Every so often, if you are diligent and curious and love a good night out, you will stumble on a new night that is destined for bigger things. Such is the rich vein of DJs and promoters that exists within Manchester, it seems that as some nights begin to wane new nights tucked away in the trendier enclaves of South Manchester are beginning to blossom. I believe I have found the first of a new generation of club nights to hit Manchester in the next couple of years.

With the emphasis firmly on variety, Fry Up has started life in The Southern, an imposing landmark within the Chorlton area. The night runs on the first Saturday of every month and each one has been unique and immensely enjoyable.

The space used for the event has a pub function-room feel. Very little has been done to the interior and it gives the night a casual atmosphere. The visual pleasure of Fry Up comes, undoubtedly, in the form of the people who attend the night. There is an interesting mix of Chorlton’s local residents curious of the eclectic music played, and a smattering of folk from the Didsbury area who find the 5 min taxi ride from Burton Road far more palatable than a trip in to the city centre. Such a mix creates an interesting range of people with the emphasis of style firmly on individual expression.

Fry Up’s biggest strength however is the music played. No Fry Up night is the same but there is one overriding principle that runs through every one I have been to. If it makes your head nod and your feet move then it’s worth a spin. The sets have consisted of break beat, soul, ska and reggae, house and electro, to name but a few genres. The variety of sound is a joy to the ear. Classics sit side by side with unheard gems, to create a colourful and vibrant night, that is a perfect sound track as the summer approaches. Think BBQs, warm hazy summer nights, cold beer and strong cocktails and you begin to get the feel of Fry Up.

The Fry Up experience has been created by the team behind Fat Northerner Records. Birthed by a collective of musicians in a music shop in Salford during 2003, two of its co-founders, Ruth Daniels and Matt Trueman, have been championing the causes of up and coming bands, DJs and artists from the North West area ever since. Fry Up mimics the ethos of Fat Northerner and a whole host of musical styles are played. Where else will you hear the pounding beats of The Chemical Brothers giving way to Huey Lewis and the News? Brave. One final note: the staff behind the bar work very hard during the evening so I hope we are tipping, people.

Words by Spencer Jacobs