Night & Day Cafe
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Nestled in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter on 26 Oldham Street, Night & Day Cafe is a beloved live music venue, bar, and cafe blending daytime hangs with electrifying nighttime gigs. Capacity for 250, it hosts emerging talents and legends alike across genres, with a state-of-the-art sound system, friendly staff, and casual food like weekend breakfasts and pizzas. Open late into the night, it captures the raw energy of Manchester's music scene in an intimate, no-frills space.
A brief summary to Night & Day Cafe
- 26 Oldham St, Manchester, M1 1JN, GB
- +441612361822
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 2 pm-2 am
- Tuesday 2 pm-2 am
- Wednesday 2 pm-2 am
- Thursday 2 pm-2 am
- Friday 11 am-4 am
- Saturday 10 am-4 am
- Sunday 10 am-12 am
Local tips
- Arrive early for gigs to snag prime stage views in the 250-capacity room.
- Opt for weekend breakfasts or Big Mouth pizzas for hearty, affordable bites.
- Check the weekly Loose Joints event on Saturdays for free entry DJ nights.
- Contact ahead for accessibility details to ensure a smooth visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
Night & Day Cafe location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Night & Day Cafe
Gateway to Manchester's Indie Soul
Tucked into the heart of the Northern Quarter, Night & Day Cafe stands as a pulsating hub where Manchester's musical heartbeat resonates. This compact venue at 26 Oldham Street, with room for 250 souls, transforms from a laid-back daytime cafe into a nighttime crucible for live performances. Its unpretentious vibe draws in those seeking authentic sounds amid the city's creative ferment. The space exudes character through its simple design, featuring a long bar stocked with local brews and cocktails, overlooked by posters of past shows. Sunlight filters through during day hours, giving way to dim red lighting as gigs ignite, creating an enveloping atmosphere perfect for close-up encounters with artists.Legacy of Legendary Performances
Since its inception, Night & Day has been the launchpad for tomorrow's stars and a stage graced by icons. Figures like Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, Guy Garvey of Elbow, and Johnny Marr have all performed here, cementing its status in Manchester's rock pantheon. The venue caters to every genre, from international tours to grassroots charity events, ensuring a diverse sonic tapestry. Engineered for excellence, its top-tier sound system and skilled technicians deliver crystal-clear audio in the intimate room, where every note feels personal. This setup fosters unforgettable moments, whether it's an indie band's raw set or a DJ's rhythmic pulse.Daytime Delights and Nighttime Fuel
By day, especially weekends, the cafe shines with hearty breakfasts from 10am—think full English spreads bursting with flavor. Afternoons bring Big Mouth's pizzas, sandwiches, and wraps, ideal for fueling up amid the Northern Quarter's buzz. The menu keeps it simple yet satisfying, paired with coffee or draught IPAs like Shindigger. As evening falls, the focus shifts to the bar's extensive selection, serving until late. Monday to Thursday closes at 2am, Fridays and Saturdays stretch to 4am, while Sundays wrap by midnight, accommodating Manchester's nocturnal rhythm.Intimate Space, Electric Energy
The venue's basement stage setup draws crowds close, eliminating barriers between performers and audience. No frills means all focus on the music, with a vibrant crowd that spans locals and visitors. Friendly door staff and bar team add warmth, making it feel like a second home for music lovers. Its location amid nearby spots like Eastern Bloc Records and Soup enhances the Northern Quarter experience, yet Night & Day holds its own as a destination. Wheelchair accessible with direct contact for specifics, it welcomes all to its inclusive fold.Culinary and Cultural Fusion
Food isn't an afterthought; weekend breakfasts draw early risers, while evening pizzas complement gigs. This blend of sustenance and sound makes it versatile—pop in for lunch, linger for a set. The result is a multifaceted spot embodying Manchester's gritty, creative spirit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.2 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Robert Owen Statue
0.5 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.5 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Arch of Chinatown
0.6 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Murrays' Mill
0.6 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Connaught Building
0.6 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Victory Over Blindness
0.6 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Manchester City Council
0.7 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
St. Peter's Square
0.7 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
John Bright Statue
0.7 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
0.7 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Dalton Entry
0.8 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.8 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Manchester Central Library
0.8 km
Explore the architectural beauty and cultural richness of Manchester Central Library, a historic gem in the heart of the city.
The Vimto Park
0.8 km
Experience the serenity of The Vimto Park, a charming urban oasis in Manchester, perfect for relaxation and family outings amid beautiful landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Shops
0.0 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.1 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Afflecks
0.1 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
Stevenson Square
0.1 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
The Makers Market
0.1 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.2 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Empire Exchange
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s eclectic Empire Exchange, a treasure trove of vintage comics, vinyl, and collectibles where every visit uncovers a new story.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.2 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
NQ Mural
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Piccadilly Gardens
0.2 km
Manchester’s central green space blending historic charm, modern design, and vital transport connections in a lively urban setting.
Hilton House Mural
0.3 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
The Whiskey Jar
0.3 km
Discover The Whiskey Jar in Manchester, where an extensive whiskey collection meets a lively atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.
Essential places to dine
Pieminister Manchester
0.1 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Evuna NQ
0.1 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.1 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Almost Famous NQ
0.2 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Cane & Grain
0.2 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.2 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
63 Degrees
0.2 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Liquor and Burn
0.2 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Tariff & Dale
0.2 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.3 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
Viet Shack Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Street Urchin
0.4 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Thunder Egg
0.0 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Pop Boutique
0.0 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.0 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.1 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.1 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.1 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
The Manchester Shop
0.1 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Deadstock General Store
0.1 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.2 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Jessica6 Designs
0.2 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Kiku Boutique
0.2 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
&made
0.2 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.2 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Night & Day Cafe
0.0 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
The Daisy
0.0 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Wilson's Social
0.1 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.1 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.1 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Flok
0.1 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.1 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Behind Closed Doors
0.1 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.1 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
The Fitzgerald
0.1 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Science And Industry
0.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Hold Fast Bar
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
Wolf at the Door
0.2 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Bar Fringe
0.3 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Crown & Kettle
0.3 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Funkademia
0.1 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.1 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Aatma
0.2 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Cargo
0.5 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.5 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Club Tropicana
0.6 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.7 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
0.8 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
0.9 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.0 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
42's
1.0 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Viva Manchester
1.1 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
1.1 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Live Venue
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
