When the Night & Day opened in Manchester in 1991, the city centre was a desolate place. What is now known as the Northern Quarter was a seedy collection of sex shops, greasy spoons and ropey old pubs, surrounded by derelict warehouses.
But Jan Oldenburg, a Dutch music lover, saw potential in the chippy at 26 Oldham Street. First, he started hawking beers bought from the cash and carry. Then he began putting on small jazz shows, sleeping on a mattress in the basement, sometimes with his young children by his side. By the time the “Madchester” movement was in full swing, the Night & Day was a crucible of the city’s music scene, going on to host early shows from bands including Elbow, Wet Leg, Arctic Monkeys, Manic Street Preachers and more.
