually drink in? For me, nope. Unless the beer garden (on the roof) is open during summer, in which case it's glorious and easily one of my favourite places to drink in Manchester. Shame it's only open for two months a year. I should mention that Big Hands does, occasionally, do food - but in this it's rather inconsistent, so I'd not bet on Big Hands as a lunch spot. Which is a bit disappointing, really, because I've always liked the look of Big Hands' food. read more

I would give Big Hands 3.5 stars if I could. Here are my reasons: The Good. Great dive bar atmosphere. Good jukebox. Relaxed and not pretentious inside with a bunch of different kinds of seating. Good for groups. Good bottle choices. Friendly staff. The Not So Good. Music choice was good, but too loud for longer conversation (am I getting old?!). Draught choices not impressive, especially compared to the bottles. It is better than a 3 star, but not quite a 4. read more

Though I can't afford more than one or two drinks from here (and I suppose that's better for me anyway), this place is very cool. Keep in mind I'm a student, so pricey for me may not be pricey for you (£3.50 for a beer). The atmosphere is good, the selection is fantastic, and the music is absolutely rockin'. In America we would call Big Hands a "dive bar". Dark lighting, lots of fliers, a bit grungy. To me, this isn't a negative. They have alcohol from all over the world here, and very friendly bartenders. Try their special tequila. Definitely worth checking out, but leave me an open seat at the bar please ;) read more

If you go to watch a band at any of the Academies next door, head to this bar afterwards and you are pretty much guaranteed to meet the band. Great selection of beers, but dont dance on the tables (learned through experience). read more

This is the epitome of an old fashioned student bar. There is a target market for this place and it will work very well for them, but I am not one of them. The bar has a US dive feel to it with fly posters all over the walls, and it's so dimly lit you can aren't see anyone's face. There is also very loud rock music. The toilets are something ski to the public toilets on trainspotting. This bar is great if you're an old fashioned student. If you like a bit of refinement, look elsewhere. read more

The best thing about being a non-observant person is that I always miss out on things like running into famous people. That's quite nice, since I actually have no desire to have my reading, conversation, or drinking with friends interrupted with nonsense. so, no, I don't know if I met famous people at Big Hands. What I DO know, however, is that I could get a cold pint for £3 or a nice glass of wine for about the same, that the music was always good, and that i could bring in a group of friends when i wanted to socialize or my laptop and some books when I needed to revise my thesis. I was a graduate student in the UK in 2004-2005 and got a fair amount of my thesis written in Big Hands. read more

You know what they say about big hands.... Well, not that. In this instance it means big personality. We came here after the Dead Weather gig at the Academy, a great ending to a great night. Big Hands has achieved cult status as a pre and post gig venue, and it's obvious why if you come to spend any time here. The red walls display gig posters, the music playing is always current and interesting and the clientele are mostly creatives, musicians and students, giving the place a bohemian yet edgy feel. The drinks are well-priced too and in the day they do very cheap sandwiches (£3-4) and coffee. Quite often the bands themselves are seen slouching around in here after gigs, so don't be surprised if you bump into a face you just can't place. read more

Big Hands is an uber cool little bar that's situated nextdoor to the Manchester Academy (the big gig venue in Manchester). Basically every band that ever plays the Academy goes here afterwards, so if you want to meet your heroes this could well be the place to do it. Note that the place is tiny, both inside and even more so outside. You'll miss it if you're not careful. The building is thin and only one storey. They have a good selection of European bottled beers, but it's a bit pricey. In fact the place is well expensive. read more

Big Hands is one of those places that people either love or hate. Whilst on the one hand, you'll often find good DJs, good booze and the odd Indie popstrel propping up its bar, its toilets are arguably some of the worst in Manchester and it can occasionally be a bit on the dank side. Me? I bloody love the place. In the course of my time on this earth, Big Hands has been the bar I've gravitated to during some monumental life changes. I came here the night I got my A-Level results (and nearly got my lights punched out by the girlfriend of some bloke who was getting rather overly friendly with me), I came here the night before I moved to London, I came here the night before I moved back from London. I've drunk its whiskey, cried in its toilets, and danced awkwardly around my handbag on one of its ripped red vinyl chairs. I even had Guy Garvey give me relationship advice in here once (although I can't guarantee he'll do that with everyone who walks through its doors). It may not look like much from the outside, but in terms of bars named after Violent Femmes songs, this it can't be beaten. read more

If you like booze, loud music and hanging out with rock stars, Big Hands is for you! Just a few doors down from the Manchester Academy and Student's Union venues, this tiny bar is the perfect place for a pre or post-gig booze. In fact, if you go after a gig, you might even spot a famous face in there. I saw Nick Zinner from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Dandy Warhols' drummer after gigs. A friend of mine even saw Frank Black or, at least, he claimed to! Even if the rock stars are thin on the ground, this is great bar. There are some lovely world beers, cheap doubles and the DJ's play some of the best music around! The atmosphere is nice too there are gig posters on the walls, as well as a (very) little dance floor and comfy sofas to sit on. However, this is a pretty popular place and it's not huge. So if you go late or on a weekend, you might struggle to get a seat. read more

People talk about Big Hands like it's some kind of cult hangout where travelling sages arrive to cast spells over nubile youths whilst drinking the finest ales in the land soundtracked by the most mind-bendingly good music ever created. Get accepted in Big Hands and you'll be guaranteed a place next to Jesus in heaven. Of course, this hyperbolic fluff simply isn't true. Big Hands is a reasonable haunt filled with people who have found Access All Areas passes behind the nearby Manchester Academy and proudly sport them like they touched the hem of... well... some lowly third division indie band who actually played at The Hop & Grape/Academy 3. So yeah, if you want your eardrum to implode with the sounds of 'Start Me Up' whilst getting sneered at by a member of The Paddingtons, then Big Hands will blow your mind... maaan. However, go in with your eyes open and you'll see that Big Hands is a nice enough place that's a bit dank with decent enough beer and interesting enough posters on the wall, should you be idly staring into space while you wait for someone to come back from the upstairs toilets or whatever. Big Hands is a place that really likes the sound of its own voice (ironic, given that I'm the one spouting off here) which, if you can get over that, it's a nice enough place to have some drinks. read more

Despite the dubious name, this has to be the perfect pre and post-gig drinking venue for the Manchester Academy. Unlike some of the more cheap student drinking-holes, Big Hands has big atmosphere at, unfortunately, relatively big prices! Expense aside, this bar has a great vibe and a wide selection of bottled beers. It's also impeccably decorated and oozes trendiness with its deep reds, dark blacks and grungey greens all over the place! It's the perfect setting to get all start-struck over the up-and-coming musicians who regularly frequent the bar after gigs. Finally, the jukebox is very good and that, for me, is always the sign of a good bar! Big Hands is well worth a pre-gig visit! read more

In every city there's at least one bar spoken of in ridiculous hushes tones, and it tends to be no coincidence that these same bars are within stumbling distance of some hip gig venue. Big Hands is certainly one such bar, but it's not all bad. The handful of times I've been there the number of indie band groupies has been a bit overwhelming - in such a small venue that can make for some interesting snippets of overheard conversation. But with the hip kids come good music, and Big Hands has a reputation for hiring fresh and talented DJs who'll often surprise and delight. The beer is reasonable, and there's a pretty good selection of spirits to be found. However, getting to the bar on a busy night can take upwards of half an hour. By the time you get there you'll feel incredibly sorry for the lovely and long-suffering staff, but I have been rewarded for politeness and a friendly attitude in the past. Overall the bar is a fine place for a couple of drinks, especially if you know your friends will be there too. A sizeable smoking area at the rear can make up the difference in the cramped inner space, and once in a while you'll meet a genuinely cool person among the hangers on too. read more

Big Hands is, without a doubt, the coolest pub on Oxford Road. Every time I walk past it at night, crowds of beautiful people with dreadlocks and nose rings are slouching around outside, smokilng roll-ups and adjusting their leather jackets. The inside is dark and dingy, and for the decor, think plain wood, single flowers in glass bottles and the occasional leather chair. It's so cool that no-one feels the need to clean anything (ever) and so there's plenty of candlewax stains and sticky patches to be found, which for some reason doesn't matter, it's all just part of the Big Hands charm. Apart from the coolness, the thing that brings people here in droves every night is the incredibly well-stocked bar. It is expensive (I haven't found a pint for less than £3) but you get what you pay for, and the selection is impressive, particularly of European beers. My favourites tend to be the raspberry Liefmans, or the giant bottles of Cruzcampo that cost a fiver, but can be nursed pretty much all night. I would say that Big Hands is perfect for a drink early on in the evening, when the atmosphere is chilled and you can enjoy the jukebox as well as hear the person next to you. Unfortunately I always seem to end up here at about 2 in the morning, and not once have I had any fun at this time. Although bigger than it looks from the outside, Big Hands is still pretty small and there is nowhere to dance, but they blast the music so loud that talking is almost impossible as well. So there's not much for you and your friends to do except sit and stare at each other over a pint of Erdinger. Having said that, the music is always good (everything from reggae to blues), so do go if you just want to sit and listen. You may also have a good chance of seeing whoever played at The Academy that night blowing off steam. I once met someone who may or may not have been the Mumford & Sons frontman, and my friend had her chest signed by one of the guys from Goldie Lookin' Chain. Go to Big Hands, to make your own classic memories like these. read more

The wife calls me big hands. She sure caught them. Proper beer, proper carling at proper prices. Wouldn't recommend anywhere else. And not that far to drive there and back. Favourite joint to spot at until the five-o started chilling outside waiting for me to swing these hands. who needs an ar-15 when you have these guns. read more

Two words: Brooklyn. Brewery. Oh dear. I appear to be spending a little too much time in Big Hands at the moment on account of me and my housemate wanting to escape adult responsibilities and living in dangerous proximity to this little gem of a bar. Its turning into a serious pub-cum-livingroom scenario. Its getting dangerous, especially when there is such a high calibre of drinks on offer, plus the crossword and other distractions at the bar. Big Hands' only let down are the grotty bogs, but if we need a wee we can just pop home and stumble back again. Dangerous. read more

It was a lovely sunny day when I first went to Big Hands. A wonderful atmosphere combined with good music was waiting for us just in there. Its right next to my university, so went I have a break between my lectures, I make sure I hit the place, to order a cup of coffee (which happens to be strong and amazingly good) a sandwich, that is made just in front of you, fresh and tasty, and to read more for my course. You can find all type of people in there. Foreigners, having a brew and chatting in a language that fascinates you. English lads, being on their own with the paper, girls dressed casual, looking animated by the flayers you can find around. As I was saying, the music is awesome, their juke box is probably the best in Manchester and most of the time is free as well, which is amazing. You know what I imagine when I go in there? I can imagine old celebrities, like The Beatles for instance, coming to Big Hands and writing lyrics, discussing how their next gig is going to be, and how to impress the public. Honestly, reminds me of the old rock and roll atmosphere. I would give 10 starts if I could. read more

i once spent over 12 hours in that place, which involved starting off with good intentions of revising with a coffeee and a sandwich, some Nick Cave on the jukebox..... but that quickly turned into something I couldn't really afford, but it's so temptingly close to the John Ryland's library to refuse. Some slightly boarish member of Elbow drinks there regularly (don't get trapped into one of his anedotes).... if gawping is your sort of thing. Slightly over-priced. Good selection of barmaids. Its sister bar The Temple is worth checking out if Big Hands is too busy or you get there when its started charging an entrance fee. read more

Whenever you choose to go to Big Hands you can guarantee never to be disappointed. By day it is the perfect stop off en route to, or as an alternative to, lectures. Enticing you with its relaxed music it is a much more appealing venue than a lecture theatre, and with better coffee and sandwiches too! By night it is often the venue of choice of whoever is gracing the university Academy with their presence, and chances of bumping into credible musicians are more so here than in any of the more commercial drinking holes along oxford road. Their live nights represent old school rock and roll: such a small venue creates an intimate, homely feel; and the eclectic mix of people as well as the furniture make them nights not to be missed. read more

Big Hands is a bit of a cult bar in Manchester. It has a unique kooky feel and is the perfect warm up, or warm down, bar for a gig at the Academy. The bar is rather small and in the evenings due to its rightful popularity, seats are hard to find. The comfy seats by the window are great for daytime people watching, and something off the menu is the perfect accompaniment to this activity. The bar staff are friendly and you can often have a good conversation with them. The toilets are rather pokey and on a busy night often run out of toilet paper. read more

I really hope the Castle re-opens. Its a real shame such pubs have to close down due to money troubles. The chain bars with all the investment end up taking over and they are shallow, faceless and lack any kind of character. We want real ale and authenticity! if Damien reads this then please start a fund! Loads of people would be only too happy to chip in and get the Castle back. read more

Big Hands is a small bar next to the Academy. Known for being the bar where groupies and bands go to Big Hands is very popular. It is cosy and low lighted inside with random furniture and lots of fly posters on their walls. The prices are reasonable and this is the perfect place to spot up and coming bands after their gig at the Academy. Highly recommended. read more

Big Hands is a very unique venue, very close to Academy 1 and the Manchester University Student Union. In the daytime it is great value for lunch and coffee, and at night is an ideal place to go before heading to a gig/club night. Often has live music on site also. It can seem to some quite dingy and dark, but to me that is all part of its atmosphere. It is quite small, so it can be a struggle to get a table. Often bands that play in the Academy head to Big Hands for a drink, so it is worth going to try to star spot! Apparently The Strokes were seen there once. read more