42’s, Manchester – 19 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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42’s -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 19 user ratings

2 Bootle Street, Manchester M2 5GU

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Wednesday: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Thursday: 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Friday: 10:30 PM – 3:00 AM, Saturday: 10:30 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday: Closed

💬 What Students Say

Located at 2 Bootle Street in Manchester, 42's is a legendary indie nightclub that has become a staple for students at the University of Manchester. Known for its no-frills approach, this venue has been a favorite among the student community for years, thanks to its focus on rock, indie, and alternative music. The club's atmosphere is often described as a blend of lively and relaxed, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a night out with friends. With a strong emphasis on community and inclusivity, 42’s fosters a welcoming vibe that resonates with many students. The club is highly rated for its cleanliness and value, which adds to its appeal. Students frequently mention that it’s a chill spot to wrap up the week, offering a local feel that sets it apart from the chain clubs that dominate the nightlife scene.

The music at 42's is a significant draw, with many reviews praising the DJs for their excellent selections that keep the dance floor lively. The mix of rock, indie, and alternative tracks creates an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and fresh, catering to a diverse crowd. Students appreciate that the music is always good for dancing, which is a crucial aspect of any successful night out. The club’s reputation for consistently delivering a good time is reflected in its high ratings for music and overall atmosphere.

In terms of drinks and pricing, 42’s is noted for being budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for students who want to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The venue's pricing level is generally seen as affordable, which is a significant plus for students. While specific drink prices aren't provided, the overall sentiment suggests that students feel they get good value for their money, contributing to the club's strong rating in this category.

When it comes to the queue and entry experience, students have commented on the efficient handling of entry, with many noting that they rarely experience long waits. The queue rating is quite positive, indicating that getting in is usually a smooth process. However, it’s worth mentioning that the club can get packed, especially on weekends, which might lead to a more vibrant but also busier atmosphere. Students appreciate that despite the crowd, the vibe remains friendly and inclusive, with many feeling safe and comfortable inside.

Reviewers often highlight the diverse crowd that frequents 42’s, which adds to the club's charm. It’s a place where students from various backgrounds come together to enjoy a night out. While this diversity is generally seen as a positive, some students have noted that it can occasionally lead to a chaotic atmosphere, especially when the club reaches its capacity. However, the overall sentiment is that the crowd is cool and there’s little trouble, which enhances the enjoyment of the night.

Another strength of 42’s is the sense of community it fosters. Many students mention that it’s a place where everyone feels included, and this welcoming atmosphere is a big reason why they keep coming back. The club is often described as a cozy spot to kick back with friends, making it perfect for those looking to relax after a long week. The vibe is lively yet not overwhelming, which is a delicate balance that 42’s manages to achieve well.

In terms of who this venue suits best, 42’s is ideal for students who enjoy indie and alternative music and are looking for a laid-back place to hang out. It attracts a crowd that values good music and a friendly atmosphere over the more commercial nightlife options. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or just chill with friends, 42’s provides a versatile space that caters to both moods.

In conclusion, 42’s is a highly regarded venue that offers a unique nightlife experience for students in Manchester. With its strong ratings for cleanliness, music, and value, it’s a place where students can enjoy a great night out without the fuss of larger chain clubs. While it can get busy and occasionally chaotic, the overall atmosphere remains enjoyable and safe, making it a top choice for many.

If you’re considering a night out at 42's, here are a few practical tips to enhance your experience: be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends; arrive early if you want to avoid long queues; and check out the drink specials to make the most of your budget. Overall, 42’s is a must-visit for students wanting to embrace the indie nightlife scene in Manchester.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for cleanliness and value, making it an affordable option for students.
  • Lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long week.
  • Diverse crowd that fosters a sense of community and inclusivity.
  • Excellent music selection with DJs that keep the dance floor lively.
  • Smooth entry experience with minimal queue times.
  • Many students feel safe and comfortable, contributing to a positive night out.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get packed, leading to a chaotic atmosphere at times.
  • Occasional messiness due to the diverse crowd.
  • Not open on Mondays and Sundays, limiting weekend options.
  • Some students feel it can get loud quickly, which might not suit everyone.
  • Limited food options available, focusing primarily on drinks.

🎯 Best For

Students who enjoy indie and alternative music in a relaxed yet vibrant environment.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to wear your favorite indie outfit.
  • Arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues.
  • Check for drink specials to get the best value for your money.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere, especially after midnight.
  • The music style focuses on rock, indie, and alternative genres.

❓ Common Questions

What is 42’s like?

42's is a beloved indie nightclub known for its lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for students.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally smooth with minimal wait times, especially if you arrive early.

Is it good value?

Yes, students often mention that 42's offers good value for money, particularly with its affordable drinks.

What music does 42’s play?

42’s primarily plays rock, indie, and alternative music, which is well-received by the crowd.

Is it safe?

Many students feel safe at 42's, contributing to a positive and enjoyable night out.

Reviews
1 of 19
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Not the most thrilling place but it gets the job done. drinks are cheap and the vibe’s usually alright for a night out.
By user154847 on Apr 4th 2026
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Music was loud enough to keep things lively and the drinks didn’t break the bank. no complaints about the crowd or the vibe, just a decent night out.
By user536518 on Mar 31st 2026
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42's is a chill spot to wrap up the week. It’s got a local feel, not like those chain clubs.
By user917023 on Mar 25th 2026
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Had a proper laugh with the squad here. ended up staying way longer than we thought
By user194828 on Mar 19th 2026
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Good place to hang out whether it's day or night. there's something for everyone here.
By user986841 on Mar 13th 2026
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The atmosphere was really lively and everyone felt included. just a nice place to be.
By user725683 on Feb 27th 2026
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Always lively but still relaxed enough to enjoy it. wouldn't want it any other way
By user104806 on Feb 9th 2026
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Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user338913 on Jan 29th 2026
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Not hectic but still got a nice atmosphere. wouldn't want it any other way honestly
By user793403 on Jan 20th 2026
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user659672 on Jan 13th 2026
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Found a really cozy spot to kick back with mates. perfect for just chilling after a long week.
By user253640 on Jan 5th 2026
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The crowd is pretty diverse, which is cool but sometimes it gets a bit messy
By user260640 on Dec 29th 2025
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Showed up and it was a good night as usual. seems like it’s hard to go wrong here.
By user279491 on Dec 20th 2025
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The dj was really good and the music was always good to dance to. never had an issue with the atmosphere
By user440093 on Dec 12th 2025
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People are really friendly, but it gets packed and loud pretty quick
By user196223 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Crowd is cool and there’s no trouble at all. that’s all that matters
By user310346 on Nov 25th 2025
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Felt really safe there, which made the night way better. that's a big reason why i keep going back to 42’s.
By user857859 on Nov 13th 2025
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By user270992 on Oct 30th 2025
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By user924589 on Apr 9th 2025