Manchester is home to a bustling nightlife scene - whether you're a fan of a speakeasy or a lively club, you'll be hard pressed to not find something for everyone.
If you fancy a bit of novelty, you could always opt for one of the city's karaoke bars or try your hand at some mini-golf. But one unusual activity that appears to be proving popular in Manchester is axe-throwing.
Essentially darts on steroids, the gist of the sport is to hurl real metal hatchets at wooden targets. Points are awarded by how close to the bullseye players can plant their axe.
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The most skilled competitors are then able to claim their crown - and bragging rights among family and friends. The Manchester Evening News has rounded up three quirky venues where you can give axe-throwing a go - including a 'battle bar' and a smokehouse BBQ restaurant
Boom Battle Bar
The latest axe-throwing addition to the city centre, Boom Battle Bar opened its doors on June 17. The venue's premise is an 'entertainment battleground' full of competitive games for all ages.
As well as augmented-reality (AR) axe throwing, visitors can challenge their mates at shuffleboard, American pool, arcade games, Singa-powered karaoke and AR darts.
If you're in need of refreshments, then the Boom Bar boasts a selection of wines, spirits, draught beers and Battleground cocktails including 'Long Island Ice Tee', tiki-themed 'Ship Faced' and 'Axepresso Martini'. Also on offer is snacks from the Boom Bites menu, spanning everything from chicken tenders to nachos.
Boom Battle Bar is an over-18s only venue from 7pm.
When: Mondays to Thursdays, 12pm - 11.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm - 1am, Sundays, 12pm to 11.30pm.
Where: Unit 2A, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS
To book and for prices, check out the Boom Battle Bar website.
Real Axe
Based in Bolton, Real Axe offers 75-minute long axe-throwing sessions for adults and families. Each lane gets its very own experienced coach and sessions start with some basic training.
Once you've got to grips, visitors can expect to battle it out, culminating in one person winning the coveted Real Axe lane champion medal. Children ages 10 to 14 can also give the sport a go, with junior axe-throwing sessions featuring UV lighting and neon face paint.
Real Axe is home to the 'northwest's most authentic' Smokehouse BBQ restaurant, serving up brisket, ribs, chicken wings and hot dogs - just to name a few. A range of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks can also be found.
The versatile venue also hosts club nights and comedy shows, meaning there really is something for everyone.
When: Mondays and Tuesdays, 04:00pm - 10:30pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12.00pm - 10.30pm, Thursdays, 12.00pm - 10.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 12.00pm - 12.00am, Sundays, 12.00pm - 10.30pm.
Where: Units 12 & 12a Dunscar Industrial Estate, Blackburn Road, Bolton, BL7 9PQ
To book and for prices, check out the Real Axe website.
Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing
Located on Deansgate, Whistle Punks has been a part of the landscape for the past five years. Axe-throwing was actually brought to London in summer 2016 by Jools Whitehorn and John Nimmons - aka Whistle Punks - and the pair opened the club at the Great Northern Warehouse in February the following year.
All the 70-minute axe-throwing sessions are designed with beginners in mind and include a safety briefing and some coaching to hone your technique. Once you're all set, a tournament will get underway with the best axe-thrower named at the very end.
From tortilla chips to a selection of delicious pizzas, the venue has some grub on offer in case you need to refuel. It also boasts a broad drinks menu, including larger, cocktails and wine - not forgetting soft drinks and low-alcohol options.
When: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 4.30pm-10:30pm, Fridays 12pm-11pm, Saturdays 10am-11pm and Sundays 11am-5pm. The venue is closed on Mondays.
Where: Great Northern Warehouse, Unit 20, Atrium level, 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
To book and for prices, check out the Whistle Punks website.
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