retiredmartin

July 2025. Manchester.

Back in Manchester I’d picked a classy gig on one of the few days Oasis fans weren’t in town polluting the city, but I still saw a few beanie hats (that’s Stone Roses, lads).

Matt met me after work for a quick pint in the Sadlers, bang next door to New Century Hall. Ooh, a new tick in the CAMRA/Matthew Curtis book (I’m only counting visits since the 2023 launch).

Back in 2021 I wrote;

The Pilcrow , whose USP seemed to be it was built by slave labour from Chorlton or something, never seemed busy enough, but now Cloudwater have taken it over AND stuck their cask in it must be a destination venue, surely ?

Well, certainly busy with its lovely courtyard drinking area,

and Cloudwater need an outlet for their excellent cask.

Matt, who shows worrying signs of being a sensible drinker, followed the crowd on the light, refreshing Happy, amazed I’d pick a chunky, chewy stout* (NBSS 3.5+) in the heat. He’ll learn to run from the crowd.

Just as in New Century Hall a crowd of intelligentsia had run from Heaton Park to hear music written in this century, rather than 1995.

I had an unexpected bonus set from Aoife Nessa Frances, last heard in less salubrious surroundings in Shacklewell,

and the best sound I’ve ever heard for Jessica Pratt’s wonderful if slightly ’70s tinged set.

I predict Kentish Paul will NOT warm to Jessica Pratt.

*Oddly named after an obscure West Suffolk village with a speedway stadium