Equipment and backline available at this venue. We verify and update this section regularly.
PA system
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
About The Pen & Pencil
The Pen & Pencil is a grassroots music venue in Northern Quarter, Manchester. PA system and vocal mics are provided; bring your own instruments and amps.
The Pen & Pencil is a New York-inspired bar and restaurant on the corner of Hilton and Tariff Street (57 Hilton Street) in Manchester's Northern Quarter (M1 2EJ), named after the infamous mid-20th-century bar on East 45th Street in New York's 'Steak Row'. Wednesdays here are all about live music: a weekly open mic from 8pm hosted by singer-songwriter Izzie Walsh, a well-known fixture of the Manchester open-mic circuit (she also hosts at The Bay Horse on Thursdays). Expect an open, varied bill — singers, performers, comedians, poets, spoken word and anything else. A PA and vocal mic are provided; bring your own instrument, amp and pedals. Manchester's open-mic scene is built around the Northern Quarter circuit, so you'll find a mix of working musicians and curious locals. Solo songwriters, duos and acoustic acts work best; full bands should ask the host first.
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Nights The Pen & Pencil usually has live music — typical start 20:00
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Common Questions
Seven things people ask about booking The Pen & Pencil.
PA system and vocal mics provided. BYO instruments and amps. Need a venue with full backline? Filter Manchester venues by backline.
Contact the venue for genre preferences. Most Manchester grassroots venues book a mix of rock, pop, folk, and acoustic acts.
Sign up free on GigXchange to view The Pen & Pencil’s booking contact, fee range, and submission process. Most grassroots venues accept email submissions with a link to your music or EPK. Check current UK fee benchmarks before quoting.
Capacity data is pending for The Pen & Pencil. Sign up to contribute or contact the venue directly.
Yes — The Pen & Pencil hosts open mic nights. Check the listing for day, time, and signup details on the Manchester Open Mic Finder.
57 Hilton Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 2EJ. See the map below for directions. Browse more Manchester venues nearby.
Fee ranges are available to signed-up artists on GigXchange. Grassroots venue fees in Manchester vary by event type, band size, and whether the deal is a flat fee or door split. The GigXchange Rate Calculator shows current UK percentiles.
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