Tracing the history of Eastern Bloc is like tracing the history of Manchester’s club scene and Northern Quarter. Founded in — drum roll, please — 1985, by none other than John Berry and Martin Price of UK acid house pioneers 808 State, this vinyl emporium remains at the cutting edge of electronic music, catering to customers from drum ’n’ bass to techno, house to dubstep aficionados and a lot of noise in between. More than that, though, in the 21st Century the operation has emerged as a really nice cafe and bar, and a vital home for the thriving grass roots and DIY DJ scenes that make our city’s nightlife what it is.
First, the shop. We’d challenge anyone to find more knowledgeable, committed and passionate buyers stocking the shelves of the upstairs record store, and Eastern Bloc is very much about getting in the freshest stock as oppose to classics and reissues. As such it pays to talk to staff behind the counter about exactly what you’re looking for. And don’t worry, this is worlds away from the old school unapproachable vinyl pushers of yesteryear. No matter how long you’ve been collecting or mixing tunes for, you’ll quickly feel at home here. And soon wind up walking out with a bag of pure quality.
As for the cafe-bar, think homemade sandwiches and soups, cakes from acclaimed independent bakeries nearby, great coffee, limited draught and a more generous choice of canned beers, alongside spirits. All of which keep the parties here well lubricated, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings showcasing up and coming local talent, alongside established names based in and around the city, or visiting from further afield. Just make sure you dress to sweat — this is a small, high energy dancefloor that will suck you in and refuse to let go until 3AM most nights.