Not a trendy in sight! (5th Avenue)

Member Name: Insane Tommy

Product:	5th Avenue
Date:	25/06/02 (1859 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safe, Cheap, Top Tunes

Disadvantages: Location?

Over the weekend I had my first experience of 5th Avenue. I must confess I have never been out round Manchester before but my flat mate invited me back for the weekend so thought it would be a bit of a giggle. Although I’ve only been the once I’m pretty sure that my experience was the typical 5th Av night out.

5th Av is located in the centre of Manchester, on Princess Street, near the HSBC and BBC Buildings. I’m not sure where it is in relation to other clubs etc. and it was a little bit tucked away. I went with my flatmate as a guide so if you were to visit I’d suggest going with someone who knows the area. You’re most likely to have to walk through a ‘gay’ area, though I’m not really sure why I mention it as there was no trouble, in fact it was perhaps the most relaxed part of Manchester that I’ve seen.

On Saturday it cost me £3 to get in, that’s because I have an NUS Card. The admission prices vary day to day but if you can get you’re hands on a flyer (there are plenty about so don’t worry) the admission charge will be halved. Like most clubs if you go before 11pm you’re likely to get in free or at least a greatly reduced admission charge. And, if you’re female and get there before 11pm on a Friday and you’ll get in free. Drinks prices are the best I saw in Manchester, with bottled beers like Carling at £1 and numerous alcohopop drinks for not much more. Whilst this would be the norm here in Aberystwyth it’s a lot cheaper than most of the pubs I visited in Manc. Additionally there are plenty of offers (well so my mates say), apparently there is a student night where bottled beers are sold for just 50p. Simply, no matter when you go, you’re guaranteed value for money.

So far I’ve neglected to tell you what music they play at 5th Av, I’ve done this because I don’t think it matters too much. Officially itR
17;s and Indie/Alternative nightclub but I never noticed anything particularly hardcore, some bands weren’t mainstream but the beats were easy enough to pick up and have a little dance to. I’m assured that they do occasionally put a bit of Dance on but for the most part it is likely to be bands like the Strokes, the Smiths, the Ataris, Oasis, the Stone Roses with the occasional bit of Green Day thrown in.

It isn’t that large for a club with such as huge rep but it’s on a par with most major city clubs. The club is on two levels. Upon entering you are taken down into the main basement part. There are two bars on this level and a pretty chunky dancefloor with the DJ’s cage situated along one side of it. There is a slightly quieter upper level of the club with another bar and plenty of seating, though it's not always open. The club is spacious with good ventilation and more than adequate facilities.

Alrighty, the necessities are out of the way. Anyone who has heard of 5th Av would have been able to say what I’ve already said. It’s time to tell you just how fabulous I think 5th Avenue is.

My night at the 5th ranks right up there with my best clubbing experiences, I’ve been to all the major clubs in Sheffield and Nottingham as well as plenty of others. Being into Indie music in general I found it refreshing to find a club catering specifically for that genre and ignoring the techno, dance and pop that is found elsewhere. The whole vibe of the place was exactly right, and I could tell this from the moment of walking in. Within seconds of giving the place a good ogle I saw that I would fit in, the place was filled not with daft looking long hair rockers or painted Goths, but people just like me.

It is so difficult to describe exactly why it felt so good, perhaps it was that I could quite comfortably get hammered on twenty squid? Seriously, 5th Av felt really safe. I kno
w some of my mates have had some problems in Manchester, Scally and Indie kids don’t get on I’m told, but there was no tension or threat of violence as you find in some clubs. There was also a real lack of pressure. I know it seems silly to say but at clubs like the Glen here in Aber you feel like everyone is watching you, especially if you have low self confidence anyway. At the 5th Av you know everyone is into the same thing as you. I spent over 2 hours on the dance floor on Saturday and anyone who knows me will tell you I just don’t do that anywhere else.

I really hope I’ve sold 5th Avenue to you. It represents tremendous value for money, but mobney isn't really the issue. It’s a club you feel comfortable in, even if you aren’t the biggest fan of Indie it’s refreshing to see people enjoying themselves. It probably isn’t the nicest place to see during the day but it has everything you need in a club. I completely felt at ease, it was perfect!

For more info ring:

0161 236 2754 or type '5th Avenue, Manchester' into any decent search engine!

Summary: