Credit: XLR
We’re veterans of going out on the town here in Manchester, and one thing that has gotten gradually completely ridiculous is the price of drinks at our favourite spots. With hospitality and entertainment being under such strain, we always understand price hikes for the sake of keeping these places open, but sometimes it would make much more sense to just bring your own… and now the first bring-your-own-booze (BYOB) club in the UK is set to open in Manchester.
XLR will be located on the bustling Wilmslow Road in Withington, right in the heart of Manchester student neighbourhoods like Fallowfield, Whalley Range and of course, Withington itself, making it the perfect place to test the BYOB club theory.
As an introduction on Instagram, alongside a video from the founder, XLR posted: “Manchester’s first Licensed BYOB music venue […] Bring your own alcohol, skip the overpriced bar and make the night as expensive as you want it to be.”
So, how will this BYOB club in Manchester work?
The BYOB concept at XLR club will come under the same type of premises license used by BYOB restaurants and cafes, and will charge on the door – between £10 and £20 depending on what’s on – instead of a more standard ‘corkage’ situation (the usual charge for consuming your own alcohol on the premises of a restaurant or venue).
Credit: Ashan Harsha, Unsplash
Opening from 10pm-2am, Tuesday to Saturday, XLR has installed lockers for each customer to store alcohol behind its bar to replace fridges, where staff can pour out drinks or issue cans upon request. The venue will still have an operating bar in place, though organisers say the focus will be on attendees bringing along their own drinks.
What rules are in place at the BYOB club in Manchester?
Three rules are in place to ensure XLR can offer BYOB parties and comply with licensing terms, such as ‘no glass‘, ‘no backpacks‘, and punters will be unable to re-enter the venue after leaving.
When does the Manchester BYOB club open? 
Credit: Skiddle Promotion Centre/XLR
The 200-capacity venue on Wilmslow Road, Withington, will relaunch with a brand new clubbing concept on September 24, allowing punters to bring their own drinks into the venue to consume on the night.
Where is XLR Manchester?
📍 You’ll be able to find XLR at 455 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 4AN.