Top 3: NYE ‘non-club’ events

Sometimes New Year’s Eve isn’t quite what it’s cracked up to be: overpriced, overcrowded and, occasionally, just too much bother. So if you’re looking to steer clear of Manchester’s biggest parties this year, here are our picks of the lower key events…

New Year’s Eve at Port Street Beer House
We’ve all been there: walk into a bar on New Year’s Eve and it’s absolutely rammed. Instead of scrambling to get the last table, guarantee your seat by booking one in advance at Port Street Beer House’s upstairs saloon. Simply make your booking (minimum 4 people per table) and swap a £10 deposit per person for a bar tab of the same amount. Or be extra prepared and book a special NYE bottle, or Great North Pie with peas and gravy, to be brought to your table on the night, so you don’t have to waste half your time queuing at the bar. Tables are limited so be sure to book soon to guarantee your place.
Port Street Beer House, 39-41 Port Street, M1 2EQ, Tel: 0161 237 9949, 4pm – 1am, £10 deposit, www.portstreetbeerhouse.co.uk

New Year’s Eve at The Beagle
If you can’t face braving the Northern Quarter on NYE, why not try Port Street Beer House’s sister pub, The Beagle, instead? Located in the quieter surroundings of Chorlton, The Beagle is the ideal location for guaranteed party vibes without the hassle. What’s more, specialising in craft beer, cocktails and wine – and delicious Mexican goodness courtesy of new food residents Margo and Rita, too – you can treat your taste buds to just a good time and leave the cheap shots and late night greasy food well and truly behind. Having just celebrated their first birthday, you can bet the spirits will still be high at this “vibes guaranteed” do.
The Beagle, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, M21 0BQ, Tel: 0161 8818596, 12pm – 1am, FREE entry, www.beaglesabout.com

Mcr Scenewipe’s Midnight Kiss (pictured)
There are usually only so many cheesy hits you can pretend to enjoy on NYE before begging the DJ to play something half-decent. So why not treat your ears to a whole evening of the biggest tunes by two of the hardest rocking bands, instead? With top renditions of the best of Black Sabbath (courtesy of NASDAQ) and Queens Of The Stone Age (by Temple Songs) Manchester Scenewipe are guaranteeing the hits will be played all night, so you don’t have to wait until the clock strikes twelve to bust out your best Ozzy Osbourne or Josh Homme impression. What’s more, you can even show off what a great time you’re having to the weird and wonderful world of Chat Roulette with an extra special NYE version of Chat Roulette Disco.
Fuel Café Bar, Wilmslow Road, M20 3BW, 8pm – 2am, £10, www.wegottickets.com