The best comedy clubs in Manchester

Manchester's longest running comedy club has been serving up laughs since 1993. Warm and welcoming, laid back and fun, there's an independent spirit that makes it a stand out venue on the comedy circuit. The list of past perforners reads like a who's who of big time northern comedians – Peter Kay, Sarah Millican and Johnny Vegas. At The Frog & Bucket you could be watching a star in the making way before they hit the big time.

You can't really go far wrong when it comes to this place - it's two venues in one, after all. The 'Pub' side of it brings decent cask ales and some great pub grub; the 'Zoo' side the party. Saturday night drum n bass and regular student shindigs bring 'em in more than most but keep an eye out for some excellent comedy too, courtesy of XS Malarkey every Tuesday. Expect serious belly laughs.

Where would we be without laughter? Well, certainly not here, in the Manchester outcrop of London’s best-known comedy club. Big names on the stand-up circuit provide the laughs in this theatre-style venue.

Partial to a beer or two? What about a beer set to the sounds of an authentic German oompah band? You'll probably like this Bavarian beer house at The Printworks if so, where steins of the stuff are served alongside bratwurst, burgers and a decent array of events. Jason Manford's Comedy Club is a real highlight (big names have been known to drop in) and there some good are open mic nights, too.