Johnny Roadhouse

Johnny Roadhouse is one of those places everybody brings up when talking about how iconic Manchester is. And quite right too — it’s supplied instruments in one form or other to some of the most iconic Manchester bands over its half-century lifespan. The family run music shop is based on Manchester’s Oxford Road, and is a keystone of the Manchester music scene. Their stock of instruments is second to none, with a basement floor dedicated to drums and percussion, and on the ground floor you’ll find brand new and vintage electric guitars, microphones, and all kinds of technical equipment. Up on the first floor is Hobgoblin — the city’s biggest folk, brass and woodwind instrument department. They also offer an equipment hire service, frequently working with the city’s music venues as well as the BBC and ITV. With a huge stock of instruments and equipment available as well as plenty of friendly, helpful advice, Johnny Roadhouse can’t be faulted. Is it any wonder that Paul McCartney, Oasis, and The Smiths were all regular visitors? [Charlotte Davies]