ONE EIGHT SIX

The live singer wasn’t amazing, but the female vocalist had a really good voice. That said, the band felt more like a regular cover band than a true jazz group. We expected a sit-down bar with table service and a proper cocktail menu, but instead it turned out to be more of a lively club scene — people were dancing around our table, constantly bumping into us and even putting their drinks down on our table. If you’re after a night out and a party vibe, it’s a great spot. But if you’re looking for a relaxed cocktail evening, this isn’t the place. They also seem quite selective at the door — they mostly let in girls and older men, while groups of guys were being turned away. One of the bouncers was unnecessarily aggressive, although the other three were fine. Still, the door policy felt biased, and even with a booking, we had to wait ages to get in. You’d think these bouncers were guarding Starmer with the way they are.

If you want a good night out, live music and a dance, this is the place to be. The band was amazing, and the DJ played songs that had everyone on their feet. Thursday nights! 👌🏾

I have visited 186 quite a number of times right from its original creation and it was my favourite bar for Manchester. Since new ownership took over, the "new rules" are much better allowing more walk ins and standing at the bar, etc... vs before where you were thrown out after 90 minutes when your table booking finished. This annoyed a great deal of customers! However, my new complaint is its not really a full live music venue anymore. They are moving more and more away from a band/choir to basically running DJ's. If I wanted a DJ I'd go to any other bar. The reason I come here is to see live music not someone playing MP3's. Saturday 3rd January 26 was an appalling display with the live band promised at 7.30/8pm/8.30pm/9pm/9.30pm and finally they turned up at gone 10pm and did just 3 sets with 30 mins on and 30 mins off between. Hundreds of pounds spent plus an entrance fee. Its just not worth it now. On top of it all, the band were walking out up the stairs at the end of the 3 sets whilst the staff are telling new people coming in there is a live band on when they had finished at 12.30.... No end of other people I spoke to in the bar were complaining of the varying entrance fee's from £10 to £20 per person and the lack of band playing. The website says you pay a fee to guarantee a table yet they charge walk ins standing up? hmm! Now for the good again, I do have to say the band and the 2 female singers did a good job and the songs they played were good also BUT the cut back in play time is terrible and the lies the staff are making to customers to get them in the door is wrong! Service charges on drinks at the bar is cheeky. In fact service charge full stop shouldn't be charged on the price of the drinks in this place. Last time I knew Manchester was in the UK and not USA. I think the bar needs to go back and look at the basics. Its needs to advertise clearly what is on offer and times for the band. 30 mins on and 30 off always did annoy me. I personally think it should be 1 hour on and 30 mins off for the band playing at most. Also Public wifi in the bar is not available as they haven't paid the bill. Dont expect to get any mobile reception down there in the basement! Management need to pay attention to customer feedback and get this sorted but I doubt ill be returning again for a very long time so consider this a lost customer!