My Manchester: Loz Goddard

Manchester has long been one of the UK's best cities for incredible music. So who better to take us on a tour (of sorts) of the city than Loz Goddard, a DJ/producer from the city whose sound we're absolutely loving. Loz recently released a new EP titled ‘Are We Ever Leaving Here?’ under the Oath label, and it's another record that showcases his brilliance, always evident in his previous releases.

The package includes three original tracks and two remixes from Casa Voyager head OCB and Bristol-based producer Boulderhead. Anyway, we'll leave it to Loz to take it from here...

" I’ve lived in Manchester most of my life aside from a few years over the Peak District in Sheffield. Even then, I found myself making the (very short) journey home weekend after weekend, mainly for the music scene and nightlife that’s been a constant in my life since I first discovered it.

Over the years my interests have somewhat changed and as I’ve got older, I’ve been more into the chilled nature of what Manchester & its surrounding towns have to offer. I don’t spend anywhere near as much time in clubs anymore unless I am playing there myself or there’s an especially good lineup happening, so I find myself on the lookout more for chilled places to eat, drink and meet up with mates.

The City is increasingly busy with its ever-rising popularity, which means I tend to spend a bit more time around the outskirts than in the Centre. Don’t get me wrong though, the City Centre is absolutely quality – and here are a bunch of spots that I recommend you slide into if you are ever around!"

Favourite Brewery: Track Taproom

This was a hard pick due to having a few favourites, but Track has to be my top spot for anyone who is into beer and craft ale. The taproom is situated about a 10 minute walk from Piccadilly train station, in the opposite direction of the City Centre madness – so it’s a really nice spot for a chilled drink. Proper spacious gaff with loads of seating inside and out, so is ideal all year round.

A big recommendation for one of their beers is ‘Sonoma’, which you will undoubtedly see in plenty of other bars in and around Manchester. 

Honorary shouts to The Magnet Inn in Stockport – The best pub outside the City Centre.

Favourite Pub:  The Marble Arch

It’s a Manchester classic this one, and the original home of Marble Brewery (who brew some absolute saucers as well). It’s kitted out with 9 hand-pulls serving brewery fresh cask beer & 8 keg lines, so you’re never stuck for a decent juice.

The inside of the place looks like it hasn’t changed in 50+ years, which when you step inside, you’ll agree is a good thing. It’s round the corner from Band on The Wall too (another historic spot), which means it’s a solid starting point before going to a gig or a club night.

Favourite Club: The White Hotel

This club just reminds me of what Sankeys used to feel like when I used to go as a young’un, a proper up-for-it crowd, dark & murky atmosphere and a top soundsystem. Admittedly the crowd is far younger than the Sankeys days, where I used to comfortably be the youngest in attendance, but it doesn’t matter – everyone’s sound. Again, this club is slightly out of the centre which usually means less random walk-ins and more people who are there for the music. Expect plenty of Techno, Electro, House, Acid & Experimental. 

Favourite Pizza Spot: Ramona

I’ve added this one as it’s well worth a visit for food, drink & live music. They serve deep-pan Detroit-style pizza as well as cocktails & craft beer, so it’s perfect for a day-time chill or a starting point to meet mates in an evening. You’re mostly in an outdoor setting, under the cover of teepees & then warmed by a number of open fires, so it’s a cosy gaff! It’s also got an old MOT Garage attached to it which they now run clubnights in, so yeah it’s good whether you want food, a few drinks or a dance.  

Favourite Record Shop: Eastern Bloc

This choice is based not only on the records you can pick up, but also the events that go on there. Eastern Bloc is in the heart of the Northern Quarter and is often open late with events running Friday & Saturday nights. It also serves food and drinks in the day time, so is mega convenient if you’re out and about in the day wanting to have a browse. Always a great spot on Record Store Day too, usually with an all-day event running into the early hours.

Favourite Nearby Town: Stockport

These days you’ll struggle to go wrong with Stockport – something I never thought I’d say - and this is where I’ve lived most of my life. It’s a short train journey from Manchester Piccadilly and in recent years it’s seen a massive increase in the amount of restaurants & bars opening. Head towards the Produce Hall & Underbank and you’ll see that the architecture is mostly old buildings and cobbled streets, and this is where you’ll find plenty of decent food & drink options including Petersgate Tap, Cracked Actor & Project 53. Oh, and there’s a top little record shop there too – SK1 Records.

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Loz Goddard - Are We Ever Leaving Here is out soon via Oath. Buy/listen to the release here