Dogtown

Before Catherine Hardwicke began adapting the Twilight books into movies and catapulted herself to mainstream Hollywood directorial fame, she made Lords of Dogtown. 30 years or so later, the film remains an icon of skateboard culture, and ode to counterculture and one of the most important commentaries on the creep of commercialisation that ensured the 1990s finished very differently to the way they started. We implore everyone to watch it. 

Taking at least some inspiration from this, Dogtown is a Manchester bar that celebrates independence and individuality, and has ollies, drop-ins, boardslides, heelflips and tic-tacs coursing through its veins. Tucked away on High Street, at the Craft & Design Centre end, this is every bit the kind of joint that made the Northern Quarter what it is today. A dive bar style set up, the first thing that hits you are the skate and surfboard decks adorning the walls, setting the tone for a soundtrack of garage, punk, and alternative rock. The bare stone ceiling only adds to the ambience, and from where we’re drinking it’s a welcome break from the ubiquitous bricks that dominate drinking dens in this corner of the city. 

As you’d expect from all this, the vibe is laidback and rough around the edges, and the menu pays homage to American style dining — so think loaded fries, chilli and hotdogs, and plenty of condiments. As for the bar, this is more cocktails and small batch brewed beers than real ale — CAMRA members should look elsewhere. Many of the bottles, draughts and cans are imported from the best indie producers in the States, with a healthy show of support for European and UK counterparts. A popular spot with the grungier side of the city’s nighttime population, Dogtown has long become a go-to thanks to its excellent drinks selection, warm staff and, of course, cultural memorabilia.