Big Hands is really underrated

You know the name, and you’ll go past it pretty much every day. Those big red letters above the door call to you, an alluring balance of excitement and danger.

Born in 2000, Big Hands is situated very conveniently on Oxford Road, on a random but small row of shops between Manchester Academy and Whitworth Park Accommodation. Perfect for a pint and pizza after lectures, or a pint in their rooftop garden, a little Eden above Oxford Road.

With various live music nights and DJ nights throughout each month, it’s a guaranteed chilled night. The post-gig drink is where it all really happens though. There you are, lounged across the comfiest sofa on Oxford Road, then the band you’ve just worshipped rock up to Big Hands and make themselves at home. Frank Black (front man of Pixies) spontaneously played outside the front of Big Hands before a gig at the Academy.

Big Hands has been host to some of the best nights out this city has seen. The beautiful bar and wonderful staff have been party to some insane and wonderful experiences, from a lock-in with Kings of Leon back in the day, kisses with Lily Allen, wondering whether or not to ID Elijah Wood and evenings entertaining/entertained by Julian Barratt and Rich Fulcher.

Although there’s no guarantee you’ll meet your idols, Big Hands is always full of the most interesting and fun people with brilliant stories. Big Hands is more than a wooden bar and drinks it’s an education, an experience.