As I creak unsteadily into my late thirties I find myself travelling into the city centre less and less. If I go there to have a night out it must be a very special place indeed. It would have to be cheap to get in, with decent bar prices and a free cloak room. Actually, while I’m creating my fantasy club I’ll throw in a taxi service from the club entrance, friendly door staff and what the hell, a live jazz band playing along side the cream of North West dance DJs.

I don’t remember rubbing a lamp but a genie somewhere must have heard me, because Banned - a new night that opened this month at 14 Lloyd Street (now called Zenith) - has all the ingredients of my dream club.

The night takes place downstairs at Zenith and as you walk down the stairs the first thing that grabs your attention is the four real life musicians playing away to their hearts’ content on the opposite stage. The band are called Cuba and they perfectly compliment the house music being played by the DJs.

The next thing that strikes you is the plush sofas and generally clean environment you are in. There’s absolutely no wear and tear to be seen; in fact it’s dead posh. Impressed already I strode to the bar to be greeted with a smile and a hello from the lady behind the bar and ordered a gin and tonic. I handed a ten pound note over and was surprised to get most of it back in change. Bar prices no less! This might get messy.

The music is funky four to the floor house. The band is truly superb. The cloakroom really is FREE! When I left the door man asked if I required a taxi and wished me a safe journey home (!!).

Banned really has got off to a bang... which leads me nicely to my next point! Didsbury Life is delighted to confirm Banned's next night on 5th November 'Bannedfire Night' at 14 Lloyd Street (which incidentally has changed its name to Zenith). Cuba (4 live musicians) will, once again, be joined by Scott and Les. New to the impressive line-up are DJs, Darren Harvey and Nick Stockley from the ever popular night Penthouse in Stoke-on-Trent. Further details can be found in the What's On section of the website.

Words by Spencer Jacobs

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