Respected as one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Boutique is a hidden gem in the heart of Leeds.
Tucked away in Hirsts Yard, it’s the epitome of cosmopolitan chic, offering a sophisticated sense of fun in the contemporary surroundings of a restored townhouse.
With its exposed brick and timber, this award-winning bar oozes natural character and charm. From the dark wooden floors to the red décor to the flickering candles on the tables, it is everything a swanky late night bar should be – and more.
The constantly evolving drinks menu offers over 100 different cocktails and has been developed and managed by expert mixologist Gary Hayward, the youngest ever national bartender of the year and co-owner of Boutique.
Choose from signature combinations like Sensual Dama (Sexy Lady), inspired by Brazilian life, to beautiful drinks with Belvedere like Catwalk Central and Bling Sling.
For almost 50 years the Magnet has been the place to find good music and a friendly atmosphere in Liverpool.
Formerly The Sink, the venue has its own well established community of artists, musicians and creative minded people who give it its distinct identity.
Having played host to music legends such as Gilles Peterson, Roy Ayers, Louie Vega and Norman Jay to name but a few, the Magnet is a place to experience the best in jazz, funk, soul, rare groove and latin music.
Split over two levels, the Magnet offers a relaxed ambience at street level while the basement takes things up a notch or two and is dominated by the awesome Funktion ONE sound system – you'll probably hear the place before you see it.
Manchester’s Loaf, tucked away on the Deansgate Locks, certainly has curves in all the right places.
Underneath the arches, it has huge curved ceilings that sit well within this fashionable quarter of the city.
The upstairs, which is home to a restaurant as well as a bar/lounge, is decked out in decadent Italian furnishings creating a distinct air of cool. The downstairs, with its huge dancefloor, is geared towards the party people but you can still find respite in an adjacent bar and terrace.
As expected with most bars on the Deansgate Locks, queues a part and parcel, particularly at weekends but entry is free and the door staff aren’t as strict as they look.
For more information or dinner reservations, telephone 0161 819 5858 or visit www.loaf-manchester.co.uk.
According to the fashionista, jazz is cool again. And at a bar near you.
Manchester’s Matt and Phreds was opened in 1999 by a pair of saxophonists and was then the only bar dedicated to live jazz.
The bar is tucked away in the city’s trendy Northern Quarter and offers live music six nights a week. The atmosphere is a deliberate nod to New York’s jazz scene – a red neon sign marks the entrance to a bar filled with low-level lighting, small tables and chairs.
Matt and Phreds attracts a varied clientele, from students to the ageing enthusiast. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights are particularly popular with die-hard jazz fans.
HIDDEN GEM 
Respected as one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Boutique is a hidden gem in the heart of Leeds. 
According to the fashionista, jazz is cool again. And at a bar near you.