The Talleyrand

The 197. So much to answer for. One of South Manchester’s most famous and frequent bus services connects a number of busy eastern suburbs which are worth a visit. Levenshulme, which can also be reached by train direct from Piccadilly Railway Station, is one of the liveliest. Rougher around the edges compared with the nearby Heatons (Chapel, Mersey and Moor — all technically parts of Stockport), this corner of town has been transformed post-millennium. It’s now home to a thriving independent bar, restaurant and cultural scene, including a number of excellent venues. The Talleyrand is a jewel in that crown collection. 

In 2022, Manchester’s Finest threw its weight behind this operation with a feature in the series ‘Manchester’s Best Independent Music Venues’. Say no more. Essentially a small wooden-clad boozer with good value drinks and an ace back room events space, we lauded The Talleyrand for its eclectic programming, which focuses on originality and authenticity, “shying away from your Elvis tribute acts or Oasis cover bands”. That means everything from Italo disco club nights to chugging post punk groups, piano jazz performances to screenings of music and other cultural documentaries. 

“I think our advantage is that we have full control of our events and listings, and we can also serve a decent pint, too,” Dean Brocklehurst told Finest when we spoke a few years back. One of The Talleyrand’s founders, alongside Tom Hughes, the fact both come from an arts background speaks volumes about their commitment to making this spot work as a genuine hub for DIY happenings, in a city with a world-renowned record for nurturing counter and subcultures, from raves to baggy-trousered indie. Well worth the 15 minute trip from town itself, although our best advice is to swerve evening rush hour due to the traffic on Stockport Road.